Splayed or twisted rod 3.2

[celticsam]

So, I finally dropped the pan to replace my rod bearings due to a light rod knock that began 10 odd miles ago. The rod on the first rear cylinder (number 2?) appears bent. The cap had to be (gently) tapped off, the bearing is flattened and protruding around both ends of the rod on the bottom. The bolts on the rod appear slightly splayed outwards. Crank shows no sign of galling, nor does the dod itself. Everything mics out fine. The other 5 rods look to be "normal" with the top end having just begun to wear through the first layer of the bearings. The question is, is it worth replacing the bearings, or should I start looking for a new 3.2? As an aside, the engine only has 70K ish on it, 94 SHO...

Neil Samuels

 

[yamahaSHO]

The big end of the rod is now out-of-round. I would, at a minimum, replace that rod.

 

[celticsam]

I was thinking the same thing. I was hoping not to have to pull the heads...it may be a waste of time, but I was planning to plastigauge the rod (if I can) on the top, bottom and as far up the sides as permitting and hope for an even read. Not really expect, but hope...

 

[rubydist]

pics please

 

[celticsam]

Pics as requested...

 

[celticsam]

And another...

 

[celticsam]

Can you just feel the carnage? Uggggg.... That one on the end was the rod closest to the flywheel. Jeff hadn't taken that one out yet...just the one to the far right (which is the one closest to the balancer). The 2 end rod bearings are pulverized...the middle 4 are fine. We put in new bearings (OK...he put in new bearings) figuring at this point, worst that can happen is it will knock again. No 7K blasts for this old girl anymore....

Neil

 

[yamahaSHO]

Pics of the crank and rod (top of big end as well), por favor.

The rod is definitely no good.

 

[celticsam]

We're putting it back together for an attempt at firing it tomorrow. If it knocks...even a little, the engine will come out and apart. Pictures will be taken then. Shame...this is what happens when you lend you beloved car to a teenage son for a month. That won't happen again either...

 

[kevinspann]

Looks like you spun at least two bearings. The one of the left (obviously) and the one to the far right.

 

[yamahaSHO]

You're going to waste a set of bearings and time doing that. Even if you don't hear it knock, I bet it spins within a week.

 

[celticsam]

Believe it or not, this engine still ran decent with a moderate knock. I don't know how far my son drove it knocking, but as for me, it went on a car dolly twice, and was moved in a driveway. The one bearing was spun for sure...the other was actually still in place nice as you please...just flatter than a pancake...

 

[rubydist]

well, they will run decent until one of those bearings just locks up and the rod exits the side of the block.

you have at least 2 rods that need replaced due to the spun bearings.

I only know of a couple guys who have tried to just put in new bearings after spinning a bearing, and in both cases the new bearing spun the first time the engine got over about 4k rpm. Jason is right, you are wasting a set of bearings to try running it w/o replacing rods.

 

[celticsam]

Yep. So...anyone have a spare 3.2? Honestly, if I'm going to go through the trouble to tear down this motor, I'm going to want to rebuild it right...which will cost much more than I'm willing to spend at this point. Or...should I say, anyone near Gettysburg, PA have a 3.2...

Neil

 

[SHOtimer]

I have extra rods/pistons from my old 3.2, if you want....

Doug

 

[SHOdded]

Could also PM Area91 or mrecoolgar for assistance/advice, both in PA.

 

[vortex2450]

And I thought I had carnage when i spun a bearing. That thing is screwed man.

-Josh

 

[celticsam]

So who's a betting man...or woman. Engine is running. 2n hour break in, and a grannie dirive, followed by a more norman drive. RPM's still have not exceeded 3000 rpm's. No knock so far, good oil pressure (yes, I put in a gauge), and all seems good. I found 2 junkyard 3.2's near DC for $189 each. One has 138K, one has 121K...the 121K is mine (or will be Monday). I'll do a light rebuild on it and swap engines when I'm done assuming the current engine holds together. That said, I'm looking at late summer for the swap...which means this engine has to hold together for 6-7 months, minimum. That said, where can I find new main bearings for the rebuild? They seem to be made of unobtainium...

Neil Samuels
Littlestown, PA

 

[yamahaSHO]

Take it to redline.

 

[AREA 91]

Take it to redline.