<VV> Resurrection Blues

[AeroNed@aol.com]

In a message dated 11/9/2004 10:40:07 PM Central Standard Time,  
contactsmu@sbcglobal.net writes:

They  will need to be replaced also I would 
gather; or should I just do ALL of  them?  Can I replace the rod 
bearings while the engine is in the car  and is this commonly done?  I 
have (had?) brand new cast pistons from  Clark's, newly ground 
cylinders, and a complete set of main and rod  bearings.  How do I go 
about checking the main bearings?  Is  there a "pull and push" test for 
them or will I have to take the engine  out?  Lastly, how the hell does 
this happen to a new set of bearings  with less than two hours of 
service on them?  Did I not break it in  properly?



Stephen,
 
You could replace the rod bearing with the engine in the car but...
You should inspect the crank. Chances are that some of those metal shavings  
came from the crank. A bad crank means splitting the block. Matt can do that 
in  the car, but I think it's easier on the bench. Splitting the block is the 
only  way I know of to check the mains. While the block is apart you should 
also check  the cam journals too, no telling where those shaving went.
 
The cylinders and pistons should be fine. The mains may be OK. If your  lucky 
(I wasn't), the crank will be fine, maybe it will just need to be  polished. 
If it were me, I'd replace all the bearings.
 
Take all the rods to an engine shop or somehow measure the crank end of the  
rods. I'd bet they're your smoking gun.
 
Hang in there,
Ned