Sump off. Can I remove/check main bearings

[Chimp871]

As title said. Sump is with SiFab getting baffles installed and thought it was a good time to check main bearings.

Is it okay to remove one bearing cap, check bearings, reinstall and then check the next one etc?

Or will it disturb the crank setup?

[Sardonicus]

Your idea is fine but I strongly recommend you do not remove the rear main cap next to the flywheel as disturbing this will almost certainly disturb the crank rear oil seal and a nasty oil leak is certain IMO removing even a couple of caps should give you a bench for their general condition anyway I presume your checking the big ends also ? dont forget to check the oil pick up screws/bolts whilst your there for security

[Chimp871]

Thanks I'll check lower and upper bearings than. I probably will check big end bearings too.

I probably would change them all but your point about rear oil seal kicks that into touch.

[Pupp]

It's a nice idea and the big ends are certainly easy enough but not sure how readily the concealed halves of the mains will be to remove and reinstall... I did read a thread a couple of years ago where a chap very cleverly used a small cheese head screw in the crank journal oil hole to 'wind' out the top shells. Sounds very elegant but...

Going to have to unbutton mine presently so will have a look at this if no-one beats me to it

[Chimp871]

Yes that's the way I've seen too. Leap of faith required but very simple and effective.

[Boosted LS1]

I've done it in situ by gently tapping out the upper shell. Do one shell at a time whilst having the other caps torqued up if that makes sense. As said above, leave the rear cap alone or have some anerobic sealant to hand and take a chance with the 'o' ring seal being maintained.

[Sardonicus]

No need Gary a thin domestic paint scraper blade will easily push/rotate those top bearing halves around the journal leaving no evidence/damage (using your loaf of course) if the cap/lower halves are sound its highly unlikely the less loaded block/top halves will be worn IMO

[Boosted LS1]

^ Good point.

[TwinKam]

Pupp said:

It's a nice idea and the big ends are certainly easy enough but not sure how readily the concealed halves of the mains will be to remove and reinstall... I did read a thread a couple of years ago where a chap very cleverly used a small cheese head screw in the crank journal oil hole to 'wind' out the top shells. Sounds very elegant but...

Going to have to unbutton mine presently so will have a look at this if no-one beats me to it

'Back in the day' when this was a common job (think Cortina, Viva...) we used to use a copper brake shoe rivet, works a treat. An aluminium pop rivet without the shank also works. Just ensure that the head is bigger than the oil hole!