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MG MGA - Rod bearing

Well I located the problem and discovered a bad rod bearing. See pictures below. It looks like it damaged the crank requireing an engine pull. Question, Is it possible to emory cloth the crank and install new bearing to hold me over to winter and salvage my driving season?


WMR Bill

Picture of crankshaft


WMR Bill

one more pic of bearing


WMR Bill

Bill,
It is possible to clean the crankshaft and replace the bearing, but you have to know that the crank is good. You have to verify that the damage to the crankshaft is due to the bearing material clinging to the crank journal, and clean it off. If this is so, you can clean the babbitt off. I think that we used to use mild acid to clean off the babbitt, but I can't remember. You can use super fine sandpaper (I would use 1000 grit or better) or if you can spin the engine, you can use a leather belt to polish the journal, but that is after the babbitt is removed from the crank. I would mic the crank- remember to mic both the front and the rear of the journal in about 3 places to check for damage or out of round. You also need to do this to insure that you get the correct size rod bearing.
Somebody else may know what to use for removing the babbitt.
Also, if you have grooved the crankshaft, make sure that you file down any high spots that may have gotten dug up on the crank. If you have a pileup of material at the end of a groove, remove it too, as it may break free later.
I won't say you'll get 100,000 miles out of the repair, but I bet you can get through the summer.
Good luck.
mike parker

Bill, It looks like the bearing is spun. The crank looks like it needs a regrind. Also check the rod for damage.
James Johanski

Bill.. You have received some sage advice. However , did the bearing spin in the connecting rod? Are the locating tabs still prominent or are they compressed, If so then the rod will also need reconditioning. If the crank works out okay you can with care, remove the rod and piston from below.Then the rod can be resized.
Sandy
conrad sanders

If you remove the rod you will have to remove the cylinder head. You cannot compress the rings and get a piston in from below.

Mick
Mick Anderson

Regarding the rod, chances are that the crank end is out of round. You will need to replace it.
mike parker

Rods can be repaired by a machine shop. It should be checked but usually does not need replaced. The bearing has spun. The rod is unquestionably damaged. The crank will need turned at least. It may need welded up to be able to be resized.
R J Brown

This thread was discussed between 12/07/2008 and 14/07/2008

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