Rod Straightness 101

This test for rod straightness always seems rather mundane.  

If your motor was running ok, why check it? 

Here's why:

Especially, if you are building an engine from a variety of parts - this is a very important step in the process.  S&S Cycle and Jims both offer a long "precision pin" which you can insert in your bushing, and run down to the cylinder base.  You can use a feeler gauge (I use a thin piece of carbon-type paper) and determine if your connecting rods are slightly bent.  The pin should hold your paper between the pin and the base on each side - you should feel a drag on the paper . . . On my engine, the front rod was perfect.  The rear rod was off (+.016) which is quite a bit !  I bolted my lower in the stand, C-clamped it to the bench, and using the special tool the boys made years ago . . . proceeded to bend my rod back for straightness.  Do a little at a time.  First, I got to +.006, then +.004, then .000 (perfect).  However, the rod may "relax" a bit back to a positive reading . . . so you may want to go beyond (-.001 or so . . ) and it will relax back to a zero reading.  It sounds crazy - but, this is the way you do it.  S&S has full instructions how to make a tool.  Now you have the best chance for less drag, better ring seating, better compression, increased power and longer engine life.