SUPPORT-SPRING 5K5940 - Caterpillar

3508 (23Z, 70Z),
3512 (24Z, 67Z),
3516 (25Z, 73Z, 4XF, 5SJ) Generator Set;
3508 (95Y, 68Z),
3512 (49Y, 65Z),
3516 (27Z, 71Z) Industrial;
3508 (6TJ),
3512 (2WK) 3516 (9KF) Locomotive;
3508 (96Y, 69Z),
3512 (50Y, 66Z),
3516 (5MJ, 29Z, 72Z, 4MJ) Marine;
3508 (97Y),
3512 (51Y),
3516 (28Z) Vehicular Engines;
G3508 (2JF, 9TG, 4WD),
G3512 (4KC, 7NJ, 5JD),
G3516 (3RC, 4EK, 8LD) EnginesDescription of Change: A new connecting rod assembly is used in the 3500 Commercial Engines. The four connecting rod bolt holes in the new connecting rod assembly are now machined with a near spherical bottom called a "racon profile". This new design decreases the stress which can occur in this area of the connecting rod. The racon profile at the bottom of each hole provides for a higher fatigue strength connecting rod. The new rod design also creates a tighter fit between the rod and the cap. During assembly, the new tighter fit helps eliminate misalignment of the rod and cap which can cause damage to the crankshaft.
Illustration 1. New 101-3281 Connecting Rod Assembly.
Illustration 2. Differences between bottom of connecting rod bolt hole in new and former connecting rod assemblies.Adaptable To: The new 101-3281 Connecting Rod is a direct replacement for the 7C-8608 Connecting Rod which has been canceled. The new connecting rod is adaptable to first production of 3500 Commercial Engines.