Big Ends V8 engine in car ?

I've just about stripped the engine down to basics to replace cam and head gaskets. All the valve gear is being replaced at the same time so hopefully no rattle from my block when its all back together.
The sump is off and I have new big ends and the bolts. Is it possible to do a good job replacing these whilst its still in the car or forget it. Its not knocking but I thought id replace them as its in pieces.

Willos said:

I've just about stripped the engine down to basics to replace cam and head gaskets. All the valve gear is being replaced at the same time so hopefully no rattle from my block when its all back together.
The sump is off and I have new big ends and the bolts. Is it possible to do a good job replacing these whilst its still in the car or forget it. Its not knocking but I thought id replace them as its in pieces.

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Entirely possible, look in "How to" section think Ant may have put a guide in there.

Big Grins

http://www.landyzone.co.uk/lz/f71/main-big-end-bearing-replacement-gems-v8-271468.html

Only reason to take starter and front cover off was because I did the Main Crank bearings too, no need to do this just for the big ends.

the chance its just big ends and no wear on mains is slight

jamesmartin said:

the chance its just big ends and no wear on mains is slight

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Agree, if your in there...do them all!

As they say in for a penny in for a pound, while your in there no sense not to.

This sort of task should be performed outdoors, by candlelight, in near horizontal sleet.
It always is when *I* have to do it.

Yes Sir I'm now gearing myself up for a black face and dreadlocks from the oil drips
The only thing is I don't have a 12 bit 10mm socket so off to halfords for that. I've not ordered the mains yet. Where is the best place for these also the rubber gasket for the rear Island 4x4 do them for £35 ( 23 for britpart). Also a good chance to clean up starter motor that wouldn't look out of place on a 1930's barn find. Just hope I dont damage the rear oil seal or that's engine out job

Willos said:

Yes Sir I'm now gearing myself up for a black face and dreadlocks from the oil drips
The only thing is I don't have a 12 bit 10mm socket so off to halfords for that. I've not ordered the mains yet. Where is the best place for these also the rubber gasket for the rear Island 4x4 do them for £35 ( 23 for britpart). Also a good chance to clean up starter motor that wouldn't look out of place on a 1930's barn find. Just hope I dont damage the rear oil seal or that's engine out job

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Gearbox off or engine out for rear main.

Willos said:

Yes Sir I'm now gearing myself up for a black face and dreadlocks from the oil drips
The only thing is I don't have a 12 bit 10mm socket so off to halfords for that. I've not ordered the mains yet. Where is the best place for these also the rubber gasket for the rear Island 4x4 do them for £35 ( 23 for britpart). Also a good chance to clean up starter motor that wouldn't look out of place on a 1930's barn find. Just hope I dont damage the rear oil seal or that's engine out job

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No. 5 Main Bearing Cap seals (tee shaped ones part number LUN000010) can be had from Island 4x4....all my parts came from there.

As per the how to....crack off the cross bolts on the side a turn, and then just crack all the main bearing cap bolts by a 1/4 turn to take a bit of pressure off the crank....DO NOT loosen them all off else the crank will drop and knacker the rear crankshaft seal...and that is engine or gearbox out jobbie....

Pulling the No. 5 cap is a pain, again as per the how to I made a 'puller' to drive the cap out.

On replacement of No.5 you'll need a splot of sealant on the top face of the cap to seal (as per RAVE) and trim the bottom of the seal once the cap has been seated, as I found they stuck out a couple of mm.

Just started the big ends and they needed doing. Getting the angle gauge in and tightening is a pain ��

Willos said:

Just started the big ends and they needed doing. Getting the angle gauge in and tightening is a pain ��

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Can be, just rotate the crank until you get the best position!!

Saintv8 guide in how to section very good. The 80deg turn on all the bolts is a pain especially if your on your back. I still have to strip out the starter motor and the drivers side engine mount to get to all the cross bolts. Grrrrrrr

Willos said:

Saintv8 guide in how to section very good. The 80deg turn on all the bolts is a pain especially if your on your back. I still have to strip out the starter motor and the drivers side engine mount to get to all the cross bolts. Grrrrrrr

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No need to remove engine mount....just use a long extension piece(s)

Saint.V8 said:

Pulling the No. 5 cap is a pain, again as per the how to I made a 'puller' to drive the cap out.

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If you're doing the mains, and you want to borrow Saint's puller, let me know and I'll post it to you. I think I have it at the moment (don't I Ant?).

Might not get to you in time though, it sounds like you've already started.

MrGorsky said:

If you're doing the mains, and you want to borrow Saint's puller, let me know and I'll post it to you. I think I have it at the moment (don't I Ant?).

Might not get to you in time though, it sounds like you've already started.

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You do, it is the length of flat bar, two holes and some box welded (badly) to it!!

Can be seen in the How To!

Well the offer's there if you want it Willos.

Stands to everyone else too. I'm happy to post it and the crank pulley locking tool to anyone that needs it. Silly it just sitting in my toolbox if someone needs it.

There should be a page for people to list rare tools we're willing to share on here.

I do know PPSVogue(?) has been waiting for me to get our machinist to make one for him....pity is our machinist is first class, and everyone wants a piece of him, so it sits in a queue currently!!

I've been talking to him about the valley gasket/ front timing cover job I've got lined up for the weekend…

I'll mention it to him, but I think he's already done his.

Saint.V8 said:

I do know PPSVogue(?) has been waiting for me to get our machinist to make one for him....pity is our machinist is first class, and everyone wants a piece of him, so it sits in a queue currently!!

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Hello Ant,
Yes, have done crank oil seal, managed to lock crank pulley with a rather large pair of stilsens, bit of a pain but they done the job.
Would still like a proper tool for the job and totally understand that your a busy man so am more than happy to wait for your man to make one.
Thanks Ant and hope all is well.
Paul.