Our First Issue - Back to Archive

First and foremost, WELCOME to Carrillo's initial "leap" into the cyberspace universe. If you are an existing or potential user of our parts or even just an interested party, I would suspect that you are aware that we do not typically dedicate time, effort or funds to the advertising or promotion arenas as most of our competitors do. Mr. Fred Carrillo established this philosophical position many years ago. His feeling was that since we supply so many venues and make what is often a very unique part, it would not be in the best interests of our customers to arbitrarily dispense resources on such things as advertising and promotions. As an alternative, we have attempted to maintain exceptional relations with the end user and answer their particular requirements; rather than cater to the "mass market" by supplying the industry with what the manufacturer has available rather than what the end user wants or requires.

The above details are the basis of our initiation of a Web presence. We will use this forum to actively stay "in touch" with those of you who are interested in information relative to our products. We do not intend to employ our comments as a promotional or advertising effort; hopefully, it will be simply informative. Specific details as to orders, inventory, timing, etc., will not be addressed on our Web site at this time.

Most of the common questions and important details are addressed in the pages of our brochure, which represents the first pages of this site. From time to time, I am sure we will repeat information; but I assure you that it heeds repeating. As a first effort at offering additional information, I would like to address fastener details. Here we go!

Fasteners #1 (As I am sure there will be more!)
Carrillo Industries employs two (2) materials in the manufacture of the fasteners. The first is H-11 tool steel, most likely very familiar to anyone in the high-end automotive business. This material has been a "standard" in the aerospace industry for many years; but it has recently lost popularity because it is subject to oxidation. Within an oil-saturated environment, oxidation is not a concern; therefore, H-11 is an acceptable material and it offers superb mechanical properties that will accept repeated installation. This material also offers a very high degree of consistency. The raw material supply is very tightly controlled and we accept material from only two (2) very qualified suppliers. The two (2) part numbers manufactured by Carrillo Industries that use H-11 material are WMC6 (3/8") and WMC7 (7/16").

The second material employed is the Multiphase^® alloy. This is a non-ferrous, very high strength material that we use 1/4", 5/16", 3/8" and 7/16" fasteners. These fasteners are designed to be assembled and re-assembled for the life of the connecting rod and are typically much more costly due to the raw materials and processing involved.

We are very pleased with the fact that our entire fastener line has what is recognized as the most enviable durability record within the high performance connecting rod industry. This record is a result of testing and qualification standards that surpass any typically used today in the aerospace or automotive environments. We have worked closely with SPS-Technologies to reach the quality and durability standards that are the pinnacle of the industry. We are very proud of our lengthy association with this highly respected supplier.

The above paragraphs illustrate the amount of experience we have had relative to our fastener line. Because of our experience and expertise, we ask that you follow some of the tried and true operational efforts we put forth; notably, it is our request that the fastener be stretched. Realize that each fastener that is installed in a tension-tension-loaded system such as ours is designed to work much like a rubber band. The lineal distance that the rubber band stretches equates with the load exhibited between the two end points. The same concept is in effect with the fastener in a connecting rod; in contrast, torque figures, or even "angle-gauging" is a simple result of friction. When a customer insists upon using torque ratings as an indicator, we suggest that the assembler simulate a test, please do not actually practice this on a part. First, we ask the assembler to "roll over" the third thread down in the connecting rod; then assemble the cap and rod and torque the bolt as indicated. Obviously, the torque rating would be met; but most likely, the under-head of the fastener would not be touching the spot face. Nor would the overall length of the fastener be any longer (stretched) than it was statically.

Along these same lines, we are often approached about fastener lube. Our major concern is that the fastener exhibits the correct stretch from the relaxed position. We are aware of a fastener lubricant on the market which requires approximately sixty (60) pounds of indicated torque on a 7/16 SPS-CARR fastener to reflect .007" stretch. Using our recommended lubricant, the same stretch figure is reflected with 100 pounds indicated torque. PLEASE STRETCH FASTENERS PER CARRILLO INSTRUCTIONS.

Please see our "Product Installation" page for more information about connecting rod installation and bolt stretch.

Thanks for taking your time to look us over, come see us again...

Regards,
Fred Carrillo and Jack Sparks
CARRILLO INDUSTRIES