PIN 1540873 - Caterpillar

3100, 3200, 3300, 3400, And 3500 Commercial EnginesReference: Guideline for Reusable Parts, Form SEBF8242, "Verification of Connecting Rod Eye Bushing Retention Using the 5P-8639 Connecting Rod Bushing Press Group". Disregard the article titled "Testing Connecting Rod Eye Bushings When Overhauling Engines" on Page 10 of the July 1987 Engine News. Refer to this new article for the most current information on this subject.
A new Guideline for Reusable Parts and Salvage Operations, SEBF8242, titled "Verification of Connecting Rod Eye Bushing Retention Using the 5P-8639 Connecting Rod Bushing Press Group" provides a thorough explanation of the rod eye bushing "proof test" procedure. The Guideline covers the 3100, 3200, 3300, 3400, and 3500 Series Engines. A brief summary is given below.
Factory assembly of the connecting rod group includes a "proof test" at room temperature to ensure a "minimum" interference 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. The "proof test" must be performed on a rod at room temperature and can be adapted to the 5P-8639 Connecting Rod Bushing Press Group to provide added quality assurance to the standard reusability specifications. To adapt the press, a pressure gauge must be added to the hydraulic press group to monitor the applied pressure. The 8T-0820 Pressure Gauge is recommended and works for all three types of pumps (hand, 110 volt, 220 volt). The bushing must NOT move under the proof load.
The recommended "proof testing" pressures depend upon four factors: 1. Engine Series2. Connecting Rod Part Number3. Applied Force (Load)4. Hydraulic Cylinder Diameter
A complete listing of the connecting rod part numbers, applied forces, and hydraulic cylinder diameters is given in the new guideline. If you are testing a 3176 connecting rod eye bushing, an additional threaded hole needs to be added in the base plate.
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.
Please see the Referencefor complete details. For questions or additional information concerning the Referenceor this article, contact Caterpillar Service Development Division, Service Support, Phone (309) 675-5156.