Who is correct regarding the effects of a twisted or bent connecting rod?

A twisted or bent connecting rod can have significant effects on an engine's performance and durability. When assessing the impact of such a condition, it is important to recognize how the connecting rod functions within the engine. Its primary purpose is to connect the piston to the crankshaft, translating the linear motion of the piston into rotational motion for the crankshaft.

When a connecting rod is bent or twisted, it can lead to several adverse effects. Firstly, it can compromise the engine's ability to maintain proper alignment and clearance between the piston and cylinder wall. This misalignment can cause increased friction, leading to accelerated wear or even catastrophic failure of engine components over time. Additionally, such deformation can alter the engine's balance, potentially resulting in increased vibrations and reduced efficiency.

Furthermore, the distortion of the connecting rod can affect the combustion process itself, leading to misfire issues or an imbalance in fuel-air mixture distribution. This ultimately can lead to performance problems, such as loss of power, rough idling, and decreased fuel economy.

In essence, a bent or twisted connecting rod not only affects the immediate function of the piston but can also cause a cascading effect on the engine's overall operation and health. Therefore, both technicians likely pointed out valid consequences of this condition