? removing rods w/o splitting case
 

Good day all,
I am at the point in my re-build to remove the rods. I remember a thread here several months back about that subject. Unfortunately I have not turned it up yet.

Anyway, I need suggestions here. Pistons are off then I tried loosening up the nuts while holding the bottom side. Nuts were torqued tight but I was not able to pull off the upper rod. I'm a little chicken as I don't want to hit them too hard or drop the bottom into the case. Thanks in advance. Next step is new rod bearings and rod bolts after testing for spec.

Those threads you remember might have been about my rebuild. I wound up splitting the case and I recommend that since it is just a tiny bit more work from where you're at. But the rods can be removed and reinstalled with the case halves together. It probably required that you rotate the engine so that the rod can hand straight down. Take the nuts off. Then tap/pull on the rods and they will slip off the bolts. The next trick is to make sure the small end of the rod does not rotate and fall out of the case, and down onto the ground.

Thanks Super, it was your post on rod bearings. I found it.

I am contemplating splitting the case, but Leland's adventure with leaks has me shy. Although if I drop anything in there, then it goes apart! I am taking a break today but will get to it tomorrow. I am timid pulling/tapping the rod while holding the bottom as you know how tight things are there. The first circlip I pulled off a piston went you know where. Fortunately, it was in plain sight. I still have to remove the headstuds. Fun,eh.

The winter 2002 winter issue of Velocity has a very nice article/tech tip on the case sealing issue.
If you are iterested I can copy it for you.
Chris