If it's apart, I would change ALL the rods. I wouldn't call it "cheap insurance" , but it is insurance. The rest of the rods will bend eventually. I would also upgrade anything the factory changed on their replacement engines. I don't know what changes were made, but it is likely someone here does. Just my 02ยข Rick Knoble 1985 300 CD ----- Original Message ----- From: dave walton To: Mercedes mailing list Sent: Monday, September 05, 2005 5:34 AM Subject: Re: [MBZ] Tightening Connecting Rod bolts.
Yes, it's apart. I love the car, but hate the engine. I originally removed the head because of wicked oil burning that turned out to be caused by a blown head gasket. The #1 cylinder was not coming up as much as the others, so I pulled the engine. The #1 connecting rod is bent, but the cylinders are not ovaled much. All are within .006" of round. The #1 cylinder is indeed the most ovaled, but the original honing marks are still visible all around the cylinder wall, so I'm going to live with it and hope for the best. I just got a digital caliper and remeasured everything. The #1 rod is 0.36mm shorter than the new one. It is also slightly bent to the side and ever so slightly twisted. The opening for the bottom bearing has enlarged 0.07mm horizontally and 0.02mm vertically. -Dave Walton
