Connecting Rods and Rod Caps

Connecting rods and their matching caps are fastened to the engine's crankshaft to convert linear motion into rotary motion. Connecting rods and caps are constructed together as one piece. Then a process of breaking the cap away from the rod is done at the factory.

Connecting rods and caps must remain a matched set. Since the caps are matched with their corresponding connecting rods, keeping the caps in order during disassembly is essential.

Marking the caps with their corresponding rods is done only when necessary. Making an indentation on a connecting rod shaft is a terrible idea. These rods are made of durable metals and often hardened to retain their strength as the engine wears.

Even scratching into one of these rods will weaken it and could end in catastrophe. Only mark them at the base if necessary. After removal, screw the nuts onto the bolts to keep the two parts together.