Numbering on rods

[Lamont7777]

When trying to reassemble engine number three rod wouldn't torque to specs. Rod bolt stretching. I am going to have to replace the rod. After looking closely at all the rods I notice that each is numbered (stamping on rod and cap) according to the cylinder that it occupies. Is there a reason for this?
Monty

 

[old]

Replacing the rod?? WHY??? bolts get bad so why not just the rod bolts????????? sfor the numbering simple each one wears different over the years so you want them to be in the same place when you do an overhaul/rebuild so as to keep things as they where or as close as one can

 

[DollarBill]

In addition to what Old mentioned, the rod and cap were machined together and likely by different mills so it's very important to keep them together as an assembly.

 

[John Smith8N]

(quoted from post at 05:46:36 07/29/12) Replacing the rod?? WHY??? bolts get bad so why not just the rod bolts?????????

Old, you must have "forgot" that N tractor rods don't have replaceable bolts. The bolts are made as part of the rod.

 

[ZANE]

It really does not matter which cylinder a numbered rod goes into on the N engine but it matters a lot that the rod caps stay on the rod they are mated to as they will not work if they are mixed up. The bearings will be mismatched and not be a complete round circle if the caps are mixed. Each rod is machined individually and must keep the cap that was machined with it. No exceptions!!!!!

 

[Lamont7777]

Yes, I noticed that the numbers are stamped on the rods and caps at the edge right next to each other. If you put the caps back on with the numbers next to each other you can't make a mistake. The stampings are so precise and neat I assumed it must have been done by the factory. Maybe if I get a moment I will take and post a picture.
Monty