I was just reminded of something via a PM question about it.
I ran across it when building my 3L but didn't think about it until I was asked.
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!
That could possibly be another reason for the failures???
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 read...
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 read...
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.
This information should probably be in a sticky about a 3L engine rebuild so folks don't use the 3L instructions.
2000 SVT #674
13.47 @ 102 - All Motor!
It was not broke; Yet I fixed it anyway.
