Rods
12-18-2015 | 10:31 AM
#193
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Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,268
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From: Michigan
I appreciate the question and IMO, it's just something that should be considered in any budget for any off shore build...but valve train stability is one of my pet peeves. Are there thousands of engines out there running without one? Sure. Without issues? Well that could only be determined with a before and after comparison, I guess. The factory "automotive" valve train wasn't designed to run at 5000 rpm and at or near peak torque, max loading and peak cylinder pressures for extended periods like we see in off shore engines. Again, IMO, anything you can do to make the engine "happier" at those rpm's and loads is well worth the investment.
12-18-2015 | 11:58 AM
#197
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Joined: Oct 2015
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Not to hijack the thread but IMO the damper is no place to go "budget" on an off shore engine, let alone bottom of the barrel budget, which is what those dampers are. Looks like you spent good money on some other really nice parts for your builds...I think you would be well advised to replace them but again, JMO.
12-18-2015 | 01:08 PM
#199
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Joined: Nov 2008
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It was probably overkill for my build (mild 580 HP 489), but I used a rod bolt stretch gauge when I assembled the bottom end on my engine. What you are saying about friction really becomes apparent when you use the stretch gauge. I made several passes on the rods because I was under the impression that you still had to cycle the bolts even with the gauge. I did a couple of passes with a torque wrench, and I had to apply considerably more torque to the bolt to get the proper stretch on the bolt with the first pass or two than I did after they had been run through several times. In fact, I had to go about 20 ft/lbs over the recommended torque for the first couple of passes to get the correct stretch. I was also watching to make sure that the bolt returned to spec after loosening it as well, because the extra torque was making me nervous that I might overstretch the bolt.
12-18-2015 | 02:30 PM
#200
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Joined: May 2012
Posts: 11,427
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From: Midwest & T-Rock
Not to hijack the thread but IMO the damper is no place to go "budget" on an off shore engine, let alone bottom of the barrel budget, which is what those dampers are. Looks like you spent good money on some other really nice parts for your builds...I think you would be well advised to replace them but again, JMO.
