I've started to hear (again...dammit) the typical bottom end of the engine knocking. It means I got some bearings that are getting used and out of shape.

I thought I had two choices, either change the whole block, or open up and change and re-measure the bearings. That is, until my mechanic told me I was better off not doing so, because if I strengthen the bottom end of the engine, without doing the same with the head (how could I strengthen the head?), then I would risk blowing the head on short to mid terms.

Although I don't believe my mechanic easily has the "blown head gasket syndrom", I have difficulty in seeing how I could strengthen my head at the same time as the bottom, making me doubt on this particular affirmation.

If you mechanics, could give me insight on this, I'd appreciate it, and please don't just give opinions for the sake of it. Back it up with fact or experience, because if you don't, to me it's not worth more than what my mechanic says.

Thanks
Jeff

 

For every action there is a reaction!
As for what you mech. said "I do not know." The head might be worped, the valve seats could be bad. Thier are alot of things that can go wrong. He might just be trying to scare you into doing a swap because of high mileage or that in order to fix it, the amount would be unwise to invest (he's scared that you might say fix it but never pay-this happens alot)
PS To strenghten the head that would mean new everything including head bolts.

 

Changing bearings and putting things back to blueprint will not create more power.

If he assumes youre putting in high compression pistons, he may be valid in his concern. Otherwise, he's way out in left field.

 

hmm good point

 

the comment i have on this subject is if it is worth do it is worth doing right ... meaning if your going to tear it apart and it has alot of miles on it then just get the head rebiult it isnt that expencive at least it will de carbonize the head and you will get new valve seals not to mention that you will know for sure that your valves are sealing

 

thanks. Any other opinions?

I just wanted to point out the fact that the top seems pretty healthy. A compression test gave me 150 150 180 145. There is a rather large gap between the two last cylinders, but compression is still in the high numbers.

I do regular oil changes every 3500-4000 miles, and there is never more than ¼ pint missing.

I guess it means my piston rings and valve seals are ok then.

 

DITTO

If you have the engine out WTF. Its cheaper to do it now. At least have head cleaned and re-conditioned if not ported and equiped with new springs and valves.