The Ford Barn

Rwalker · 12-01-2014, 08:50 AM

Hello,My name is Ron and I am new to the forum. I have 40 Ford with a 41 engine with a question about the connecting Rod nuts. this is my first time this far into a flathead. when tightening the rod nuts and the cotter key does not line up,I was told to tightening the nut until the hole lines up with the castle nut. This will cause the torque on some to be over
50flbs. does this sound like the way to do it or Is there a different type of nut that can be used instead of the castle nuts?
Thanks very much for any help.
Ron

flatjack9 · 12-01-2014, 09:07 AM

I use ARP small block Che-y nuts.

JM 35 Sedan · 12-01-2014, 09:26 AM

My earlier engines use one length of safety wire fed through both connecting rod nuts, crossing at bottom of rod cap and twisted at the ends. Using cotter pins may require more torque to get full alignment to insert pins, while safety wire of the correct diameter can be inserted through a smaller alignment hole. Not sure when or why Ford changed from safety wire to cotters on these rod nuts.

Ronnie · 12-01-2014, 09:31 AM

Go to machine shop they will probably give you Chevy stock nuts they are a you need.

R

Rwalker · 12-01-2014, 09:50 AM

thanks for the information and quick reply,the chevy nuts sound like the way to go. I knew y'all would have the answer
Thanks again
ron

Andy · 12-01-2014, 09:51 AM

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Chevy nuts with the flange. If they are good for 8K, they should be fine for a flathead.

12-01-2014, 08:50 AM	#1
Rwalker Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Rockwell N.C Posts: 13	Connecting rod nuts Hello,My name is Ron and I am new to the forum. I have 40 Ford with a 41 engine with a question about the connecting Rod nuts. this is my first time this far into a flathead. when tightening the rod nuts and the cotter key does not line up,I was told to tightening the nut until the hole lines up with the castle nut. This will cause the torque on some to be over 50flbs. does this sound like the way to do it or Is there a different type of nut that can be used instead of the castle nuts? Thanks very much for any help. Ron

12-01-2014, 09:07 AM	#2
flatjack9 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Oshkosh, Wi Posts: 4,527	Re: Connecting rod nuts I use ARP small block Che-y nuts.

12-01-2014, 09:26 AM	#3
JM 35 Sedan Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Near Rising Sun, Maryland Posts: 10,859	Re: Connecting rod nuts My earlier engines use one length of safety wire fed through both connecting rod nuts, crossing at bottom of rod cap and twisted at the ends. Using cotter pins may require more torque to get full alignment to insert pins, while safety wire of the correct diameter can be inserted through a smaller alignment hole. Not sure when or why Ford changed from safety wire to cotters on these rod nuts. __________________ *John* *"Never give up on what you really want to do. The person with big dreams is more powerful than one with all the facts". Albert Einstein*

12-01-2014, 09:31 AM	#4
Ronnie Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Canada Where it snows Posts: 2,058	Re: Connecting rod nuts Go to machine shop they will probably give you Chevy stock nuts they are a you need. R

12-01-2014, 09:50 AM	#5
Rwalker Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Rockwell N.C Posts: 13	Re: Connecting rod nuts thanks for the information and quick reply,the chevy nuts sound like the way to go. I knew y'all would have the answer Thanks again ron

12-01-2014, 09:51 AM	#6
Andy Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Kerrville, Tx Posts: 2,771	Re: Connecting rod nuts Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Chevy nuts with the flange. If they are good for 8K, they should be fine for a flathead.