Hi all - for all the old timers who may be following my elevated wear level Used Oil Analysis ("UOA") thread, here - I have decided to bite the bullet and prepare for conrod bearing replacement and analysis of the used bearings.

For the benefit of someone reading this in future, please refer to Section 7-8 of the Repair Manual (PDF Page 230) which outlines acceptable tolerances and identify your OEM rod bearings.

Question for the brains trust - Would it be silly if I ordered 8 of every bearing, used the ones I require (possibly retaining an extra set depending on the combination) and then attempting to sell the remainder of the bearings? The source I am looking at (Amayama) does not accept returns - this method would allow me to borrow a hoist.

For completeness, I intend to order new rod bolts and also plasti-gauge the bearings. I have a set of AP2 banjo bolts which I will install if on hoist.

Alternatively, I could replace the bearings on my garage floor (space is limited) and just order the ones I need.

Grateful for any thoughts.

 

Have you inspected both the rod and main bearings? I would, if possible, before buying any parts.

Good luck with the fix!

 

Thanks for your advice. I haven't inspected anything yet - I was not going to check the mains unless the elevated wear numbers persist in subsequent oil changes, potentially indicating an issue with the mains or elsewhere.

 

If you end up pulling the engine out, check the mains. You'd hate to need to pull the darn thing out, again.

Good luck!

 

I'd also suggest checking the mains. It's not worth pulling the engine and doing all that work only to skip the mains. The rod bearings can be swapped without dropping the engine. The mains need the engine out. You're already going to have it out so do the mains, too.

 

the good ole' while you're in there. good time to also:

• replace your clutch
• timing chain & guides

 

Thanks all - I'm not pulling the engine out to do the rod bearings - I certainly would be checking the mains if I was, along with (as suggested) clutch kit, hoses, gaskets, thermostat etc!

I do have an OEM timing chain kit that I purchased a few years ago "just to have" that may go on at some stage too.

Space is a limiting factor at the moment - Rest assured the engine will be pulled if the rod bearings are changed and wear levels remain high (or if, god forbid - there is a failure).

My only question - Are the top and bottom connecting rod bearings always the same colour? Based on my limited research it appears the answer could be yes.

 

Yes. Main bearings will sometimes mix colors but con rod bearings will be the same.

 

Thank you!

 

No problem. You can get the service manual for your car at S2000.club if you don't already have it.