Fox 35 con rod wrong way round.

LAST EDITED ON Feb-27-04 AT 05:50 AM (CDT)
 
I've recently got a Fox 35 - when turning it over I got a nasty crunch which I've tracked down to the con-rod being the wrong way round and hitting the crankshaft (verified by comparing it to another Fox 35).

I've dissasembled the motor - got the sleeve out - but I can't get the conrod off of the crankshaft - I usually have no problem with this - there just doesn't seem to be enough leeway.

Any ideas?

Tony

PS How do you cut nice 1/8 holes in gaskets?

LAST EDITED ON Feb-27-04 AT 06:27 AM (CDT)
 
Done it!

This engine has obviously been run quite a bit with the con rod the wrong way round.....

Now I can't get the gudgeon pin out.

Tony

I have used a leather punch to make the holes in gaskets. It is the type with a rotating head that makes diffferent sizes. For rear gaskets, I have been using playing cards. I punch the holes and then bolt it to the back of the engine without the backplate. Using the sharpest thing I have I cut out the inside hole. Take it loose and bolt the backplate with gasket to the engine and trim off the extra.

For bolt hole in gaskets I use a peice of brass tubing the same O.D. as the bolt, sharpen the end with a file and twist it back and forth while exerting a little pressure, cuts a nice round hole. Use a piece of music wire to poke the tube clean every couple holes so it doesn't plug up.

>Done it!
>
>This engine has obviously been run quite a bit with the con
>rod the wrong way round.....
>
>Now I can't get the gudgeon pin out.
>
>Tony

Drill a hole in a 2 x 4 (or whatever size wood you have over there) and center the pin over this hole. Then use a wood dowl or similar on the pin and drive it out. Do not use a tapered punch. There are metal punches that are the same diameter for a considerable length and these can work, but a tapered punch will split the piston once the pin starts to move.

A good soaking of alcohol, liberal application of WD-40 or similar, soaking in antifreeze, etc. may help. When done, you will lose the scum on the piston, but this will grow back after a few runs. Your difficulty in getting the rod off the crankshaft was probably due to it being frozen on the piston pin.

All sorted - this motor is missing the aluminium head gasket - should I replace it?

The sharpened tube method for cutting holes woprked a treat.

I'm using up loads of old rail tickets for the gaskets.

Tony

For a perfect circle gasket, I use a circle compass- divider with the sharp steel points. Set the radius you need and go around and around untill the center falls out. Put the hole over the backplate, poke the bolt holes in it. Install it tight to the engine and shave the excess off with a razor blade.

I mark the holes a little oversize and use a 1/8" paper punch.

Possibly lost in all the good stuff below is:

This motor is missing the ally head gasket - should I replace it?

Tony

Tony,
Yes
Bill <><

Yes.If it was mine I would replace the head gasket. Fox 35's seem to like at least one gasket to run steady.