Changing a crankshaft without removing the whole engine

[Icsunonove]

I have damaged my engine at Angelsey and need to change the crankshaft.

Can anyone think of any reasons why I can't do this without removing the entire engine out of the car?

Has anyone done this before?

Thanks in advance for any replies...

[LimeyMk1]

Difficult Tom, I'd remove the engine personally. You're going to have to remove the gearbox to get the clutch off and to remove the end plate off the block (houses the g'box end oil seal). Plus you'll be needing to remove the oil pump.

All in all I think it would be easier with the engine out.

[Icsunonove]

Hmmm.... It's just with all the extra gubbins of the Supercharged engine it's a pita

Getting the crankshaft end seal off won't be a problem once the gearbox, clutch and flywheel are off. The oil pump doesn't need to come off the end of the crankshaft, I just need to get it off it's dowels and then it can come off with the crankshaft.

I dunno.....

Anyone else?

[LimeyMk1]

I guess you'll be leaving the pistons and conrods in place won't you Tom.

I guessed that the SC gubbins would swing things over towards doing it in situ.

Just remember to loosen everything up before you lower the box as I'm guessing applying a lot of torque to bolts on an engine on one mount may be frustrating at best.

[Icsunonove]

I guess you'll be leaving the pistons and conrods in place won't you Tom.

Yes.

I guessed that the SC gubbins would swing things over towards doing it in situ.

Yes, unless there's some reason (that I can't think of) why you can't do it that way.

[MartG]

Can't think of any reason why not

You'll need to figure out a way of supporting the engine once the 'box is off though - I suspect Mr Kramer can help there though

[Icsunonove]

I suspect Mr Kramer can help there though

[bobhatton]

If the crankshaft and bearings have been damaged all the bits will be in the oilways in the block. The engine shouild be removed and stripped down to give it a very good clean. If this is not done then all the bits left in the engine will only damage the new crank and bearings.

Bob

[Quigonjay]

unlucky tom, it was sounding a bit rattly

[BarronMR]

I've got this very procedure x3 to perform.

Aren't the rod's bearing surfaces likely to be damaged in someway aswell as the crank's?

[Icsunonove]

Yes, possibly. If that's the case and the head needs to come off then I may as well take the engine out

[BarronMR]

If the crankshaft and bearings have been damaged all the bits will be in the oilways in the block. The engine shouild be removed and stripped down to give it a very good clean. If this is not done then all the bits left in the engine will only damage the bearings.

Bob

Don't suppose an engine flush would do the job?

[Icsunonove]

The oil flows from the crankshaft into the big end bearing and then into the sump and through the filtration system. Therefore it should be fine with regards to that.

[PW@Woodsport]

Although there is no reason it can't be done in situ (with gearbox off), i think you are making a lot of work for yourself there tom, after all once the box is out what else is holding the engine in? One mount and a few coolant lines/fuel lines really.... personally i would want the engine on a stand to do that job.

[cartledge_uk]

I agree with paul. Drop it. See my post on the blue place Tom.

[Icsunonove]

Cheers for replies. I think you are probably all right.....

[Charged]

Out of interest, what happened Tom? Do you remeber a few years ago when I damaged the end of my crank because of an ill fitted uprated pulley? I considered a few options at the time but ended up selling it all off.

[Icsunonove]

Stupidity really

I had the engine to bits last year (after I melted a piston) but really didn't want to spend a fortune on it. I plastigauged the big end bearings and they were just in tolerance and so I put them back

But the big end bearings are the weak point of the 4AGZE engine and running a big pulley and trackdays doesn't really help, so it was a big mistake.

The radiator is also in a poor condition and can no longer cope with stresses of trackdays but it's fine on the road.

Went to Anglesey last weekend and stupidly took it on track. Engine got hot, oil got thin, old big end bearing let go. Not happy

[Charged]

Sorry to hear that Tom, hope you can sort it out as cost effectively as possible.

It's nice to see you posting again

[crazybrightman]

did the engine lock solid? as usualy when a big end goes it over heats and misshapes a rod too. id say drop the whole lot out and check it properly if you miss something while rolling round on the floor having oil dripped onto your head, it'll go bang and its back to square one.