Are there any key indicators, tricks, or techniques to know when a rod needs to be replaced? I noticed a few scratches on the back plate and rod where they rubbed together. Is this a signal that a rod needs replacement? My 7 Port is about 2 gal old and I babied it (Heat cycled and light runs)for about 1 gal and preheated before every run. I just replaced the bearings with TKO ceramics and I was wondering if the rod needs to go. I have a race this Sat. Will the rod giver me a few more runs? 2 practice, 2 quals, a 1 main.