main bearing replacment

[87454westernhauler]

just wonder if it would be posible to do an in frame main and rod bearings replacment on an 85 c20 350 sbc? i think that i just can drop the oil pan and have direct access to them???

[beastie_3]

Me, personally, I would pull the engine, but that is me. Its much easier to put it all back together when the engine is upside down. Especially with fitting a torque wrench up there.

[Lt.Del]

i would think you could.  But to get to your upper main, you'd have to drop the crank.  To get access to the rod bearing, you'd be better off to drop the crank and push the piston down.  In order to drop the crank, there are a host of things that need to be done, removing all the rod bearings, main bearings, transmission/flexplate or flywheel, timing chain cover, timing chain therefore radiator and shroud-----Heck just pull the engine.

[bobcooter]

You can change the mains with the crank in place by; dropping a main cap then installing and tiny finishing nail in the oil hole in the crank. You need just enough nail sticking out to catch the top bearing and push it out when you roll the engine. Be very careful and go slowly. Then lube it up good and slide the new bearing in. I saw a post on hwere somewhere where Captn Kaos said he had changed a connecting rod bearing with the rod still in the engine.

[Captkaos]

I have put rod bearing in with it still in the block, wouldn't recommend it though.  When I did it I had to, the topend hydro-locked and bend the rod.   

[Blazin]

Well on a 2 wheel drive you need to pick the engine up anyway just to remove the pan. If you going to go that far you might as well just take it out.

[Captkaos]

Didn't lift the motor when I did it...  Just removed the lower crossmember brace.  Still don't recommend it..

[bobcooter]

Well on a 2 wheel drive you need to pick the engine up anyway just to remove the pan. If you going to go that far you might as well just take it out.

I pulled my oil pan and changed the rear main seal and didn't have to lift the engine. I wasn't a lot of fun but it worked.