[Instigator]

Originally posted by: DemonSVT
IMPORTANT REBUILD INFORMATION ABOUT ROD BOLTS

The instructions on the Ford manuals, when pertaining to the 3L, do not have the extra 90 degree rotation for the rod bolts listed.

That is crucial for retaining torque of the "stretch" bolts!



All 2.5L instructions show the correct procedure and you should follow the 2.5L instructions anyway but if you were just looking at the 3L instructions thinking "the bottom end or whole engine is a 3L" then I could easily see making this mistake.


3L Instructions

Install the connecting rod caps and bolts.

~ Tighten the bolts in two stages.

~ Stage 1: Tighten to 23 Nm (17 lb-ft).

~ Stage 2: Tighten to 43 Nm (32 lb-ft).

That's it!


2.5L Instructions - The Correct Way

CAUTION:
When assembling the connecting rods and connecting rod caps, it is imperative that bearing slots and tangs be located on the same side of the connecting rods.

CAUTION:
Connecting rod bolts are tighten to yield and must not be reused.

Position the connecting rod cap on the appropriate connecting rod and alternately tighten the bolts in three stages as indicated.

~ Stage 1: 23 Nm

~ Stage 2: 43 Nm

~ Stage 3: 90 degrees


The rod bolts & connecting rods are the same parts for both engines.

MAKE SURE you use the 2.5L instructions.

so to make this clear:

tighten each rod bolt to 23 Nm, then tighten each one to 43 Nm, then turn each one 90 degrees @ 43 Nm?