Locking tabs on connecting rods

[Mtjohnso]

I have an iH350U that I pulled the engine and pulled connecting rod caps from to inspect bearings. The engine used locking tabs on the nuts for the connecting rods to prevent them from loosing. The main bearings do not.
With Loctite and proper torque if are the locking tabs still needed?

 

[Charlie M]

Might be easier to get the tabs unlocked than the Loctite if needed in the future.

 

[rustred]

Locking tabs are insurance. Technically no. But I would use the blue locktite as it’s the removable stuff. The red stuff will be a struggle later.

 

[Fritz Maurer]

All that is needed is proper torque. The bolt is stretched a specific amount and this tension is what keeps it tight.

But if loc-tite gives you peace of mind, by all means.....

 

[showcrop]

Twenty-five years ago I had a motor blue printed by a high dollar competition motor shop. I asked at the time about the pal nuts that I had noticed. He told me that they were obsolete, and that modern technology is to use the correct bolts, and tighten the nuts to the appropriate torque, so that as Fritz posted, you are going to have the tension provided by a specific amount of stretch.

 

[[email protected]]

The mains on a cummins 903 did not come factory with locking tabs but the rods did. The parts book showed them with the in frame kit as required for my serial number. If the parts listing shows it, pretty good idea they should be there.

 

[1948CaseVAI]

They are simple and cheap insurance. I do not understand the hesitency to use them? Locking tabls have been proven for over 100 years.

 

[Caryc]

Yeah, if you can get them, why not use them?

 

[randyrenfro7]

Those locks sure work on headers. Not exactly like them but same principal.

 

[buickanddeere]

Try working on an aircraft engine or nuclear equipment . Fasteners are safety wired.