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[Greenbat]

Good news at last! Owner bought in a spare barrel and piston in much better shape than the one fitted, and it matches the head (got the pushrod tunnel bolt holes).
We're going with a new rod. Someone I spoke to seems to remember hearing of putting a different rod in the 250s for strength, possibly from an RE twin. Anyone know what he might mean?

[Mark M]

Greenbat, you don't need to look for a different rod if you're using the GT rod (the later type with Allen screw big end bolts) as there's nothing wrong with it. The journal size is 1.75" which is going to limit choice, very few British manufacturers achieved this anyway, I think Triumph only got to this size in the 80s! The 250 rod is the same length as the 500 Twins but seriously, unless you're going racing (in which case The Caped Crusader may have something to add,) you'll be fine! Finally, there is a dedicated Crusader site at http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/Cru ... cal_group/ so come and join us for lots of dedicated info!
REgards, Mark

[Greenbat]

Morning,

Hitchcocks only do the earlier bolt up rod,my thinking is if I can get a better rod that will drop straight in then it seems sensible to do so. If you're going to spend money, might as well make it better! I'll keep an eye out for the allen bolt rods on ebay, but I plan starting the rebuild in a week.

[Greenbat]

Morning,

Engine had a full strip, which revealed more horrors. Big end was barely nipped up! Progress reports here: http://oldnailsandswarf.blogspot.co.uk/

I'm pleased to say Hitchcocks do the later, allen bolt big end rod. It's very nice.