Changing out rod bearings

[White70C20]

Originally Posted by Jurassic-1

Is the engine running now? Are you sure it is not a lifter? It could be possible to have oil pressure if it is not too bad . I still would do a bit more research on it and check the oil and filter. You may get lucky and have a collapsed lifter or worn fuel pump and push rod.

I haven't had time to get it running yet. It has 2 year old fuel in the tank that I have to drain. I need to drain the oil and check the filter for metal shavings. It was suggested that I put thicker oil in it and try starting it. I was thinking about using diesel engine oil (15W40) or something like that. I hadn't thought about the fuel pump/pushrod going out. Could that make a hammering/knocking sound? I'll have Monday off, so hopefully I'll get it running then.

[White70C20]

Also, it's a 4 speed manual.

[Boog]

My thoughts on this is use a standard weight oil to get it running. And see what condition it's in.. A heavier weight oil might mask a bearing issue. There can be any number of problems in that engine. It's better to find out right away.
People just don't park good running vehicles. If the owner parked that truck he had to think it had a serious engine problem.
Trying to replace just the rod bearings to keep it going is a crap shoot at best. You would be money and time ahead looking for a good used running engine to drop in it.
305's are out there and cheap. Few people want them.
I don't mean to rain on your parade and kill your enthusiasm but save you some work and money. Setbacks after some hard work can kill a project quick.

[White70C20]

Perhaps I should've said this already. After almost everyone who's posted to my thread has advised me not to replace the rod bearings, I've decided not to.

I don't have to work on Monday, I am going to change the oil and filter. Prime the fuel system, and try to get it to start. As Jurassic - 1 said, it very well could be a bad lifter or the fuel pump pushrod making the noise. I personally haven't heard the knocking noise yet. My plan is to get it running, let it idle, and listen to see if I can tell where it is coming from. I don't have access to a mechanic's stethoscope, nor do I have the money to buy one (I have enough for a battery, oil/filter, and a little bit of gas).

One question: if it starts knocking immediately after I start it (which it likely will), how long should I let it run to determine where it's coming from? This is the first knocking engine I've ever dealt with.

[tcrist]

You do not have to have a mechanic's stethoscope. It just makes it easier because you have something your ears to block out other noises. You can use a long piece of wood, a long metal bar or something like that and hold it to your ear while moving the other end around trying to pinpoint the location. Just be sure that you are careful around any moving parts.

Is there anyone close to the OP that can help?

[White70C20]

Thanks, I'll have to find a long piece of wood/metal.

If it's a lifter, will it be coming more from the top end of the engine? I just want to have some sort of an idea so I can differentiate between a lifter or a rod bearing. Any suggestions?

[White70C20]

Originally Posted by tcrist

You do not have to have a mechanic's stethoscope. It just makes it easier because you have something your ears to block out other noises. You can use a long piece of wood, a long metal bar or something like that and hold it to your ear while moving the other end around trying to pinpoint the location. Just be sure that you are careful around any moving parts.

Is there anyone close to the OP that can help?

I'm back home for the summer (all my car-guy friends from college are in their respective home states as well).

If it's a lifter, will it be coming more from the top end of the engine? I just want to have some sort of an idea so I can differentiate between a lifter or a rod bearing. Any suggestions?

If it's the fuel pump I'll replace it. If it's a lifter, I'll just drive it (maybe it'll pump back up). If it truly is a spun rod bearing, I won't run it very long. I'd like to be able to differentiate a rod bearing knock from a lifter knock.

[jjzepplin]

Ticking=top end. Thumping=bottom end. Ticking=fixable. Bottom=rebuild.

[tcrist]

If it is a lifter what you will probably be hearing is a loose rocker. That would be under the valve cover on each side of the engine. It might also be heard from the intake area next to the heads.


Remember, what your friend calls a KNOCK might not be a knock to others. There are different depths of knocks. Hard knocks & soft knocks to even just a rattle.

Where is home now? Maybe someone from the forum is close and can help. If you were close I would help but if you are in Kansas or Iowa that would not work out.

[White70C20]

Thanks! I appreciate the offer. I'm home in central Iowa (college is in central Kansas) for the summer. I'm only going to be able to work on the truck in the evenings since I start my summer job this week. It'll be odd hours, so I think it'd be hard scheduling someone from the forum to come here to help.

I've still got all afternoon today and all day tomorrow to get it running. With the new knowledge I've gotten from all of you guys I should be able to determine where the knock is coming from.

[White70C20]

It's alive!!! After sitting for two years in my friend's backyard, I was able to get it started. And Good news!!! It's more than likely not a spun rod bearing that was knocking. When changing the oil yesterday, I noticed three penny to nickel sized holes in the Y pipe. Boy did it make a racket when I started it up. I can see how my friend thought it was a bearing knock.
Now as soon as I can get all the lights to work I can go out for a drive!

[GRX]

Exhaust leaks? And you got us all worked up over rod bearings for nothing. But seriously. Good news!

[White70C20]

Originally Posted by GRX

Exhaust leaks? And you got us all worked up over rod bearings for nothing. But seriously. Good news!

It would appear so. I really did appreciate the advice and suggestions.
Thanks again!

[hamjet]

I still say its a rod bearing. tear the engine out, and as long as you're at it go for another tranny, gotta play it safe ya know... Just kidding, happy day, good luck and happy motoring...