Lock Nuts

[DaWizard]

I have been sitting here pondering the need for castellated nuts and cotter pins.

I understand Henry was thinking, "damn thing needs a bolt and nut, but does it need a split washer or cotter pin?"

I hear him saying that the cotter pin was cheaper than a split washer. There is no doubt in my mind he went with the cheapest of the options.

Now, today with all the alternatives, Nylock, Deformed Thread, etc. why, other than Fine Point, are we stuck with trying to find that damned hole through the end of that bolt stuck way up out of reach when a lock nut would do as good or better job and without as much muss and fuss?

I am constipating pulling the pan and instead of crown nuts, replacing the main and rod nuts with lock nuts. It works for the latest cars, why not the old cars?

I want a driving car, not a fine point trailer queen.

[Rowdy]

Many have switched to locknuts of one sort or another. I would stay clear of the teflon in this application. There are some full metal locknuts, but I do not have the technical name in front of me, but I am sure someone will have it along with a supplier and possibly a part number before I get home late tonight. Rod

[tbirdtbird]

In my experience nylocks are a great product but I have seen them loosen.
To me, today's lock washers are cheap, unlike the ones of yesteryear. Even the grade 8 locks. Look carefully, after they have been tightened the first time, then removed, the spring of the washer has gone and it is now totally flat, and not digging in. Which means it can no longer be a lock washer. I have a pile of original A locks that still have the spring to them and function as they should. For rods especially I still use castle nuts c/ cotters.
In many places I use ARP nuts, which are very hi quality

Your mileage may vary.....

[newshirt]

I think a lot of owners just enjoy the originality of those castle nuts and other parts that could easily be upgraded, even if their cars will never be judged in fine point. They enjoy originality in all aspects of the car. Keeping the car as close to factory (as they can afford) is part of the joy of ownership for some.

[Mitch]

yep thats part of the character and experience

[Rowdy]

Made it home and the locknuts best to use are Marsden nuts. Not sure where to buy them. May take some research to find them. Rod

[tbirdtbird]

Try here
https://www.amkproducts.com/bulk2.as...e=Marsden+Nuts

My understanding is that they go on the opposite way of what you think. Should only be used once.
Have never used them.
Am working on a '47 Stude pickup that uses tons of them

anyone with direct experience?

[DaWizard]

What I was planning to do was pull the valve cover, pan and check the rods and mains for clearance then once they are set, run the lock nut down and torque to specs, not looking to off and on the lock nuts, so the Marsden nuts should work fine. I do understand they are a one use nut, which works just fine for my app.

[Chuck Sea/Tac]

I've seen some rods with little jam nuts holding the regular ( not castigated) nut. In fact I think my engine is that way, although I've never had the pan off. 32,000 miles. I didn't build it.