On Wed, 29 Nov 1995, W. R. Gibbons wrote:
> It would work. However, it is traditional to take the head off, to
> appease the mechanical spirits that live in the cylinders. If they get
> angry, they cause no end of trouble.
True, but removing the spark plugs often will appease those spirits. ;-)
> More seriously, you could do it. However, except in very rare
> circumstances, it would be a waste of time. In my experience, anyway, rod
> bearing failure usually is associated with other wear that cannot be fixed
> without removing the crankshaft, which requires removing the engine, etc.
I think you're right about out-and-out failure, but I've renewed warn
bearings several times in various British and pseudo-British (Volvo)
engines with good results. Years ago (while the earth was still cooling
and you could actually find BMC and Triumph dealers) my favorite parts
counter person told me that a number of knowledgeable racers of cars
with the BMC A-series engine would change bearing shells almost as a
normal maintenance item. Perhaps that was 6-7 ounces of prevention, but
it still beat the proverbial pound of cure.
As always, FWIW, IMS, YMMV....
Andy Mace
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