Right.

 

Penis that I am, I let the engine run low on oil recently and now I've got some mild big end bearing noise. So these have obviously taken some damage and I'm thinking about rectifying this before things get any worse.

 

Now opinions are very greatfully received on this as I'm not sure how to go about this or even if it's worth it. I've done this before on other cars from underneath with the engine in place. Does anyone know if this is possible, worthwhile and workable on a Z? If so, how easy is it? Pulling the engine isn't an option as I'm too busy etc.

 

So opinions please. Can it be done and how easy?

 

Cheers all

 

Mike

Engine out unforts m8. You'd have to remove the lower sub frame to get the sump off, only problem is, the engine is attached to it so you'd need to support it with a crane. With all the work involved it is gonna be quicker to remove the engine.

 

CheerZ,

 

Andy

You can do this with the engine still in the car

and change only the bearings.

But if the crank is worn, it most likely is, you must

pull the engine out.

The manual does suggest a method of removing the sump which appears at first quite straight forward. Presumably once the sump is removed, the big end bearing caps are easy to get out and remove. Thoughts?

Does this mean everyone's in agreement that it's a piece of piss?

IMHO the bearings wear a lot sooner than the crank, so you could well get away with just shells. I have done it many times, on other cars, with no probs. Many years ago the cranks used to wear but everything is so much more long lasting now. I would go for it.

IMO the crank is most likely worn when it has started to knock.

It is too late to change only the bearings.

 

I have changed the bearings in many 3000GT because they

tend to wear out soon, but it is done before it starts to make

a noise so it will be ok.

You may well be right, it just is not the way I have found things. The ony thing I will say is that everything seems to wear before its time on 3000gt's. Lol.

you could remove the bearing caps first and inspect the crank shaft before trying to remove the engine....then you will see if you can get away with just shell's....are you shure it is the big ends and not the small end's this might be worth checking out first...?

Thanks for the advice guys. Yes it's definately the big ends, I've come to recognise the noise.

 

So, I'll probably give it a go from underneath the car then. Can't imagine the shell bearings are too much and in my innocent naivety it doesn't seem like a massive job!

 

Mike

While your at it try and do the mains as well. It is harder to do, because you have to "Push" the upper shells out of the way before working in the new ones. And you cant do them all (in all probability, for example rear main). But, if your big ends are worn your mains might be too. I have done it, not on a ZX, and even though a couple were missed it was OK. And as a minimum you need to look at them.