Spun bearing replacement...or...how tough is the engine?

Andy · Post by **Andy** » Wed Jul 12, 2006 10:22 pm

OK, so I'm the FIRST to admit it's not the best way to do things...but sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do to keep something running.

Had 2 spun bearings on a '64 318 Poly (Mopar) engine...pulled the pan, threw on new bearings, and called it good. The engine ran (like a top) till the day I sold it, about 5000 miles later.

Same thing on a Chevy 350, but only one bearing.

Of course, a few good oil/filter changes were done as well, to remove any particles I could.

As I said...I know it's not the best way.

I'm considering the purchase of a '75 Spider, that has a spun bearing. To get me through the summer...as inexpensively as possible...I'm considering pulling the pan, and throwing new bearings in, assuming the crankshaft isn't completely screwed. Anyone think this is a really bad idea (I know it's not optimal!!)?

For the summer, until I can do a full rebuild on it?

Thanks.
Andy

So Cal Mark · Post by **So Cal Mark** » Wed Jul 12, 2006 10:54 pm

so you'll risk destroying the engine block, etc with a thrown rod? why?

Jim DeShon · Post by **Jim DeShon** » Thu Jul 13, 2006 2:26 pm

Why waste your labor to save a few bucks ? These things are so cheap to work on, fix it right the first time. I figure it's going to take about $1,000 to go clear thorugh my 1800 this summer, including new pistons. ...J.D.

P.S. What's with all the spun bearings ?

racydave · Post by **racydave** » Thu Jul 13, 2006 5:43 pm

I would not get away with it, never ever. And just think of what all metal it could pump around inside your eng. I couldnt do it. At least save the crank while you still can.

brad131a4 · Post by **brad131a4** » Tue Jul 18, 2006 2:46 am

Hell I'd go for it. I remember being a poor college student that didn't have the money to replace a rod bearing that went bad. I pulled the pan got new bearings and even had to drill new oil holes because they changed the design in the middle of the year on my car and the parts place didn't have them. They were open on a sunday and were the only place in town that had them for a fiat. The crank was fine no marks at all the bearing was toast. I put all the new bearing in and cleaned out the bottom of the motor and pan. I got 60,000 more miles out of the motor with out a problem from the bottom end. If I had the money back then like most of us have now I probably would have pulled the motor and done a complete rebuild but like someone said earlier the motors are fairly cheap so if she goes well I guess it's a good time to rebuild.

So Cal Mark · Post by **So Cal Mark** » Tue Jul 18, 2006 10:11 am

the key to your success was that you said the crank was fine. If the crank isn't round anymore, or scored, or cracked then the likely result is a broken block when the rod seizes

racydave · Post by **racydave** » Tue Jul 18, 2006 6:40 pm

If your bearing spun, and took out the locking in place notch in rod, or are Fiats different?

Jim DeShon · Post by **Jim DeShon** » Thu Jul 20, 2006 6:01 pm

This is something I might do on my "beater" that I drive to work but, not on my toys ! ...J.D.

brad131a4 · Post by **brad131a4** » Sun Jul 23, 2006 1:45 pm

I'm with you on that one Jim. I know that if a bearing went on my spider the motor would be out the next day. That being said I know that there are some people out there that don't have the same time , money or location to be able to do these things so sometimes thing just aren't going to be perfect. I'll help anyone on there spider to get it running for donations to my car or garage because I have the tools ,space and time for the most part and I want to see them running and being used.

Jim DeShon · Post by **Jim DeShon** » Mon Jul 24, 2006 5:54 pm

I have the shop and the tools but, time and energy are starting to fail. I'll be 61 this fall and I'm beginning to feel it. I also still work full time 47 miles from home in another trade. I don't get out into the shop as many hours as I used to. ...J.D.

brad131a4 · Post by **brad131a4** » Tue Jul 25, 2006 1:40 am

Sounds good for the age Jim. I just got on with the local school district as one of two electricians just because I got tired of the commute and the bs with some of the other trades. Traded the high pay for stability and payed sick time and vacations and some hella benefits. Its also only 15 minutes from the house on back roads and no pressure from the top . Its also nice that half the guys there and the supreme ruler are car nuts with all sorts of muscle cars , extreme 4x4s and a few sports cars. What's nice now is I have even more time to hit the lake and wakeboard and still have time to work on the cars.

So Cal Mark · Post by **So Cal Mark** » Tue Jul 25, 2006 1:57 am

sounds like heaven!

Jim DeShon · Post by **Jim DeShon** » Wed Jul 26, 2006 1:19 am

I did over 20 years in the highrise buildings as an engineer in L.A. until my body couldn't do it anymore. I am now working for the state. Less money and benefits but, a tenth the pressure. I'm trying to get back to a life where I have other things in life besides work. Just want to retire and tinker in my shop, ride my motorcycle etc. but...not yet. ...J.D.