1.8 k series bearings

P

PRO

Well-Known Member

Posts

637

Location

West Yorkshire

• May 2, 2023

• #1

Hi I would like to have new bearings on my liner lift as they are flush with the block. Would like to regain that 4 thou... if possible with the shims.
So since I am taking pistons out, would like to have a nice set of piston bearings in case mine are worn out.
Now the question is... which bearings to choose? is there a way to determine without opening the engine?
Microcat provides several options I really don't know which ones to pick... The list is imense.

 

Nodge68

Well-Known Member

Posts

32,954

Location

Cornwall

• May 2, 2023

• #2

Unless the engine has suffered many skipped oil changes, the bearings will be fine.

 

P

PRO

Well-Known Member

Posts

637

Location

West Yorkshire

• May 2, 2023

• #3

No there's coolant in oil, looks like milky coffee.
This is another engine I've got for 50 quid and 45k miles on.
The only dilema is how long it ran with milk as this usually wears bearings very fast.
Even to inspect them ( engine is on stand) I have to take the head off because of the ladder. Then I have to clamp the liners somehow....
So if the bearings are indeed worn out because of the head gasket mess I would replace them if I can get away with main ones alone... Otherwise scrap the block and keep the head etc.

 

Nodge68

Well-Known Member

Posts

32,954

Location

Cornwall

• May 2, 2023

• #4

In my experience, the k series bearings hold up well against water contaminated oil. Liners are easy to clamp with some tubes the same length as the head thickness, and some washers over the liners. However if you're going to put shims under the liners, then they'll be coming out anyway, so clamping will only be needed when you want to turn the engine to access the big end bolts.

 

P

PRO

Well-Known Member

Posts

637

Location

West Yorkshire

• May 2, 2023

• #5

Yep I will check them before, not putting shims if I get that 4 thou I'm after.
The engine currently on car has flush liners and works ok, but something is wrong with oil supply and I figured for 50 quid I can't go wrong either way.
Good news is if I strip it that long I will be able to see casing on crank numbers etc so I can order proper bearings. The engine itself looks mint and there is a high chance of not being overheated.
Also I'm told putting shims does not help much as the block gets soft they will just sink further.