con rod shims

Todd Dykman · Jun 18, 2014

Is there any problem with making shims out of coke cans?

I have 3 shims and can't get the right clearance with any combo of the three between the 2 steel ones. Figured I could just cut some out of pop cans.

Any thoughts?
Easiest way to do it?

Repair · Jun 18, 2014

You Can Buy shim stock at your local parts store in
different thickness.

gtx1967jewison · Jun 18, 2014

Coke can is aluminum! Too soft & will hammer out, rods will
come loose & the leftovers will be on the slow boat to china.

Earl-IL · Jun 18, 2014

Todd,

I assume you are adjusting the rods on a "D". Remember how old this engine is & how many experienced (?) have worked on it. Are you using a 0--1" micrometer to measure your shims? This will solve some of your problems. The shim pack should have enough laminating shims,002-.003 left in it to fit up a old worn crankshaft.I like to start with a even amount of shims on both sides of the rod, this keeps the cap & rod surface square. Forget plastigage. Make sure you torque back the same pounds each time you try. Make sure before you tighten your cap you take a hammer & tap the rod & cap over to the side of the journal to properly align the cap & rod. The side clearance is often overlooked when dealing with babbitt rods. Each time you remove a shim & retorque,lubricate 30 wt oil, roll the engine over a complete revolution, because the crankshaft is out of round .Those are large bearings & the oiling system pumps a volume of oil.at low pressure. Send me your phone number & when to call I can help you. Earl

Brian Dan · Jun 18, 2014

Yes coke cans will work. I used them several years ago In my B
John Deere.
Brian

boler76 · Jun 18, 2014

there are tapered brass shims made specificaly for
rod bearing shimming, cant remember the company
name but try google search for tapered shims

ET · Jun 18, 2014

I agree aluminum is to soft. I have cut rod shims out of transmission bearing quill shims.

Todd Dykman · Jun 27, 2014

I talked to my local antique tractor guy and think I got it handled but all the help I can get is appreciated.

do you have an email I can send my number to?

con rod shims

Todd Dykman

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Repair

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gtx1967jewison

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Earl-IL

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Brian Dan

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boler76

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ET

Well-known Member

Todd Dykman

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