rsz288

With the hollow dowels locating the con rod caps, what is the best way to remove the cap with it being so tight? (after the bolts are removed )

(I searched through a stack of posts but found nada).

Main caps are reasonably straight forward with either a slide hammer fixture or a lever tool, but the rod caps leave me a little puzzled other than putting a rod or dowel down the hole and wiggling .

Aftermarket rods.

Thanks team.

Busted Knuckles

Clamp the cap in a rod vise or other vise with aluminum jaws. Wiggle back and forth gently, it'll come from together.

rsz288

Thanks BK, hope your knuckles are ok.

I neglected to mention that the situation is that the rods are in the engine. No problem when on the bench with the rod vice. I can think of backing the rod bolts out a little and tapping them if that is the normal method, but that seems a little impactful to me.

Busted Knuckles

OK, use a 1/2" or 3/4" oak dowel on the bottom of the piston and tap it with a mallet, alternating sides until you get the cap cracked loose. If possible, align the dowel on the pin boss rather than the bottom side of the piston crown.
Knuckles are fine but will be beat up again this weekend, I have an engine swap in a late 90's truck. My gf is always on be about my dings on my hands and knuckles and a little dirt and grease under my fingernails, but I remind her regularly that as long as I'm wrenching, she doesn't have to worry about finding lipstick on my collar...or anywhere else

veee8

iTrader: (40)

Loosen bolts, but do not remove completely. Remove socket from ratchet, place socket back on bolt, a couple light taps on the socket alternating between the 2 bolts, separates the cap with no fuss. Even the tightest aftermarket rods come apart like this.

rsz288

Thanks guys, appreciate the advice on this.

(yes nothing like spending time in the shop to keep out of trouble and a lippy free dippy, with follow on secure feeling for GF or Wif. )

Busted Knuckles

vee8, I'm going to try that one next time I'm dealing with a capscrew rod cap. I'm used to working on old style bolts and that doesn't work on those, most times it just knocks the rod bolt loose.