Connecting rod washers

[Rocket-bob]

Need some greybeard help here.  I'm closing in on rebuilding my 1952 218 flathead and I've come to a problem.  I've put the new pistons on the old connecting rods and hooked them to the crank but I've discovered a problem.  My connecting rods have small lock washers that sit in a recess on the caps and then are held down by locking nuts (or nuts that appear to be locking nuts).  Anyway, I'm missing four lock washers.  I figured that this would be no big deal, I'd just order new washers and nuts from Vintage Power Wagon and move on.  Well, not so fast.  VPW will gladly sell me the nuts but they said no dice on the lock washers.  The suggestion was to just use the nuts without lock washers as the connecting rods were later modified to drop the washers anyway.  So, has anyone just put nuts on without the lock washers?  Will the world stop and start spinning backwards or will it be okay?  After spending what I've spent on this rebuild of the truck, I really don't want to see a connecting rod jutting out from the side of my block.

 

Thanks in advance.

[Plymouthy Adams]

given the later rods were machined for locking nut without lock washer...but were yours?  I think you know that answer....while I do not have any washers....and I could not just locate the rod I have here at the minute to measure....I would venture to guess the washer is of the style used for recessed socket head allen bolts...so either find these...or...cut bushes to insert in the recess of your end caps so that the new nut will be displacing the clamping force of the nut on a larger mass than that of just the outer shell of the recessed hole....but then your car your call...do the math...

[Dodgeb4ya]

I would want to install those factory thin narrow washers used  on the older 218's...

Some one here must have some........ washer part #668555

Len Dawson shows 20  http://www.dpmotorparts.com/list_parts.cfm?page=14

Edited October 31, 2016 by Dodgeb4ya

[RobertKB]

Best to do what the factory did as it was done for a reason. If it had washers, it should still have washers. No point in taking a chance and possibly detonating your engine later on.

[DJ194950]

If your rod caps have recesses machined in for washers you need the washers, if not locking type nuts are fine.

I lost two somehow and found as Tim said the washers made for socket head bolts ( small outer  diameter as is bolt head) are available at almost any hardware store) fit almost perfect and looked very good. That is where I bought my replacements. They are usually grade 8 as are the bolts they are made to work with.

I forget whether they are 5/16 or 3/8" dia. to fit your rod bolts. Easy to figure out.

DJ

[_shel_ny]

One "hoser" has them for $6 + shipping.  I guess that is each

 

Arizonaparts.com has them for $1.05 ea. + ship

Small items, contact, request shipping cost.

[Rocket-bob]

Thanks all for the advice and information. I'm in the process of buying washers from the companies mentioned.  I already decided to replace the nuts so hopefully they'll arrive and I'll get to fire this rascal up.

[Don Coatney]

Suggest you also contact George Asche. His contact information can be found in the links section of this web page. He was able to help me out when I needed a rod bolt replacement.

 

[Rocket-bob]

Just for general knowledge, I bought 6 of those tiny washers from Len Dawson.  The bill came to a cool $33.  Caveat emptor.  On the positive side, I'm ready to seal up this engine and crank it up.  Video to follow.