Checking Alu rods

What are the latest methods for checking aluminum rods and their bolts as to when to pitch them and when they can still be run. putting together older blown 520 BBC . It has been sitting for awhile (1998) after it was freshened. people are saying to pitch the C&A rods due to stress corrosion cracks from sitting so long torqued up. They look good and I don't see any cracks near the bolt holes. What do I need to know to keep from sticking one of these new/old rods through the side of the block. This is a low boost, low RPM(7500) deal in a 1700lb. FED.

 

The rule with aluminum rods is, when in doubt, throw 'em out.

 

If they were torqed since 98, they are junk... Period...

 

would you be willing to post picture of the cracks? So far I havn't seen them in my old rods but would like to compare to the ones you have that show definite cracking.That way I can be sure of what I am seeing.

 

Robert do you know if this just with forged rods or with plate rods also.

 

So, they were fake?

Sorry, I couldn't resist......................................

 

I would say the washers were on backwards..Dave

 

I was the person who had the set of rods Robert is speaking about. I bought them new for an engine I was building and never completed about 2004/2005. Had them in the original box in a cabinet in my garage. When I decided to not finish the engine I sold parts to Robert. Bolts had never been removed since assembled by C&A. I believe they were his "deep cycle" rods. I remember he said he had just sold 10 sets to Doug Herbert. They each had 1 to 3 cracks from rod part line upward through to the threads for a half to an inch long. Could not believe it !!!!!! Bob Brissette