K&B .29 Greenhead rod slop problem.

I just obtained a fairly decent K&B .29 Greenhead from the Bay. It is clean with good compression, however, it does have some connecting rod play on the bottom end. I know that the two main places these particular engines like to wear is the crankshaft bearing and the lower connecting rod. In fact, three of the 5 Torp .29 Greenheads that I have owned, have experienced this same loose connecting rod syndrome. Anyhow, what is the best solutlion for this particular engine?

New connecting rod sources?

Is there anyone who can restore the rod by installing in a bushing?

Any other ideas?

>I just obtained a fairly decent K&B .29 Greenhead from the
>Bay. It is clean with good compression, however, it does
>have some connecting rod play on the bottom end. I know
>that the two main places these particular engines like to
>wear is the crankshaft bearing and the lower connecting rod.
> In fact, three of the 5 Torp .29 Greenheads that I have
>owned, have experienced this same loose connecting rod
>syndrome. Anyhow, what is the best solutlion for this
>particular engine?
>
> New connecting rod sources?
>
> Is there anyone who can restore the rod by installing
>in a bushing?
>
> Any other ideas?

Ron B.
F4Fguy

First of all,if the rod is shot,closely examine and measure the crankpin.If one is bad the other is likely to be worn also.

As to bushing the rod are you sure it isn't already bushed?If so it should be fairly easy to bore out the old and press in and ream a new one.If it isn't bushed I'd doubt there's enough beef to allow boring and bushing.I suggest you try to replace it.Try Woody Bartelt or Ed Shilen.I don't have adresses handy but both should be listed with S.A.M. or M.E.C.A..

Try Don Blackburn in Amarillo.
806-622-1657

He is very good and reasonable.

Given sheet aluminum of the correct grade, one only needs a drill press, bandsaw and an assortment of files in order to fabricate a new rod. Especially one for an old clunker.

Ron: Have you run the engine yet?

If the rods on the K&B engines don't "clank" then the engine isn't yet broken in. As long as the rod doesn't hit the bottom of the crankcase, then don't worry.

I have had the .29 engines rebuilt at the factory by John Broadbeck himself, and the rods bottom ends were loose when I got them back.