ENGINE AR 3047926 - Caterpillar

--------------- END SUPPLEMENT ---------------Reference: Special Instruction, Form SMHS6870, "Using The 5P3550 Connecting Rod Boring Machine," December, 1975; Guideline For Reusable Parts, Form SEBF8064, "Salvage of Non-Serrated Connecting Rods," October, 1983; and Guideline For Reusable Parts, Form SEBF8075, "Salvage of Serrated and 3500 Series Engine Connecting Rods," August, 1984.Factory assembly of the connecting rod assembly includes a "proof test" at room temperature to ensure a "minimum" interference load (the bushing must not move under proof load). To prevent connecting rod eye bushing failure after an engine is rebuilt, you may use the same proof test procedure that is used at the factory. This is especially important for tapered bushings, which must be installed into heated connecting rod assemblies.
This proof test can be adapted to the 5P8639 Hydraulic Press Group to provide added quality assurance to the standard reusability specifications. A pressure gauge must be added to the hydraulic press group to monitor the press load (Load = Pressure × Cylinder Area). Loose bushings can often be successfully reused if the measurements of the rod bore are to specification. See chart for recommended proof testing pressures.
On new connecting rod assemblies, bushings are now installed into connecting rod eyes before the taper is machined. Therefore, a chamfer needs to be machined in the connecting rod eye before replacing the bushing.