conrods of caterpillar engines

[Pipsie]

why are the conrods on caterpillar engines different from all other engines?

[Toureman]

These are pictures of "Caterpiller connecting rods".........

http://www.windsorconrod.com/catter_pillar.htm

They look the same as any other engine "connecting rods.

[Pipsie]

I have found out why they are different.

the mating faces are rough, not machined as smooth as glass like other conrods.

What Caterpillar do is machine the conrod from a solid casting, then they actually break or snap the bearing cap off. (No, I don't know how they do it).

That means that every conrod is absolutely unique and it's impossible to get the caps the wrong way round or onto the wrong big end.

so there ya go thats how they differ.

[Pipsie]

Oh Toureman, i saw a picture with thie answer and the rods things looked different from the ones you showed me but i am not sure how to get the picture up here i will try though.

[BigB]

Cataplliar are not the only manufacturer to do this. Many heavy diesel engine manufacturers use the same system. Apparently the tolereances can be tighter therefore increasing efficiency. Causes problems when mechanics dont realise this and try to swap the bitg ends over!!