Sometimes ya just gotta wonder.....

[Jerry Wieland]

What was the story line on this HD rod assembly. Took out of an engine. Jerry DSC03593.JPG DSC03594.JPG

[ChiefTwoKicks]

My guess would be something like this... blew the engine... or the barrel, bending the forked rod while breaking away from the cases.
I've done something similar with one of my Chiefs years ago. The damage was traced back to an intake manifold leak as the root cause. The rod may have been damaged while trying to straighten the rod. looks like a backyard, shade-tree attempt to "fix it". I've seen several forked rods broken, usually at the weak rod bearing fork. Likely when installing the rod race on the weakened side. Maybe a bad or very worn rod race cage or worn bearings.

Very hard to perform a diagnosis with only a photo. So, of course like you said... ya gotta wonder !! Never did anything like this with a Harley, but Indian stock rods are famous for forked rod failures... ask me how I know !!

C2K

[PaulCDF]

Is that a weld in the second picture???

[Jerry Wieland]

Well I deep dived this rod for about 30 seconds and figured it out. The casting number in the second photo is ZA and ZA Harley rods are for a UL big twin flathead. UL rods are longer than OHV rods so... someone shortened a UL rod to fit in an OHV.

Jerry

[DEEBS47Chief1991]

Yikes.....

[T. Cotten]

From the appearance of the piston, Jerry,...

It was fixed just long enough to sell it.

.....Cotten

[Rubone]

Shortening and lengthening rods was a staple of the early Hot-Rod world...It works fine if done right.

[ChiefTwoKicks]

I had no idea... I guess I'm not old enough to remember that far back. Where would you find some one who could do that (welding rods), in this day and age now ?

They've all left this world. Most of them, long ago.

[T. Cotten]

I had no idea... I guess I'm not old enough to remember that far back. Where would you find some one who could do that (welding rods), in this day and age now ?

They've all left this world. Most of them, long ago.

I'd be delighted to see it proven worth it in a video, C2K!

Thermite maybe?

....Cotten

[ChiefTwoKicks]

Thanks Cotton ! I'm not a welder. But I did some reading about the process and I am beginning to understand what thats all about. I suppose that type of welding still might be used, likely in a different theatre than working with motorcycle con-rods. Might be difficult to find an experienced craftsman willing to do that kind of work. I imagine the costs would outweigh the benefits of a custom made one-off connecting rods. Even if you could find qualified welding specialist.
My expertise is in Oilfield Drilling & Production. I know very little about specialized, highly technical welding techniques. I've learned something here... Thanks, Roger

[T. Cotten]

I know very little about specialized, highly technical welding techniques as well, Roger...

The thermite comment was tongue-in-cheek, maybe.

What little I know suggests welded rods are not a great idea.

.,.,.Cotten