I ran over my own rod - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Tx Firefighter · 02-18-2006, 12:48 PM

Sounds dirty doesn't it?

Last night, 60 miles per hour, all needles pointing in the green, I heard a noise, the truck lurched suddenly, I ran over something, and the engine died.

I knew it was bad when I saw the trail of oil behind me on the road.

I ran over one of my own connecting rods. Ordinarily, they stay inside the engine, doing their little dance with each other. Seems, one of them wasn't happy and wanted to relocate somewhere. It decided to make a door in the engine right behind the fuel pump. It bounced off the frame rail and landed in the road.

The engine had about thirty miles on it since full rebuild. The rod broke right underneath the wrist pin, and then bounced around, finally breaking the rod cap in two. I'd suspect I had an assembly problem, but the rod bolts were still intact. The rod itself failed. Wierd deal. The rods were used out of an old core engine. I just had new bushings installed and reused them in the new engine. Who knows how many zillions of miles the rods had on them, but for some reason, after the new wrist pin bushings and being put into the new engine, something went awry.

My lovely wife towed me home with a tow strap and her little 3/4 ton truck. She never made a complaint. She wanted to just bring me my trailer, but dumb me, I have the trailer locked and the key in my pocket. As cold as it was, I just wanted to get home quickly, so we just flat towed it.

I guess, tomorrow, I'll put the 292 inline 6 back in the truck. That will make 2 engine swaps in one week on this truck.

Rod · 02-18-2006, 12:58 PM

Uggghhh.....that musta just made your day....in a bad way. I know it's mostly time when you do your own work...but I feel for ya...I've had similar days.

ratrod67 · 02-18-2006, 01:05 PM

Sorry to hear that Tx. I did that dance a few months ago in a 69 Chevelle.

Southedisto · 02-18-2006, 01:09 PM

Wow!

70GMCer · 02-18-2006, 01:12 PM

I had a 70 Chevy Box truck w/350 and auto trans once, that let go a rod and went threw onto the road, along with a few other items. Could've been much worst, as I remember the truck sliding on the oil. I was doing around 65 MPH on Interstate 70 between St. Lewis and Indy, and with other cars behind. The State Police call for the hook for me and said I was very lucking that know one else lost control. Like you, the engine was running fine, then bang!!

LUV2XCLR8 · 02-18-2006, 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hoss69

you ran over Rod? are you ok Rod?

Sorry for your loss

Tx Firefighter · 02-18-2006, 01:21 PM

Honestly, I wanted to just hurry up and hook the strap and go, rather than waiting around for her to get the trailer and find a come-along in my shop and get the tie down straps and all. I wanted to leave the messy scene of the crime. I can imagine it looks worse in daylight than it did last night.

jsbgump · 02-18-2006, 01:31 PM

Man that sucks. Sorry to hear about that. It's just one of those weird thing that happen.

cheyenne10 · 02-18-2006, 01:36 PM

"Clean-up on Isle 3, There is a msyterious spill on Isle 3"!!

Sorry to hear the news. Did you do some type of break in running before taking it to the road? I suppose new rods can let go too.

If that happens to my 454 I will be sad and stranded!!

**Stocker** · 02-18-2006, 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hoss69

that blows..

Pun intended?

Tx Firefighter · 02-18-2006, 01:45 PM

I did the normal cam break in procedure.I was more worried about flattening a cam lobe or something. A well seasoned rod is about the last thing you'd suspect ot fail.

It's a shame too, the engine sure sounded good. Cam sounded nice, good power, everything.

milner · 02-18-2006, 02:40 PM

Man TX Firefighter I swear your beater is nicer than anything I have,lol. Sorry to hear about the mishap. What size cam were you running?

SLIMJIM · 02-18-2006, 02:53 PM

Sorry to hear that. Good thing you still have another motor to fall back on.

SLIMJIM

jamis · 02-18-2006, 03:07 PM

That sucks........

matthufham · 02-18-2006, 03:17 PM

so little miles on the rebuild, that's terrible. money and time right out the door, with no time to enjoy it.

72MARIO · 02-18-2006, 03:18 PM

That sucks
I guess thats where Magna Fluxing the rods would help ?

incoma · 02-18-2006, 03:20 PM

I guess it was good that you didn't sell the 292. As slimjim said, atleast you can get it running before the end of the weekend.

cdowns · 02-18-2006, 03:22 PM

a perfect example for the debate of lo-budget buildup vs crate with a warrenty

incoma · 02-18-2006, 03:28 PM

I'm going to have to disagree with you cdowns. You can't tell when a rod's going to break like that. I think the odds were the same with a crate motor that it would break.

cdowns · 02-18-2006, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by incoma

I'm going to have to disagree with you cdowns. You can't tell when a rod's going to break like that. I think the odds were the same with a crate motor that it would break.

CRATE= WARRENTY

lux hauler · 02-18-2006, 04:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cdowns

CRATE= WARRENTY

If you already have a decent core, I'm sure a budget rebuild is still cheaper than a crate.

Tx Firefighter · 02-18-2006, 04:48 PM

Here's the story,

I got a 4 bolt main 350 core from my buddy for 100 bucks
Matt67350 gave me a crank for it.
I got the rods out of yet another core engine for free.
I had the machine shop vat and cam bearing the block.
I ordered my pistons and such from Summit for dirt cheap.
I assembled the engine on a strict budget and I knew I was taking a risk. I've done it many times before, but I finally got bit.

I had probably 500 bucks total in the engine including the cam and rebuild of the heads. Sometimes, I buy brand new GM crate 350's from same buddy for 1290 bucks with 50k mile warranty for such bad luck occurances. There is no way to build a better engine for lesser money than a crate. Can't be done. I know it and gladly take my chances when the situation warrants cheap versus guaranteed reliable.

I used to build airplane engines back in the mid 90's when I worked as an A&P. After the stress of that, I don't take this stuff too seriously. Crap happens, I now have neat conversation pieces for the shop shelves.

Fred T · 02-18-2006, 05:17 PM

I can only imagine the pain involved.

Sounds like the rod probably had a crack in it, probably from casting. You were just the unlucky guy to find it. Magnaflux or penetrant inspect would have found it, but most of us don't spend the money for that. One of the chances you take with a low dollar rebuild.

Longhorn Man · 02-18-2006, 05:18 PM

Tx... I feel your pain... I really do man. Like they said, at least you have an engine to fall back on...I had to wait 6 months before I got an engine. At least I still had the old POS town car laying around when my 425 blew up on day 2.

**Palf70Step** · 02-18-2006, 05:22 PM

Sorry to hear about the 350...Maybe it is a sign that you are to stay with straight 6s.

02-18-2006, 12:48 PM	#1
Tx Firefighter Watch out for your cornhole ! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Azle, Texas Posts: 14,162	I ran over my own rod Sounds dirty doesn't it? Last night, 60 miles per hour, all needles pointing in the green, I heard a noise, the truck lurched suddenly, I ran over something, and the engine died. I knew it was bad when I saw the trail of oil behind me on the road. I ran over one of my own connecting rods. Ordinarily, they stay inside the engine, doing their little dance with each other. Seems, one of them wasn't happy and wanted to relocate somewhere. It decided to make a door in the engine right behind the fuel pump. It bounced off the frame rail and landed in the road. The engine had about thirty miles on it since full rebuild. The rod broke right underneath the wrist pin, and then bounced around, finally breaking the rod cap in two. I'd suspect I had an assembly problem, but the rod bolts were still intact. The rod itself failed. Wierd deal. The rods were used out of an old core engine. I just had new bushings installed and reused them in the new engine. Who knows how many zillions of miles the rods had on them, but for some reason, after the new wrist pin bushings and being put into the new engine, something went awry. My lovely wife towed me home with a tow strap and her little 3/4 ton truck. She never made a complaint. She wanted to just bring me my trailer, but dumb me, I have the trailer locked and the key in my pocket. As cold as it was, I just wanted to get home quickly, so we just flat towed it. I guess, tomorrow, I'll put the 292 inline 6 back in the truck. That will make 2 engine swaps in one week on this truck. __________________ I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin

02-18-2006, 12:58 PM	#2
Rod Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Eastern - Manitoba Canada, Winnipeg Posts: 4,369	Re: I ran over my own rod Uggghhh.....that musta just made your day....in a bad way. I know it's mostly time when you do your own work...but I feel for ya...I've had similar days. __________________ Senior active founding member. 70 3/4 ton GMC Suburban 4x4 250/4 spd. 71 1/2 ton Suburban Chevy 4x4, 350/350 72 Chev 1 ton tow truck 402BB w/Holmes 440 wrecker on propane 2005 FLSTSCI Harley Springer 85 FXSB Harley Lowrider 72 Triumph 650 Bonneville 5spd "Poor people don't have hobbies" Quote from wife.

02-18-2006, 01:05 PM	#3
ratrod67 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: DFW Texas Posts: 2,270	Re: I ran over my own rod Sorry to hear that Tx. I did that dance a few months ago in a 69 Chevelle. Last edited by ratrod67; 02-18-2006 at 01:05 PM.

02-18-2006, 01:09 PM	#4
Southedisto River life...... Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Soldotna AK Posts: 1,078	Re: I ran over my own rod Wow! __________________ I like wheelin in Dixie!

02-18-2006, 01:12 PM	#5
70GMCer Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Joppa, Maryland Posts: 4,408	Re: I ran over my own rod I had a 70 Chevy Box truck w/350 and auto trans once, that let go a rod and went threw onto the road, along with a few other items. Could've been much worst, as I remember the truck sliding on the oil. I was doing around 65 MPH on Interstate 70 between St. Lewis and Indy, and with other cars behind. The State Police call for the hook for me and said I was very lucking that know one else lost control. Like you, the engine was running fine, then bang!! __________________ 1997 GMC Sierra Ext 1965 Mustang

02-18-2006, 01:21 PM	#7
Tx Firefighter Watch out for your cornhole ! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Azle, Texas Posts: 14,162	Re: I ran over my own rod Honestly, I wanted to just hurry up and hook the strap and go, rather than waiting around for her to get the trailer and find a come-along in my shop and get the tie down straps and all. I wanted to leave the messy scene of the crime. I can imagine it looks worse in daylight than it did last night. __________________ I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin

02-18-2006, 01:31 PM	#8
jsbgump Gone Fishing Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Fort Worth, Texas 76135 Posts: 12,361	Re: I ran over my own rod Man that sucks. Sorry to hear about that. It's just one of those weird thing that happen. __________________ 68 Chevy Short Fleetside LSX Swap Under Way 3.73 posi 2.5/4 drop Frame of resto has been started 2022 Hyundai Tucson Limited 2019 Chevy Traverse Redline Edition Wifes Ride Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post3483616

02-18-2006, 01:36 PM	#9
cheyenne10 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Oregon Posts: 2,512	Re: I ran over my own rod "Clean-up on Isle 3, There is a msyterious spill on Isle 3"!! Sorry to hear the news. Did you do some type of break in running before taking it to the road? I suppose new rods can let go too. If that happens to my 454 I will be sad and stranded!! __________________ Bob

02-18-2006, 01:45 PM	#11
Tx Firefighter Watch out for your cornhole ! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Azle, Texas Posts: 14,162	Re: I ran over my own rod I did the normal cam break in procedure.I was more worried about flattening a cam lobe or something. A well seasoned rod is about the last thing you'd suspect ot fail. It's a shame too, the engine sure sounded good. Cam sounded nice, good power, everything. __________________ I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin

02-18-2006, 02:40 PM	#12
milner Registered User Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Mandan,ND Posts: 268	Re: I ran over my own rod Man TX Firefighter I swear your beater is nicer than anything I have,lol. Sorry to hear about the mishap. What size cam were you running? __________________ 355,vortec heads, Doug Herbert cam, Performer intake, 750 Holley, Hooker Comps, 2 1/2 duals w/Aero Chambers, 2500 stall and 3.73 posi. Last edited by milner; 02-18-2006 at 02:49 PM.

02-18-2006, 02:53 PM	#13
SLIMJIM Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Charleston, South Carolina Posts: 285	Re: I ran over my own rod Sorry to hear that. Good thing you still have another motor to fall back on. SLIMJIM __________________ 1970 Chevrolet Blazer 2 wheel drive - SOLD

02-18-2006, 03:07 PM	#14
jamis F.A.S.T. president Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Florida Posts: 1,883	Re: I ran over my own rod That sucks........ __________________ F.A.S.T. President and Founder Fabricators for the Advancement of Sawsall Technology "A fear of the Sawsall is a sign of retarded sexual and emotional maturity." ~Sigmund Freud, "General Introduction to Psychoanalysis" Last edited by jamis; 02-18-2006 at 03:07 PM.

02-18-2006, 03:17 PM	#15
matthufham Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Carl Junction, Missouri Posts: 2,061	Re: I ran over my own rod so little miles on the rebuild, that's terrible. money and time right out the door, with no time to enjoy it.

02-18-2006, 03:18 PM	#16
72MARIO Registered User Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Huntsville Ontario Canada Posts: 4,052	Re: I ran over my own rod That sucks I guess thats where Magna Fluxing the rods would help ? __________________ 1968 Suburban numbers matching all original truck now equipped with 6.0/4L80 on Accuair http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=625017 1967 C/20 6.0/4L80 Roofing Truck 1990 V2500 Suburban "Plow Truck" 2005 TAHOE DD

02-18-2006, 03:20 PM	#17
incoma Registered User Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Lexington, KY Posts: 865	Re: I ran over my own rod I guess it was good that you didn't sell the 292. As slimjim said, atleast you can get it running before the end of the weekend.



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02-18-2006, 03:22 PM	#18
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: I ran over my own rod a perfect example for the debate of lo-budget buildup vs crate with a warrenty __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

02-18-2006, 03:28 PM	#19
incoma Registered User Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Lexington, KY Posts: 865	Re: I ran over my own rod I'm going to have to disagree with you cdowns. You can't tell when a rod's going to break like that. I think the odds were the same with a crate motor that it would break.

02-18-2006, 04:48 PM	#22
Tx Firefighter Watch out for your cornhole ! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Azle, Texas Posts: 14,162	Re: I ran over my own rod Here's the story, I got a 4 bolt main 350 core from my buddy for 100 bucks Matt67350 gave me a crank for it. I got the rods out of yet another core engine for free. I had the machine shop vat and cam bearing the block. I ordered my pistons and such from Summit for dirt cheap. I assembled the engine on a strict budget and I knew I was taking a risk. I've done it many times before, but I finally got bit. I had probably 500 bucks total in the engine including the cam and rebuild of the heads. Sometimes, I buy brand new GM crate 350's from same buddy for 1290 bucks with 50k mile warranty for such bad luck occurances. There is no way to build a better engine for lesser money than a crate. Can't be done. I know it and gladly take my chances when the situation warrants cheap versus guaranteed reliable. I used to build airplane engines back in the mid 90's when I worked as an A&P. After the stress of that, I don't take this stuff too seriously. Crap happens, I now have neat conversation pieces for the shop shelves. __________________ I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin Last edited by Tx Firefighter; 02-18-2006 at 04:49 PM.

02-18-2006, 05:17 PM	#23
Fred T Cantankerous Geezer Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Bel Aire, KS Posts: 6,264	Re: I ran over my own rod I can only imagine the pain involved. Sounds like the rod probably had a crack in it, probably from casting. You were just the unlucky guy to find it. Magnaflux or penetrant inspect would have found it, but most of us don't spend the money for that. One of the chances you take with a low dollar rebuild. __________________ Fred There is no such thing as too much cam...just not enough engine.

02-18-2006, 05:18 PM	#24
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Re: I ran over my own rod Tx... I feel your pain... I really do man. Like they said, at least you have an engine to fall back on...I had to wait 6 months before I got an engine. At least I still had the old POS town car laying around when my 425 blew up on day 2.

02-18-2006, 05:22 PM	#25
Palf70Step State of Confusion! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Gulfport, MS USA Posts: 47,083	Re: I ran over my own rod Sorry to hear about the 350...Maybe it is a sign that you are to stay with straight 6s. __________________ Bill 1970 Chevy Custom/10 LWB Fleetside 2010 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner SR5 Double Cab - DD Member of Louisiana Classic Truck Club (LCTC) Bill's Gallery Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God!

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