Can I run a motor with three through rods

[ChrisL]

Hi, i am rebuilding a 3/4 hp Tristar motor and one of the through rods just would not come loose and broke. Does anyone know if I can run the motor with just three rods keeping the motor together?

Thanks

 

[Texas Splash]

This is one of those situations where you might get away with it, but is it good to do? Kind of like driving a car with only 3 or 4 lug nuts on the wheel. Yeah, it will work ........... for a while. But when you least expect it - boom. So the TFP textbook answer would be to not run it until you can get a 4th thru-bolt to keep it safe & sound. Now what you elect to do on your own .... well .... just be safe.