Listers,
Would be very surprised if the ARP bolts are single-use. I have used ARP
fasteners in my MGA race engines for years, none of which are single use.
However, I agree that use of the proper thread lubricant is critical. ARP
supplies what appears to be a moly-type thread lubricant. The bolts must be
tightened to spec with the lubricant applied to the threads, and under the
heads.
Torquing of fasteners is actually a rather unreliable way to obtain accurate
clamping force (and that is what you're really trying to accomplish,
clamping force). Bolt stretch is a much better way to determine clamping
force. On my race con rods, for instance, I am able to measure bolt
stretch, and I actually use that measurement to determine when the bolts are
"tight".
The use of a lubricant on the threads, helps immensely in obtaining a more
reliable final clapmping force. Not as good as measuring bolt stretch, but
much better than torquing the fasteners dry. The coefficient of friction is
much more consistent with the lubricant.
This is all just general engineering background, I have absolutely no
knowledge of the failed engine in question so I have no idea if any of the
above is germane.
Regards,
Mark Palmer
>From: Richard.Morbey@taywood.co.uk
>Reply-To: Richard.Morbey@taywood.co.uk
>To: mg-mmm@autox.team.net, TATERRY@aol.com
>Subject: RE: Phoenix connecting rod bolts
>Date: Wed, 9 Aug 2000 07:33:02 +0100
>
>--openmail-part-0495a55a-00000001
>Content-Disposition: inline; filename="BDY.TXT"
> ;Creation-Date="Wed, 9 Aug 2000 07:33:02 +0100"
>
>Terry:
>
>Thanks for your reply.
>
>Just thought I would follow up with a comment about the suggestion that
>Phoenix apply heat treatment to the con. rod bolts used is association
>with the rods for their crankshafts.
>
>Evidently, they simply buy these items in direct from a USA company
>called ARP (Automotive Racing Parts?) and they are used and fitted as
>shipped. I also understand that it is vital that these bolts, which
>are single use components, MUST be oiled before fitting as failure to
>do so adversely affects the coefficient of friction for them - and it
>is likely that this would result in overtightening, as they are not
>exactly finger tightenable.
>
>Hope this contribution may add light rather than heat to the debate!
>
>Regards
>
>Dick Morbey
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: Morbey, Richard
>Sent: 07 August 2000 22:32
>To: 'TATERRY@aol.com'; 'mg-mmm@autox.team.net'
>Subject: RE: Phoenix connecting rod bolts
>
>
>Dear All,
>
>I was concerned to read Terry's message which suggested that there
>might be a problem with the well-regarded Phoenix products. My concern
>was based on self-interest as my PB engine (yet to be fired up for the
>first time) has been assembled with a Phoenix crank and rods.
>
>Enquiry from a source with very direct knowledge of Phoenix and their
>business reveals that there was indeed a failure of a MMM racing engine
>in the USA within the last year resulting from a rod bolt failure.
>Tests conducted show that the failure occurred because the single-use
>stretch bolts had been overtightened well beyond the recommended
>torque, which I understand (but please check with Phoenix) is 35 foot
>pounds.
>
>As to rumours of the imminent demise of Phoenix - I am assured that
>there is no basis of fact behind this story. Mark Twain had a similar
>experience, I gather.
>
>The MMM bulletin board is a veritable mine of information, but I felt
>moved to respond on this occasion because I know only too well the
>damage - however unintended - that can be caused overnight to
>reputations that have been hard-earned over years.
>
>I should add a disclaimer that I have no relationship with Phoenix
>other than being a (so far) satisfied customer.
>
>Regards to all
>Dick Morbey
>
>
>
>
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: TATERRY@aol.com [mailto:TATERRY@aol.com]
>Sent: 04 August 2000 16:28
>To: mg-mmm@autox.team.net
>Cc: TATERRY@aol.com
>Subject: Phoenix connecting rod bolts
>
>
>Dear Prewarriors, a note of caution! From an extremely reliable
>source,
>I've learned that the results of an independent engineering failure
>analysis
>said that rod bolts heat treated by Phoenix in early 1999 resulted in a
>faulty batch!! and that was the direct cause of a catastrophic failure
>of a
>MMM engine of some note.
> It was also said that Phoenix is going to fold up in 2001.
>
>This information is second hand and not collaborated by any
>documentation.
>It is not my purpose to spread rumors and my information is that
>Phoenix has
>always manufactured a very high quality product. Being in the rolling
>stock
>business, I know first hand how easily something like this can happen
>by an
>outside vendor. So just to caution that if you have rod bolts
>installed in
>your engine that may have come from this batch, you'd be advised to
>replace
>them....that would be January or February of 1999.
>
>Terry
>
>
>
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