Hey guys, I'm planning on getting started on my rod bearing replacement in a couple days here, and I wanted to see if anyone has done it by dropping the subframe and replacing them with the engine still in the car, and if they would recommend that vs. pulling the whole engine. Ive never pulled an engine before or done actual engine work, so this is all new to me. Thanks!

It'll be a heck harder doing it under the car for sure.

Seem like a major job that will involve piston rings, head gasket, seals .... since you're in the neighborhood.  Might as well pull the engine and do one overhaul.  One time and do it right the first time 😉

 

good luck!

 

These engines come out and go back in quite easy. The biggest problem I've continually experienced has been disconnecting the exhaust.

12 hours ago, Mark Maras said:

These engines come out and go back in quite easy. The biggest problem I've continually experienced has been disconnecting the exhaust.

Pulling the trans as well as the engine wouldn't be any easier than just pulling the engine, right? Just to make sure.

Either way is pretty easy. If you don't need to remove the trans, leave it in there. 

On 7/7/2022 at 8:36 AM, corbenB said:

dropping the subframe

You can't drop the "subframe" (crossmember).  The engine mounts are bolted to it.  You can remove the oil pan though and do things that way.  Pulling engine and/or transmission ease kind of depends on how much room you have and the equipment.  A cherry picker in a tight garage is harder than an overhead hoist in a barn.

Here's a thread from Hybridz about doing things from underneath.  Just to demonstrate that people do it.  

https://forums.hybridz.org/topic/81528-replacing-piston-rings-with-the-engine-in-the-vehicle-l-series-faq/

Pull the engine. It'll save time and make the whole job easier.

I have built and engine or two in my career.  I want to go back to the original question and ask why are you replacing the rod bearings?  And, what do you hope to achieve?

It's in his other thread.  He found some sparkles.

Must be having a storage problem, maybe this link will work.

https://www.classiczcars.com/forums/topic/66478-what-is-this-part/#comment-637408

 

Edited July 8, 20222 yr by Zed Head