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Big end bearings ?


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BearHewett
New User

Jul 28, 2010, 7:15 AM

Post #1 of 11 (4815 views)
Big end bearings ? Sign In

Hi,

I have a Talbot Express 1985 campervan with a 2l Petrol engine which has done roughly 90000 miles and I think the big end bearings are gone.

My sister was driving the van when all of a sudden we heard a knocking noise. We pulled over onto the hard shoulder and I got out to find the oil gushing out of the sump bolt. We got towed back home where I replaced the sump bolt, changed the oil filter and refilled the van with oil. However on the test drive it soon became apparent that the engine was not working properly and soon the knocking noise returned. It became apparent the knocking noise appeared whenever we revved the engine so I asked a couple of friends round who are a little more mechanically minded and they all told me it was probably the big end bearings.

I know that the easy option would be to replace the engine or just take the van to a garage but I do not have much money and I would really like to learn to fix this by myself. Also I have been told to go to the garage plenty of times before and I have always managed to fix the problem by myself for free.

It was suggested that I should drain the oil and remove the sump so I could have a look at the big end bearings and the crankshaft. So I did. However now I have removed the sump I do not have a clue what I am looking at.

If I post a photo could anybody make any suggestions or explain what I am looking at ? and explain to me how I check the big end bearings ?

My camera is just charging so I will post the photo shortly.

Thanks

Edd Hewett


Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Hammer Time profile image

Jul 28, 2010, 8:00 AM

Post #2 of 11 (4798 views)
Re: Big end bearings ? Sign In

I'm not sure where the term "big end bearings" came from but I have never heard of it in 40 years. If either the main bearing or the rod bears started making that much noise, then you have extensive damage and at minimum your looking at rebuilding the engine, assuming it has no structural damage to the block. A used engine may be the better way to go.



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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.



chickenhouse
Enthusiast

Jul 28, 2010, 8:05 AM

Post #3 of 11 (4794 views)
Re: Big end bearings ? Sign In

Agreed HT, I don't think you can fix it yourself for free this time. I guess you know that to replace the crank bearings the trans has to be removed also. Then there is the front of the engine that has to come apart. So you are looing at removing the engine to start with. Good luck. Be safe


Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Hammer Time profile image

Jul 28, 2010, 8:52 AM

Post #4 of 11 (4792 views)
Re: Big end bearings ? Sign In

The crankshaft is likely damaged also.



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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.



BearHewett
New User

Jul 28, 2010, 9:28 AM

Post #5 of 11 (4786 views)
Re: Big end bearings ? Sign In

Ok well I was told it was the big end bearings. I googled big end bearings and maybe this will help you understand what I mean:
A big end is the larger of the two ends of a con-rod. But what most people mean by a "big end" is the big end bearing, the bearing shell inside the con-rod. This is the bearing that goes around the crank-shaft. When this bearing is worn, there is a knocking sound at low speeds. Hence "My big end's gone"

or

U.K. engine part: the larger end of the connecting rod in an internal-combustion engine


I was also told I should be able to take the crankshaft out and change the bearings without removing the engine (there is a lot of space around the engine). I want to try so please dont tell me to change the engine (I know that is always my back up solution).

here are some pics:
(it was hard to take them due to not being able to get the camera far enough away)

http://i892.photobucket.com/albums/ac126/bearhewett/PICT0009.jpg

http://i892.photobucket.com/albums/ac126/bearhewett/PICT0007.jpg


Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Hammer Time profile image

Jul 28, 2010, 9:51 AM

Post #6 of 11 (4782 views)
Re: Big end bearings ? Sign In

You want advice but you don't like the advice. You are in no way qualified to repair bearing damage to that engine and it cannot be done in the vehicle anyway.
Automotive machinists spend years and years learning how to do this properly. You suddenly think you make a couple posts in a forum and that makes you an engine builder. If you insist on repairing that engine, then remove, strip it and send it to the machine shop.



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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.



Loren Champlain Sr
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Jul 28, 2010, 5:42 PM

Post #7 of 11 (4775 views)
Re: Big end bearings ? Sign In

Edd; I read the posts. LOL.. I think something is getting lost in the translation. Two similar countries, divided by a common language. Globe: Bulb
Earth: Ground Lift: Hoist. Isn't it funny? Big end bearings: Connecting rod bearings, or just "Rod Bearings". These are the ones where the connecting rods connect to the crankshaft. Main bearings are the ones that connect the crankshaft to the engine block. Don't know the English term for those, though. The 'rod' bearings can be done on the vehicle without removing the engine if you can get the oil pan off. But, you have to make sure that the cranshaft journals have not been damaged from lack of oil. The main bearings require dropping the crankshaft a bit and making sure the journals aren't damaged. Almost always, this requires removing the engine. If you have to go this far, you may as well do what we call, a crank kit. Crankshaft with rod and main bearings. Replacing the rings will require removing the cylinder head.
Loren
SW Washington


BearHewett
New User

Aug 8, 2010, 7:47 AM

Post #8 of 11 (4759 views)
Re: Big end bearings ? Sign In

Hey Loren,

Thanks so much, I think you helped explain and clear a few things up there which I could not.

I have been away on hols for a week and now im back im really keen to get this van going again. What i would like to know now though is how do you drop the crankshaft a bit and check the journals ? ( and although i think ive guessed, what are the journals? )

I know im not a mechanic but I really want to learn and I dont care if it takes me 20 years I really enjoy trying to fix this van myself. Also I have spoken (briefly) to an experienced Talbot Express owner who says you can change the bearings and crankshaft without removing the engines.

Cheers

Edd


Sidom
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Sidom profile image

Aug 8, 2010, 9:17 AM

Post #9 of 11 (4752 views)
Re: Big end bearings ? Sign In

While it is possible, if it came down to having to removing the crankshaft I would pull the motor.

There is is a lot of stuff that will need to be remove to pull it. The tranny & frt balancer and then you are going to be trying to get it out and back in with out hitting any of the studs on the connecting rods (best to cover them with rubber hose). One little knick on one of the journals and you're done.

Depending on how bad the bearing was the crank may need to be turned, polished at a minimum...

You can give it a shot in the car but for the best chance at success it would be best to send the crankshaft out to be polished or turned.


re-tired
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Aug 8, 2010, 9:48 AM

Post #10 of 11 (4747 views)
Re: Big end bearings ? Sign In

Edd , I admire your determination . But I do not wish to see you waste your time and hard earned euro's . Yes it is possible to remove the main bearig caps witch will allow the crankshaft to drop a few MM . You can then slide out the bearing (which is actually a bushing )with a upper and lower half. BUT****Your eng has a knock sound ,which means the soft bushing material has worn thru and you have steel hitting against steel which has caused damage .. Sorta like beating a round polished steel tube with a hammer. If you slide in new bushings , they will be destroyed in short time by rough surface. In order to repair/replace the shaft you must remove it . Both ends of the shaft extend past the block housing . On one end the flywheel and transmissionis mounted to it the other has timing chain /gears. This why you must remove the eng for repairs.

This is not your eng . But gives you a idea what we are talking about.



LIFE'S SHORT GO FISH

(This post was edited by re-tired on Aug 8, 2010, 10:00 AM)


Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
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Aug 8, 2010, 11:16 AM

Post #11 of 11 (4738 views)
Re: Big end bearings ? Sign In

This whole idea is foolish and will be a big waste of money and once you take this all apart and realize that your way over your head, no one else is going to want to take on the job at that point.



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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.







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