Knock knock!!! Something in my 85 SVO wants out!!

[pstocker]

Crank rebuild...Get it machined or buy a new one?

Well, I got the engine torn down and the crank out. I pretty much found the problem with my knock. The rod bearings are all worn down past the aluminum bushings and into the copper behind them, particularly number one. The crank did not look too bad, just normal wear, no grooves or anything you can catch a fingernail on.

But, I want to do this right because I don't want it to be a problem down the road. I am not sure whether I want to buy a crankshaft kit with new oversized Clevite bearings, or if I get my own bearings and get the crank turned to match the new bearings? The machine shop is going to charge me $85.00 to check the crank and cut it to match the new bearings. What way should I go? If I go the crank kit, I get a warranty, not sure about the other way.

Input?

Yes, I am selling the car after the engine is back in, that is why I want to make sure I do it properly.

thanks

[blueboss]

You could go two ways.

1. Buy a new crank kit (std-std) and have it installed. You should *really* have the blocks main journals checked/line honed especially since you've fried a couple of rod bearings. This way will potentially save you a little money on machining if your main journals are true and if not, you're only paying for the mains to be machined and not mains/rods.

2. Reuse your old crank and have it (and possibly your block (see main journal comment above)) machined to accept oversize bearings.

Either way is acceptable. It's just a matter of where you want to spend your money. BTW, you're still going to have to get your rods inspected/resized or purchase new ones. At least one is oblong now.

If it were my money, all new rotating assembly and machine the block. But since you're selling, select a good machine shop and reuse what you can after a thorough inspection and treat it as if you're keeping it.