Reuse rod cap bolts

[kopeck]

The service manual says to replace the rod cap bolts with new ones after removing them on my 1993 70HP, does this really need to happen? The threads are fine, they just need the old loctite removed.<br /><br />The reason I ask is the local Merc dealer looked them up for me and they come in packs of 5, I need 6, so that means I would have to buy 10 to do the job, and at 4 bucks a shot that's seems a little silly to me. The dealer doesn't make a point to stock Force stuff (and I can't blame him there) so it not like he wants the extras.<br /><br />Thanks, <br /><br />K

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: Reuse rod cap bolts

You can reuse them. Just make sure to torque them back to the right spec.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Reuse rod cap bolts

dont do it<br /> I see them break all the time<br /> they like to break. I have had several break when torqueing them and have seen many break in actual operation. if one breaks it will usually toss the rod through the block and take the crankshaft out with it.call around to see if another dealer will send ya just one in the mail or UPS. but I always advise against reusing rodbolts in any mid range and larger engines.best I remember those bolts are not very beefy to start with. but the packs of 5 and 15 and such is common. especially when you usually use them in even number multiples.

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: Reuse rod cap bolts

The bolts are really hard and therefore subject to being sheared...But, if you already have them out then your only risk is over tightening them when you put put them back in. If you are using an inch pound torque wrench and you put them in according to spec, they shouldn't break. Out of the thousands of West Bends, Chrysler's and Force engines that I have rebuilt or supervised being rebuilt, perhaps five out of a hundred broke a rodbolt coming apart. Maybe one out of 500 would break going back in. None ever broke once we assembled an engine. We did replace a lot of them, but that was because the 12 point heads would become damaged from the special tool socket head...the socket's steel was just about as soft as the rodbolts and subject to stripping. On the other hand, even at $4.00 a bolt, piece of mind is worth replacing them if you are the least bit worried.