Final answer:
In checking for damage and wear on connecting rods, the rod center-to-center length is least likely to be checked because it typically remains consistent unless extreme force is applied, whereas rod straightness, small end bore condition, and big end bore out-of-round are more commonly inspected for regular wear and damage.
Step-by-step explanation:
When checking connecting rods for damage and wear, the least likely item to be checked is the rod center-to-center length. Typically, during an inspection, the focus is on the rod straightness, small end bore condition, and big end bore out-of-round because these are areas that are most prone to wear and damage that can impact the engine's performance. The center-to-center length is normally consistent from the manufacturer and does not usually change unless there is extreme force or damage, which is less common compared to other types of wear. However, if there is a reason to suspect that the rods have been stretched or compressed, then the center-to-center measurement would be taken into consideration.
When checking connecting rods for damage and wear, the least likely thing to be checked is the rod center-to-center length. This measurement refers to the distance between the center of the big end and the center of the small end of the connecting rod.
On the other hand, the rod straightness should be checked to ensure that the rod is not bent or warped, which can affect its performance.
The condition of the small end bore and big end bore out-of-round should also be checked to ensure that they are in good shape and can securely hold the piston pin and crankshaft.