What exactly happens when an engine throws a rod?
I'm guessing that the connecting rod bearing wears to the point that it becomes loose on the crankshaft, which in turn causes more wallowing out at a faster pace. Finally to the point that the rod is slapping around inside of the engine hitting things it shouldn't, hence the hammering sound. Left unattended to it will eventually come out the side of the block.
Is this anywhere near correct?
If so, can a person simply replace the connecting rods when the initial sound is first detected and continue using the engine?
Yesterday my 216 started making initial sounds of a rod being thrown. Since the block is cracked and semi-repaired with J-B Weld I opted to drive the truck as far back toward home as possible. I drove almost 40 miles before arriving at my farm and the rod never did completely go out. Granted it kind of sounded like a blacksmith at work, but was still running.
Guess I'll go start the process of swapping another engine into the truck. I think I'll install another 216 that I already have for now, then do some work on a 235 I already have and install it later.
Shade tree mechanic? Nope, not even a tree at my farm to work under. After all this is Kansas and we can't all be lucky enough to have trees growing.
