1. Husqvarna Motorcycles Made In Sweden - About 1988 and older

Connecting rod possible damage

Discussion in 'Vintage Restoration Projects' started by fhantson, Jan 8, 2012.

  1. fhantson Husqvarna
    A Class

    Location:
    Duvall, WA USA
    Husqvarna Motorcycle:
    1969 250 cross
    Other Motorcycles:
    Ducati 1200 Multistrada Pikes Peak
    Hey Guys,
    Please have a look at these pic of my '69 250 cross. Do you think these lines (no physical cracks just lines) could indicate a future falure of the connecting rod? The engine builder has some concerns about it. Will drop if off at McGuire tomorrow for testing, but wanted your specialist's eye's opinion too.
    Thanks,
    Filip DSC_0076_5081.JPG DSC_0076_5081.JPG
    fhantson, Jan 8, 2012
    #1

  2. Dirtdame Administrator

    Location:
    Rock Springs Wy
    Husqvarna Motorcycle:
    11 WR300,13 WR125,18 FE501
    Other Motorcycles:
    17 Beta Xtrainer
    You mean the scoring that goes around on either edges. That usually indicates that the pins have worn enough for the cage to rub on the inside of the rod. I personally wouldn't want to reuse the rod if another can be found. It might last for a while, but certainly not as long as it could last if the tolerances were nice and tight.
    Dirtdame, Jan 8, 2012
    #2

  3. Puckerbush Husqvarna
    AA Class

    Location:
    Anaheim Hills, CA
    Husqvarna Motorcycle:
    '79 390 CR and '08 TE510
    I thought the rule of thumb is to replace the main bearing if there is more than 0.07mm to 0.10mm of end play.
    Puckerbush, Jan 12, 2012
    #3

  4. auto Husqvarna
    AA Class

    Location:
    NJ,USA
    Husqvarna Motorcycle:
    too many
    How much are you going to use this bike/motor? Every weekend,five times a year, once a year,how much? That's question you have to answer.
    auto, Jan 12, 2012
    #4

  5. fhantson Husqvarna
    A Class

    Location:
    Duvall, WA USA
    Husqvarna Motorcycle:
    1969 250 cross
    Other Motorcycles:
    Ducati 1200 Multistrada Pikes Peak
    That's the question indeed, do not have plans to ride it every week, but you know how that goes: you ride it once, you have a blast, you start training again to ride more and harder... And end up riding every week like your life depends on it :)
    fhantson, Jan 12, 2012
    #5

  6. jimspac Husqvarna
    Pro Class

    Location:
    Connecticut
    Husqvarna Motorcycle:
    82 250WR, 82 430WR, 84 250WR, 85 400
    Other Motorcycles:
    86 400WR, 82 Montesa Cota 349
    Since you have the crank split and the rod out, replace it now rather than after a premature bearing failure
    jimspac, Jan 13, 2012
    #6

  7. Husq.fleet Husqvarna
    AA Class

    Location:
    Pendleton Oregon
    Most of what I see is staining from sitting a long time. Any stains like that is very shallow corrosion. As long as the new bearing needles wont try to catch on it I would reuse it. Corrosion is taking surface material away but we call it "lube retention" in the engine trade. Any attempt to polish it out will remove material from the OD increasing that dimension which would be more of a problem. If parts availiblity is good and concern would be to replace it. I'd run it in a resto.
    Husq.fleet, Jan 13, 2012
    #7

  8. hvaloz2 Husqvarna
    AA Class

    Location:
    fareham
    its a husky rod!..it will be fine..just make sure all the rest is correct....air/fuel carb mix... air filter.. two stroke oil...only ever changed one con rod on all my huskys and that was because the oem big end kit came with crankpin,con rod and big end bearing... 78 390cr after a long hard season !
    hvaloz2, Jan 13, 2012
    #8