Connecting Rod: Inspection

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Ford RV Cutaway, 2003 Ford Econoline, 2003 Ford E550 Super Duty, 2003 Ford E450 Super Duty, and 2003 Ford Cutaway. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Thoroughly clean the connecting rod and rod cap.
Mark each connecting rod an its corresponding rod cap for correct installation.
Measure the inside diameter of the piston pin bushing. Install a new connecting rod if not within specification.

Fig 1: Identifying Inside Diameter Of Piston Pin Bushing
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Using a suitable micrometer, measure the connecting rod bearing bore.
1. Remove the connecting rod bearings from the connecting rod and the connecting rod cap. Install the connecting rod cap onto the connecting rod and tighten the bolts.
2. Further tighten the connecting rod cap bolts.
  - Measure and record the connecting rod bearing bore as indicated. Install new connecting rods if not within specification.
Fig 2: Identifying Connecting Rod Bearing Bore Dimension
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Using a suitable micrometer, inspect the connecting rod bearing bore taper.
1. Measure the bearing bore inside diameter near the large chamfer.
2. Measure the bearing bore inside diameter near the small chamfer.
  - The difference between the two readings is the bore taper. Install new connecting rods if not within specifications.
Fig 3: Identifying Bearing Bore Inside Diameter Near Small And Large Chamfer
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.