Connecting rods identification

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Daniel William Coronado, Jr.
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Connecting rods identification

#1 Post by Daniel William Coronado, Jr. »

Can someone identify a set of rods I have? The casting number is 502.03.105 with a faint E. The other side says 62/8.
The small end has the third oil whole. Opinions on these rods are welcomed. Thanks in advance.

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Mike Wilson
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Re: Connecting rods identification

#2 Post by Mike Wilson »

Googling the part number, it says early 356 but I couldn't find a year or model. I'll check my A parts manual.

Mike
Mike Wilson
Lomita, CA
'63 B coupe

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Mike Wilson
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Re: Connecting rods identification

#3 Post by Mike Wilson »

Per the A parts manual, the connecting rod is #616.103.012.02. The connecting rod nut is #502.03.114 which leads me to believe the connecting rod may be older than an A or the part number was changed. Perhaps it was an old VW part number.

I'm just spit-balling so hopefully someone with more experience will weigh in on your question.

Mike
Mike Wilson
Lomita, CA
'63 B coupe

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Ron LaDow
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Re: Connecting rods identification

#4 Post by Ron LaDow »

"502 1950-51 1.5-liter sports engine for Type 356"
Wiki.
"Certainly could be wrong (Wiki can do that) but it's not a 616 part."

Seems it IS a 616 part with an earlier casting number.
I stand corrected.
Last edited by Ron LaDow on Thu Sep 20, 2018 12:20 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Brad Ripley
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Re: Connecting rods identification

#5 Post by Brad Ripley »

From the part number and oil hole, you have 356A or early B rods.
If bearing tab is the left side, then 356A. There are no bearings available for those rods -- besides they are the weakest -- throw them away.
If bearing is on the right side, then early 356B -- still, many guys will say throw them away-- or at least you can buy bearings for them.

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Vic Skirmants
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Re: Connecting rods identification

#6 Post by Vic Skirmants »

If it is an early B rod, then it is a little stronger in the critical area at the rod nut. Could be used in a street engine. After magnafluxing and full inspection.
If it is an A rod, THROW IT AWAY!

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Mike Wilson
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Re: Connecting rods identification

#7 Post by Mike Wilson »

How about using them for trophies for an event! -:)

Mike
Mike Wilson
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'63 B coupe

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Jules Dielen
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Re: Connecting rods identification

#8 Post by Jules Dielen »

Mike Wilson wrote:How about using them for trophies for an event! -:)

Mike
or use them for a game of horseshoe with the kids (or grandkids!) :)
Jules

Water pumps are for windshield washers only.

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Mike Wilson
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Re: Connecting rods identification

#9 Post by Mike Wilson »

Yes! Ring toss! Ha!

Mike
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Mike Smith
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Re: Connecting rods identification

#10 Post by Mike Smith »

The Best Use we found for `A` Rods
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Last edited by Mike Smith on Fri Sep 21, 2018 3:31 am, edited 1 time in total.
Mike Smith (Essex - UK)

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Mike Smith
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Re: Connecting rods identification

#11 Post by Mike Smith »

Sorry Guys - tried everything to get this to load the Correct way up

This Site can be so frustrating at times
Mike Smith (Essex - UK)

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Simon Whittley
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Re: Connecting rods identification

#12 Post by Simon Whittley »

Impressed with your gravity defying bookshelf Mike!
Simon

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David Jones
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Re: Connecting rods identification

#13 Post by David Jones »

Left click on the picture and it loads the right way up.
If I had known I would live this long I would have pushed the envelope a little harder.
Cymru am byth
David Jones #9715

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