Hi, Guys and Gals:
I haven`t contributed to the list on line for a while, but would welcome
some advice on rod bearing replacement. This is for my 65 Midget 1098 CC-
55,000 miles.
Last oil change, I noticed a few sparkles in the drained oil. I cut open
the filter and found some metallic debris. I haven`t dropped the pan yet
before I get my thoughts together, but I`m sure a bearing has failed.
The engine is smooth and quiet and good oil pressure. 60+ warm at
highway, 25-35 hot idle. The car isn`t run much, so the oil is changed about
twice a year, this filter about 800 miles. I hope whatever happened may have
only recently occurred, maybe due to an excessive fast idle malfunction on
cold start that I neglected. Then, I`ve also heard that 50K miles on bearings
is about the limit.
I`ve had the car from new, done all maintenance myself, but not bearings
before. Live and learn. Plenty questions, but here`s a start.
What is a source for good quality bearings ? I don`t want to end up doing
the job twice because of cheap parts that don`t fit and can`t last.
Will standard size bearings be adequate or will I routinely need
undersize?
Although I hear that big end rod bearings are the first to give up, is
it possible to remove the crank bearings for inspection without pulling the
engine?
As a kid, 50 years ago, I worked at a garage and remember the mechanics
had some way of doing the crank bearings in the car, even grind the crank in
place. Unfortunately, I didn`t pay attention.
Should I place sealer on the flange side of the front and rear U seals or
put them in dry?
With all those little bolts, I expect getting the pan back in place
without the two-piece gasket moving around is going to be tricky. Is there
some way of making this easier?
Can I get enough debris out of the out of the motor without stripping the
oil pump as the manual says?
The job appears to be pretty straight-forward; although I`ve found that
nothing ends up being easy, particularly the first time. Some of you racers
probably do this in your sleep.
When the MG is working again, I`m planning to replace the Bugeye bearings
just as a precaution. As I said, live and learn.
Any advice would be appreciated. Cheers,
Bert Shirey
65 Midget MK II
60 Bugeye
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