Rod bearings question

[rendyx]

About my rod bearings (or any for that matter):

1. How long can they be expected to last?
2. What hurts them generally?
3. How do you know if they're going?
4. How hard is replacing them, including lining the oil pan up properly when complete, and lowering the pan with oil in it?

 

[Mike Kopstain]

1. It depends on the maintenence, history of the car, how it's driven, etc. Too many variables really to give any answer.

2. High load, low RPM situations. This engine does not like that. The problem appears to be more common in MTX's because of this, as the ATX's are never put in a high load, low RPM sitaution unless they are towing something.

3. Oil pressure and sound. Three Gauges are priceless: oil pressure, Trans temp (ATX), and vacuum (despite what others say, it is the gauge that will tell you the most about your engines condition). At the very least I would have an oil pressure gauge installed. It should be able to indicate the problem before you hear anything.

4. The job is easy, but time consuming. The Y pipe and starter motor have to come down also. Don't skimp out here. You want to replace the oil. So just drain it rather thandrop the pan full.

Here is to hoping my Vacuum gauge reads over to the other side of the "0" some day. beer

<small>[ December 22, 2002, 08:00 PM: Message edited by: Mikeys_Taurus ]</small>

 

[rendyx]

Mikeys_Taurus: 3. Oil pressure and sound. Three Gauges are priceless: oil pressure, Trans temp (ATX), and vacuum (despite what others say, it is the gauge that will tell you the most about your engines condition). At the very least I would have an oil pressure gauge installed. It should be able to indicate the problem before you hear anything.

So how hard is putting in those gauges? I have been thinking about an A-pillar gauge set (perhaps oil pressure, a secondaries gauge, and ???) Thanks

 

[DavidT]

I put in an oil pressure guage, and I am a novice at best, when it comes to mechanical work.

At the very least I would have an oil pressure gauge installed. It should be able to indicate the problem before you hear anything

So what kind of readings would be bad? (I get as low as 12 psi at idle)

 

[pjtoledo]

,,,,,,,,
Here is to hoping my Vacuum gauge reads over to the other side of the "0" some day.,,,,,, beer [/QB]

You want the vacuum gauge on the other side of Zero??? Real easy,,just burn a couple of intake valves!!! You'll see real neat pulses all over the place. Right on about the remainder of your info.

Perry Toledo,Ohio