Re: Connecting Rod Alignment?

Posted by PackardV8 On 2008/4/8 8:03:18

Just to be sure, try to get an authoritive answer or documentation on which side of the block that the T slot is supposed to go to. Mite consult other makes or later Packard manuals on this.

In all engines i've seen with T slot pistons the T slot is suppossed to be OPPOSITE the thrust side of the block. i.e should face the LEFT side (drivers side) of the block. The T slot is not an oiling slot as many people think. The T slot is an expansion joint and is the weak part of the piston. Not likely, but it is possible to run into solid skirted replacement pistons.

Look at the T slots to be sure they are not cracked. They usualy crack from the bottom of the piston skirt up to the hole at the bottom of the leg of the T slot. This crack can be difficult to see sometimes unless u grab the piston with your thumbs inside of each side of the piston and try to spread the skirt apart.

Hopefully someone has a manual or other reasonable documentation that will verify the T slot orientation or that will refute my claim.

Also compare the T slots to see if there are any obvious size and shape differences. I'm just curious if there are different T slots within the engine.