Hey there! I'm a supplier of Cummins connecting rods, and today I'm gonna share with you how to remove old Cummins connecting rods. Whether you're a seasoned mechanic or just a DIY enthusiast looking to work on your Cummins engine, this guide should come in handy.
Before we start, it's super important to take safety precautions. Make sure the engine is completely cool before you start working on it. You should also wear safety goggles, gloves, and proper clothing to protect yourself from any potential hazards.
Step 1: Drain the Oil
First things first, you need to drain the engine oil. Locate the oil drain plug underneath the engine. Place an oil drain pan beneath the plug, then loosen the plug with a socket wrench. Let the oil drain completely. This step is crucial because you don't want oil spilling all over the place when you remove the connecting rods.
Step 2: Remove the Oil Pan
Once the oil is drained, you'll need to remove the oil pan. The oil pan is held in place by a series of bolts. Use a socket wrench to loosen and remove these bolts. Be careful not to lose any of them. After removing the bolts, gently pry the oil pan off the engine block. You might need to use a flat - head screwdriver to break the seal between the pan and the block.
Step 3: Locate the Connecting Rods
With the oil pan removed, you can now see the connecting rods. They're located between the pistons and the crankshaft. Each connecting rod has a cap on the bottom that attaches it to the crankshaft.
Step 4: Mark the Connecting Rods
Before you start removing the connecting rods, it's essential to mark them. You can use a small punch or a marker to label each rod and its corresponding cap. This is important because the rods and caps are machined to fit together, and they need to go back in the same position. Also, mark the side of the rod that faces the front of the engine.
Step 5: Remove the Connecting Rod Bolts and Caps
Use a socket wrench to loosen and remove the bolts that hold the connecting rod caps in place. Make sure you keep the bolts with their respective caps. Once the bolts are removed, gently tap the cap with a rubber mallet to loosen it from the rod. Carefully remove the cap and place it aside with its bolts.
Step 6: Push the Connecting Rod and Piston Assembly Up
With the cap removed, you can now push the connecting rod and piston assembly up through the top of the cylinder. You might need to rotate the crankshaft to align the rod with the cylinder bore. Be gentle when pushing the assembly up to avoid damaging the cylinder walls.


Step 7: Remove the Piston Rings (Optional)
If you plan to reuse the pistons, you may want to remove the piston rings. You can use a piston ring expander tool to carefully remove the rings. This step requires a bit of finesse, so make sure you're careful not to break the rings.
Step 8: Clean and Inspect
Once you've removed all the old connecting rods, it's a good idea to clean them thoroughly. You can use a parts cleaner or a degreaser to remove any oil, dirt, or debris. After cleaning, inspect the rods for any signs of wear, such as scoring, cracking, or excessive bearing clearance. If you find any issues, it may be time to replace the connecting rods.
Now, while you're working on your Cummins engine, you might also need other parts. For example, if you're having issues with the starter, check out the G5340058 Cummins 5.9 /6.7 Engine Starter. It's a high - quality starter that can get your engine running smoothly. And if you need engine valves, the Cummins Engine Valves 3685996 / 5693781 are a great option. Also, don't forget about the exhaust system. The 64998C Cummins Engine Straight Hose Flexible 4 / 5 Inch Exhaust Pipe is an excellent choice for ensuring proper exhaust flow.
If you're in the market for new Cummins connecting rods or any of the other parts I mentioned, don't hesitate to reach out. As a supplier, I've got a wide range of high - quality products at competitive prices. Whether you need a single rod or are doing a full engine rebuild, I can help you out. Let's start a conversation and see how I can assist you with your Cummins engine needs.
References
- "Cummins Engine Rebuilding Manual"
- Various online forums and communities focused on Cummins engines maintenance and repair.
