Kawasaki STX-15F service manual Connecting Rod Bend, Be careful not to overtighten the nuts

ENGINE BOTTOM END 8-21

Crankshaft and Connecting Rods

•Apply small amount of molybdenum disulfide oil solution to the threads [A] and seating surfaces [B] of the connect- ing rod nuts.

•First, tighten the nuts to the specified torque. See the table below.

•Next, tighten the nuts by 120° more.

○Mark [A] the connecting rod big end caps and nuts so that nuts can be turned 120° [B] properly.

○Tighten the hexagon nut by 2 corners.

Connecting	Bolt, Nut	Torque + Angle N·m
Rod Assy		(kgf·m, ft·lb)
New	Use the bolts and nuts	21.6 (2.2, 16) + 120°
	attached to new con-rod.
	Another new bolts and
	nuts.
Used	Replace the bolts and	21.6 (2.2, 16) + 120°
	nuts with new ones

CAUTION

Be careful not to overtighten the nuts.

Connecting Rod Bend

•Remove the connecting rod big end bearing inserts, and reinstall the connecting rod big end caps.

•Select an arbor [A] of the same diameter as the connect- ing rod big end, and insert the arbor through the connect- ing rod big end.

•Select an arbor of the same diameter as the piston pin at least 100 mm (3.94 in.) long, and insert the arbor [B] through the connecting rod small end.

•On a surface plate, set the big-end arbor on V blocks [C].

•Measure the difference in the heights of the arbor above the surface plate over a 100 mm (3.94 in.) distance-on the arbor to determine the amount of connecting rod bend with the connecting rod held vertically, and using a height

gauge.

If connecting rod bend exceeds the service limit, the con- necting rod must be replaced.

Connecting Rod Bend

Service Limit: 0.2/100 mm (0.008/3.94 in.)