Installing a connecting rod bearing using liquid nitrogen - GIF

[Altair]

Installing a connecting rod bearing using liquid nitrogen.




Previously:

Shrink fitting a large tapered bearing - GIF
Engine cylinder honing tool - GIF
Installing cylinder sleeves using liquid nitrogen - GIF
Cryogenic machining - GIF and video
Pouring liquid nitrogen into a dirty container - GIF

[Frank S]

Why wouldn't you add a stop plate under the journal of the connecting rod. to hold the bearing in the exact place you wanted it instead of relying on the insulating quality of your gloves to keep your fingers from freezing while the bearing warmed and seized into the rod?

[BuffaloJohn]

Why wouldn't you add a stop plate under the journal of the connecting rod. to hold the bearing in the exact place you wanted it instead of relying on the insulating quality of your gloves to keep your fingers from freezing while the bearing warmed and seized into the rod?

Because stop plates are more expensive than fingers...

sad but true

[bob_3000]

Because stop plates are more expensive than fingers...

or because the gloves work he has his fingers and all is well

[Frank S]

or because the gloves work he has his fingers and all is well

Yes, gloves work, and it only takes a few seconds for the bearings to warm enough to seize, you've got 1 chance to get it right and no chances to correct it, during those few seconds the bearing should be held in the correct position relative to the rod journal Maybe since there is side to side play inside the piston it is not that critical. I like things properly centered and by touch through a thick glove doesn't always work. If he gets distracted by say a mosquito or noise or anything, he could allow the bearing to slip before it seizes.

[Howder1951]

Yes, all it takes is a clamp and a piece of scrap and 10 seconds. All you have to do is measure to be sure and have a back up hammer if it sticks on anything, unless one has had the joy of the bearing bouncing and seizing on the up travel.

[Bony]

And he's not wearing a face shield or even safety glasses!

[unmore]

One question that I have is : one can see 2 holes in the bearing and rod, presumably for lubrication. I don't see if he aligned them by eye or what ??

[BuffaloJohn]

One question that I have is : one can see 2 holes in the bearing and rod, presumably for lubrication. I don't see if he aligned them by eye or what ??

There appear to be two grooves in the rod end as well, which match grooves we can see in the bearing. The fellow is aligning the bearing with the two circular holes facing the rod.

I would imagine there must be some sort of opening in the rod end which lets oil enter the circular openings which then lets oil make its way to the grooves. Since the rod end is one piece and closed, there must be a pin that goes through the bearing, so it would be logical to assume there is some sort of external oil source that needs the holes and grooves.

[Frank S]

I need 2 of those rods for my next V twin build I'm thinking maybe a 61 liter build should do it