John, you are right about the connecting rod bold issue. This is an
extremely inprotant principle and applies to all reciprocating engines that
I know of. As an old aircraft mechanic, I remember that the overhaul manuals
for aircraft engines would require these  to be actually measured with a
micrometer for  stretch in length and diameter. There there specs that had
to be met or they were tossed and new ones installed.

John Rodgers
"88 GL Driver in New Mexico

John wrote:

> Stuart MacMillan wrote:
> >
> >
> > A top quality rebuild would include:
> >
> > New (not rebuilt) heads and valves
> > New lifters
> > New cam
> > Top quality new pistons, rings and cylinders, matched and assembled
> > Rebushed, balanced (matched) and resized rods
> > Reground (not just polished) crankshaft
> > New oil pump
> > OEM gasket set with OEM sealant
> > All corroded case studs replaced (probably most of them)
> > New cam, rod, and crank bearings
> > Careful examination of case and align boring if needed
> >
> >
> >
> >Stuart,
>
> Your explanation is excellent and the list is very complete but I think
> "stretch" con rod bolts should be included and specifically mentioned.
> As I understand it, some rebuilders or remanufacturers still reuse these
> critical items and I don't think the Bentley book underscores the
> importance of stretch con rod bolt replacement.
>
>         JP