removing rod caps

Ed McLawhorn Jr. · 06-12-2013, 08:01 PM

I'm in the process of upgrading dad's old super stock motor. I'm at the point of checking rod clearances with new manley rods with the dial pins on caps. I'm not sure how to remove caps without damage. I have tried a dead blow hammer with very little success. Suggestions, best practices for removing caps without doing damage to big end of rod or bearings would be greatly appreciated.

Ed

Rich Biebel · 06-12-2013, 08:14 PM

Clamp the rod in a vise on the big end cap. Use something to protect the rod surface....soft jaws or cardbaord can be used. Make sure it is tight....

Grab the rod at the beam and rock it as you pull up....once it moves a little they usually come right apart...

They do make a rod cap spliiter but I never have a problem getting them apart using the vise technique....

Mike Taylor 3601 · 06-13-2013, 08:06 AM

Have bolts screwed out about 1/4'' away from rod cap,so bolts are in engaged in threads enough so threads won't be hurt,but will be enough dowels will come out,tap lightly w/ brass hammer,this is easiest way to take apart when rods are in engine.
Mike Taylor 3601

Greg Reimer 7376 · 06-13-2013, 08:49 AM

I use the Manley #14101 rod in my stocker motors. I found that,even though new, the big end isn't sometimes very round as they come outside of the box. It's imperative to check and resize as necessary when building a motor with new rods. Just because its new doesn't mean that it's right.That rod uses an ARP bolt with the threaded rod holes in the rod- no nuts. I have an early set in my backup motor that has conventional bolts and nuts.

Ed McLawhorn Jr. · 06-13-2013, 04:34 PM

Thanks guys for the responses. I'm able to remove caps without bearings installed without damage. I use a small tail pipe expander with pads installed on top and bottom sides between expander and cap and rod. The pads on the top and bottom not only prevent damage, it also prevents side of expander coming in contact with sides where cap and rod meet. May not have explained it well. I can't take credit for it, but it seems to work pretty well.

Greg, good point on big end tolerances on even new rods. I checked these and they are ok. These also have the threads in the rod and not typical bolts and nuts.

Mike, I will try the brass hammer as well.

Rich, I guess I was trying to explain a homemade cap splitter. I'm not comfortable using mine with the bearing installed.

Ed

06-12-2013, 08:14 PM	#2
Rich Biebel VIP Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Northern New Jersey suburbs Posts: 2,314 Likes: 25 Liked 544 Times in 213 Posts	Re: removing rod caps Clamp the rod in a vise on the big end cap. Use something to protect the rod surface....soft jaws or cardbaord can be used. Make sure it is tight.... Grab the rod at the beam and rock it as you pull up....once it moves a little they usually come right apart... They do make a rod cap spliiter but I never have a problem getting them apart using the vise technique.... __________________ Rich Biebel S/C 1479 Stock 147R

06-13-2013, 08:06 AM	#3
Mike Taylor 3601 VIP Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Somerset,Ky Posts: 1,371 Likes: 352 Liked 304 Times in 102 Posts	Re: removing rod caps Have bolts screwed out about 1/4'' away from rod cap,so bolts are in engaged in threads enough so threads won't be hurt,but will be enough dowels will come out,tap lightly w/ brass hammer,this is easiest way to take apart when rods are in engine. Mike Taylor 3601

06-13-2013, 08:49 AM	#4
Greg Reimer 7376 VIP Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Glendora,Calif. Posts: 1,135 Likes: 172 Liked 705 Times in 219 Posts	Re: removing rod caps I use the Manley #14101 rod in my stocker motors. I found that,even though new, the big end isn't sometimes very round as they come outside of the box. It's imperative to check and resize as necessary when building a motor with new rods. Just because its new doesn't mean that it's right.That rod uses an ARP bolt with the threaded rod holes in the rod- no nuts. I have an early set in my backup motor that has conventional bolts and nuts.

06-13-2013, 04:34 PM	#5
Ed McLawhorn Jr. Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 306 Likes: 3 Liked 19 Times in 17 Posts	Re: removing rod caps Thanks guys for the responses. I'm able to remove caps without bearings installed without damage. I use a small tail pipe expander with pads installed on top and bottom sides between expander and cap and rod. The pads on the top and bottom not only prevent damage, it also prevents side of expander coming in contact with sides where cap and rod meet. May not have explained it well. I can't take credit for it, but it seems to work pretty well. Greg, good point on big end tolerances on even new rods. I checked these and they are ok. These also have the threads in the rod and not typical bolts and nuts. Mike, I will try the brass hammer as well. Rich, I guess I was trying to explain a homemade cap splitter. I'm not comfortable using mine with the bearing installed. Ed

06-12-2013, 08:01 PM	#1
Ed McLawhorn Jr. Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 306 Likes: 3 Liked 19 Times in 17 Posts	removing rod caps I'm in the process of upgrading dad's old super stock motor. I'm at the point of checking rod clearances with new manley rods with the dial pins on caps. I'm not sure how to remove caps without damage. I have tried a dead blow hammer with very little success. Suggestions, best practices for removing caps without doing damage to big end of rod or bearings would be greatly appreciated. Ed