Rod side to side movement?
 

Recently when I took the rods from my crank I pushed and pulled on the rods, I was surprised as to how much movement there was (in the direction of the crank length - if that makes sense).

I would have thought that it would be tighter than that.

Another thing, when eventually assembling the rods and inserting the wrist pins, does this place any strain on the bearing in any way, i.e. should I be very careful not to place any sideways stress on the rod?

Cheers Jakes

Unless you're smacking them with a sledge hammer, I wouldn't worry about it. The rod side-wall clearance should be measured and checked - the specs are in the Engine Rebuild Book...

-Wayne

A local engine builder told me he machines .003" off each side of stock rods.

Any comments?