heat stock rods to press pins in? Engine rebuilders?

[mikes2nd]

Factory says 75-175 lbs to press pins in?

Took a ton and wouldnt budge so i heated the rods a little to press them in.

Was that a no no?

[Forest Gump]

I've seen a lot of builders do this to old school engines. Hopefully someone with 3/s specific experience will chime in.

[mikes2nd]

yeah ive seen em do it to cast so i dont think theres a prob, just wondering.

YouTube - Connecting Rods Machine Shop Video-Engine Building DVD

[ras463us]

I've pressed in and out well over a hundred pins. I've never had to heat one to get it to move. I have 20 ton press and the gauge is for higher pressures, but I see maybe 300 ~ 400 max (usually when pressing out).

Heating for installing press fit pins has been used for years. When you heated the rod, did you get it hot enough to discolor it? If so, you may have weakened the rod.

[mikes2nd]

I asked Ray and he said heat them to get golden brown but dont go nuts.

Used a handheld torch and got them hot but nothing crazy. Some got a little blue but most were golden brown.

good read here.

Tech Tip: Reconditioning Connecting Rods

[306GTO]

My experience has been that a little heat is needed, not too much though. Discoloring the rod is certainly too much.