Farm Equipment - WD/WD45 connecting rods

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WD/WD45 connecting rods

Printed From: Unofficial Allis
Category: Allis Chalmers
Forum Name: Farm Equipment
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URL: https://www.allischalmers.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=29893
Printed Date: 27 Sep 2025 at 5:30pm
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Topic: WD/WD45 connecting rods

Posted By: redline
Subject: WD/WD45 connecting rods
Date Posted: 28 Apr 2011 at 10:37am

Are the lengths of connecting rods supposed to be different between the WD and the WD 45? I have a spare set of WD rods that will have a smaller crank bore for use with shims, and I have a bent rod in my 45-most likely from unsticking rusty cylinders, so I am wondering if there is a way to use what I have to get this thing going again. I looked at the other rods in the 45 and they all have the U3988 number forged into the beam, and my spare WD rods have the same number, which leads me to believe someone used the wrong rods with a 45 crank.

Can anyone enlighten me on this? I don't know if I can accurately measure the rod length on the bent rod to compare with others, and I haven't pulled the other three pistons yet to measure them.

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If it weren't for the last minute, I wouldn't get anything done!

Replies:

Posted By: mlpankey
Date Posted: 28 Apr 2011 at 10:41am

the rods are the same length 7.5 inches

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people if they don't already know it you can't tell them. quote yogi berra

Posted By: KGood
Date Posted: 28 Apr 2011 at 10:42am

They are the same length.

Posted By: Brian G. NY
Date Posted: 28 Apr 2011 at 10:44am

From all I've been able to find out, the rod (casting #U-3988) was used on all the 201/226 engines from the WC to the 170. I know for a fact that rods for a WD and a WD-45 are the same.

Posted By: redline
Date Posted: 28 Apr 2011 at 10:44am

Thank you. I suppose the pin placement in the piston makes up any differences. How wrong would it be to shim up one of my spare rods? Would the shims make enough weight difference to matter in one of these slow running engines?

I know I could have one machined to fit like the later style, but I don't have that kind of time. This thing is gonna be in the way if we ever get to plant corn. I am hoping that happens sometime in the near future.

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If it weren't for the last minute, I wouldn't get anything done!

Posted By: Chris/CT
Date Posted: 28 Apr 2011 at 10:48am

Have 2 NOS 226 rods. # 232569 if you need one. They were original Pt # 280006, re-labeled to 232569. Complete w/bolts,bearing's. On the rod itself say's; Atlas26/U-3988. Parts book only show's one number for WD/WD45G/W226 engine.

Posted By: Jordan(OH)
Date Posted: 28 Apr 2011 at 11:04am

I would plastigauge it and try it. Might not need any shims, my WD didn't. If it did I wouldn't worry at 1400 RPM.

Posted By: redline
Date Posted: 28 Apr 2011 at 11:38am

I think that might be what I try. I suppose I could put all 4 rods in it and shim them all, but I am gonna consider this option first. I see the listing shows part number 204720 for the shims.

Thanks for the help everyone. I wish time and distance weren't against me on the NOS rod offer. That would really be the best option.

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If it weren't for the last minute, I wouldn't get anything done!

Posted By: Larry B
Date Posted: 28 Apr 2011 at 12:29pm

i have a set from a wd45 if you need one.

Posted By: DrAllis
Date Posted: 28 Apr 2011 at 6:10pm

I was always taught WC's and WD's always had shims on the rod caps and main caps. WD45's had main cap shims and no rod cap shims. D-17's had no shims on mains or rods.

Posted By: redline
Date Posted: 29 Apr 2011 at 12:35pm

I got the shims through AGCO and shimmed the rod I had. The clearance worked out good, but someday there will be somebody else open that engine up and they will be bewildered. I don't have any concern about balance, I am sure they varied by at least that much on a regular basis anyway. It looks like this 45 will be put on the back burner for a little while. I am hoping to do a little field work in the next few days. Earning a living seems to take priority-doggone it.

Thank you for the offers of spare parts, and the advice offered.

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If it weren't for the last minute, I wouldn't get anything done!