MTFCA Forum

Can I use time saver on the rods while engine is in the car?

Yes, I have done it with a 4 dip oil pan.

Sure. Keep it wet. You can really make a mess of the job if the stuff gets dry & leaves hard deposits in the babbit.

Would you please tell me the process. Thanks

yerffej wrote: ↑

Wed Oct 27, 2021 11:58 am

Would you please tell me the process. Thanks

Time Saver comes with directions on how to use it.

https://www.newmantools.com/lapping/time.htm#use

https://www.newmantools.com/lapping/tim ... ooklet.pdf

I've noticed that time-saver when used to create clearance on rod bearings can dry out when the rods are spun by hand on a crank outside the car . If you did it in the car, you'd have to do 1 bearing at a time and run the engine about 20 seconds then remove the cap and add oil to the bearing surface. I know the directions say you can leave it on the bearing because it disintegrates but my experience is you have to clean it up afterwards. It's pretty messy and I wouldn't trust Fords splash lubrication to do that.

It can be done just fine by hand by swinging the rod (upside down) within in the limited confines of the crank case by occasionally rotating the crank 90 degrees for each time the rod is assembled. If you will properly and accurately measure the crank and call one of the rod suppliers with the .xxxx size of the crank, they will bore one to the correct (+.0015") size and it will lap in almost immediately or within the removal of a single shim. Do NOT try to order a standard or simple .010" oversize rod from the retailer, or you will spend the rest of your natural life laying on your back.

I just coached a friend through this operation via email a couple of months ago. He is on the other side of the continent and had only a week between tours to learn/try/succeed on this process. Several tours have subsequently gone very well.

Anyone can do it.