Got the crank out today. Had to remove one of the rear engine gussets to get to the bolts on the sump. Had to remove the oil filter housing to get to the bolts on the rear gusset. Had to remove a turbo to get to the bolts on the oil filter housing. Got there in the end though!

 

Found why there was a slight knock. It was one of the big end bearings as suspected. Only problem now is I can't decide whether to just replace the bearings or have the crank ground. The knock was never that bad and most mechanics I showed it to couldn't even hear it!

 

So here, and below, are some pictures of what I've taken out. As always, opinions are gratefully received.

 

This is a picture showing half of the worn bearing next to half of a good one.

 

And this is the crankshaft where the bearing was removed from.

 

And just for reference here is part of the crank where a good bearing was removed from.

 

As you can probably see, the crank does appear slightly marked. But this will probably buff out. It still feels perfectly smooth to the touch.

 

Does anyone have an opinion as to whether I should regrind the crank or go with it as it is?

if its smoth then its ok, BUT if it has EVEN the smallest grove in it then get it reground

Mike there is a place in Blackburn where I will get my block horned that do regrounding of cranks.

 

Didnt take you long to get down that way. Was it a difficult job?

 

Stuart

agree with MTL, the slightest of groving will help knock out the new shell bearings, which you really dont want. a crank regrind really isnt that expensive anyway.

You can get a crank polish which will remove surface marks and still allow you to use standard bearings instead of a crank grind where you have to use oversize bearings.

 

Baz

Originally posted by sb007

You can get a crank polish which will remove surface marks and still allow you to use standard bearings instead of a crank grind where you have to use oversize bearings.

 

Baz

 

If the crankshaft is groved, then the only way to remove them is by removing metal!

I know, but obviously i mean if it isn't grooved, which it doesn't appear to be. It's not worth taking the risk if there is the slightest doubt, it's too bigger job to be doing over again in 2 months.

 

Baz

Looks like it'll polish out to me, either way just take it to your specialist then they will tell you whether it needs doing.

Thanks guys. Stuart's place in Blackburn sounds like a good bet to me. I'll probably pop it down there and see what they think.

 

Do you have any contact details Stuart?

 

Cheers.