Hey all, read several post to determine if I have PMR or forged rods.
One post says the size of the plug, by the oil filter, is 5/16, and another 7/16. Getting ready to go to the hardware store to purchase some bar stock, and need to know the correct size.

Thanks for reply's, Tom

 

I thought you could just take it out with a 1/2" drive ratchet.

 

It takes 5/16 bar stock. I lucked out on my '01 and had forged rods so hope you do as well. Good luck!

7.3 Inspection Hole for Powdered Metal Rod Determination

 

You could look at the engine ser. number

Start of production thru 1425746 are Forged Rods.
1425747 thru 1440712 are Powdered Rods.
1446713 thru 1498318 are Forged Rods.
1498319 thru final production run are all powdered.

 

Just curious now, really dont know the difference in these rod, just heard forged is better. So out of curiousity now, where do you find the engine seriel number?

 

On the valve cover if the sticker is still there. If not you can look for it by the oil cooler where its scribed in the block, I have apicture but I cant find it for you.

 

Do a search here for 'rod inspection' and you will see pictures.

Just picked up a 5/15 piece of bar stock at hardware store, $1.19, and will inspect rods in the morning when motor is cool. This will determine what injectors I go with. Keeping fingers crossed, gonna be a restless night.

 

Its my first weekend off in a long time, so im going to be lazy. Hence why I would rather just look at the seriel number.

 

 

Well it looks like I have powdered metal rods, and am limited to 400hp.

Cant figure out how to post a picture, or I would.

 

Looked at the drivers valve cover and have a ford sticker there with a bar code on it. The number on it is 1154032 which seems to be way off from the numbers that were posted on here. Is that the wrong number?

 

I dont know how you guys see anything. I pulled the plug and I cant see anything inside of the hole. Am I missing something?

 

Nothing comes out. The plug is above the oil pan.

Took me hitting the starter 5 times before I could see the nuts on the rods. Yes, I have forged rods. My truck was built 8-19-2000 and I bought it 9-19-2000.

 

I used my wifes magnifying mirror to look in the hole.

You changed your post on me.

 

Oh ok. So it doesnt hurt anything to hit the starter with the hole open?