What the heck.

[Flatiron7]

While replacing the timing gear set on my 352, I dropped a bolt. Of course it went right into the oil pan. While trying to fish it out with a flex neck magnet, I found this first. Yes, I got the lost bolt. The bolt has a lot of wear on one side. I have driven this truck over 25,000 mile in the last 3-1/2 years. I showed this to a ford guy at the auto parts store, he said it is a Rod Bolt. Kinds of makes me wander what else is in there.

[shipwrecked]

def a rod bolt. I had a hell of a time cutting one off a few months ago without messing up the cap.

Did you drop the pan yet/?

[Flatiron7]

No, its has run good for the last 25,000 miles, Still runs good not going to mess with it.

[RRTEC]

No, its has run good for the last 25,000 miles, Still runs good not going to mess with it.

Lol!! That's one route to take. The pans aren't that hard to drop are they? One of your rods is held on by one bolt right now... What happens when the other one comes off??

[mercuryv8]

Time to pull the pan.

Nic

[Toyz]

Probably not what you want to hear, but I would be concerned about the rod itself! Good thing is that you caught it before major catastrophe! Maybe your engine builder is a practical joker, or just overlooked that extra old rod bolt in the pan! Wonder if the nut is in there?
Paul

[ICEMAN6166]

Probably not what you want to hear, but I would be concerned about the rod itself! Good thing is that you caught it before major catastrophe! Maybe your engine builder is a practical joker, or just overlooked that extra old rod bolt in the pan! Wonder if the nut is in there?
Paul

yep
if it has fallen in it may run fine for a long time until one day you acellerate just right, maybe passing another car, and the cap comes loose breaking the other bolt and throwing the cap thru the block or pan, then its all junk.
best have a look see before then.
if its an extra, no loss except time and gasket and oil.

[Flatiron7]

I agree, it would be a good idea to pull the oil pan for an inspection. Also to see there's anything else in there. Hopefully it will cool down to the low 90's later this week.

[chris401]

Looks beat a little on top. May be left overs from an earlier rod break patch up. I am interested to see what it looks like once pan is off. That would be something if a single factory rod bolt held the cap and oil pressure by it's self. The least damage I have ever had from a broken rod bolt was a windowed oil pan and rail.

[robertrpeak]

Come on man, can't you see we're all on the edge of our seats Take pics also!!!



Robert

[Flatiron7]

Thursday night, I pulled off the oil pan. Pretty clean inside for 50 years old. No broken rods , bolts or missing parts. checked clearance on a couple bearings, showing some wear. order new bearings. Picked them up today. The new ones don't have the oil holes at the edge opposite of the tang, not sure if this is right??? Any help on this matter. Thanks

[chris401]

Thursday night, I pulled off the oil pan. Pretty clean inside for 50 years old. No broken rods , bolts or missing parts. checked clearance on a couple bearings, showing some wear. order new bearings. Picked them up today. The new ones don't have the oil holes at the edge opposite of the tang, not sure if this is right??? Any help on this matter. Thanks

Clevite has the v cut out opposite of tang. Did you buy Ford or Perfect Circle?

[Flatiron7]

I bought the Perfect Circle Brand. Would like to know if they are OK to use without the "V" cut in them?

[chris401]

I bought the Perfect Circle Brand. Would like to know if they are OK to use without the "V" cut in them?

I don't have any in front of me to compare but it either is there to hold a pocket of oil or as part of the crushing process. On that side your bearing will taper off across the top toward the rod to crush in place.