While the pistons are out

jimboharg

I've just priced everything up to change my piston rings and the total is less than I thought 😃

I could do with some help on the following dilemma - engine has done around 70k ish (I've also just posted this on VX220.org so apologies if anyone has now seen it twice)...

Whilst the pistons are out is it worth changing the big end bearings or should I just leave well alone and put the old bearings back in exactly how I found them? (if it ain't broke don't fix it)

If I do change these bearings is there any real point in doing this and not changing the main bearings ie do big ends wear faster than mains?

I've had a good look on the net around this subject and some opinions say change em (big ends) whilst others say that the engine never runs the same if you replace with standard size bearings with no crank regrind as you can't be sure of the clearances etc.

Thanks

James

Blue_2_2

have you taken the engine out?
if your putting in new rings you will need the bores honed

Why not have the crank balanced/lightened while it is out?
and remove the balance shafts?
or go the 'whole hog' and put high compression pistion/after market rods in while you can!

vocky

steel rods have to be the number one part to fit showo..

bearings should be ok, but are cheap from the dealers :thumbup:

jimboharg

2198cc said:
have you taken the engine out?
if your putting in new rings you will need the bores honed

Why not have the crank balanced/lightened while it is out?
and remove the balance shafts?
or go the 'whole hog' and put high compression pistion/after market rods in while you can!

No, the engine won't be coming out. I've heard mixed views on whether honing is necessary as often the original cross hatch is still present on modern engines and modern rings don't need to bed in the same? If it is necessary to hone then I would probably just buy a flex hone.

ATOM_X

mixed views from who

not from experienced engine builders

(who would never class themselves as experts)

jimboharg

ATOM X said:
mixed views from who

no experienced engine builders who would never class themselves as experts

come again?

ATOM_X

No self respecting experienced engine builder would advise not to hone

but anybody can give advice both positive & negative as often happens on forums

sdbutler10

new rings = needs honeing.
i would replace the big end bearings as they cost about £40ish from vauxhall.