TR4/4A How to determine if the crank is good before pulling the engine out

[tdskip]

Hi guys - trying to put a plan together on my '66 with the seized engine that you all have been helping me with.

In doing some research and listening to your coaching it seems that I should determine what sort of condition my crank is in before deciding to replace the engine vs rebuild.

That would seem to suggest dropping the pan and having a look from under the car at the condition of the engine internals, but can I get enough info on the condition of the crank to really make a solid decision as to if I can re-use it vs having to replace it?

I know I can look at the condition of the bearings, but should I try to remove the piston rods and mic the crank too?

Other ideas?

Thanks!

 

[TFB]

Hi guys - trying to put a plan together on my '66 with the seized engine that you all have been helping me with.

In doing some research and listening to your coaching it seems that I should determine what sort of condition my crank is in before deciding to replace the engine vs rebuild.

That would seem to suggest dropping the pan and having a look from under the car at the condition of the engine internals, but can I get enough info on the condition of the crank to really make a solid decision as to if I can re-use it vs having to replace it?

I know I can look at the condition of the bearings, but should I try to remove the piston rods and mic the crank too?

Other ideas?

Thanks!

The front and rear main caps don't just come off like the rod caps.I would just pull the motor to completely disassemble and check.TOm

 

[bobhustead]

You're pulling the engine anyway, so just check the crank after it's out of the block. Can't mic the mains with crank in.
Bob

 

[tdskip]

I guess so Bob, so makes sense. I was trying to quickly determine if I should rebuild vs replace, but it does have to come out in either case.

 

[CJD]

+1 on pulling it to check. By the time you pull the caps and rods, you would save time having the engine out and remove the crank to do it.

 

[tdskip]

OK, OK. I'll do it right. Gosh, you guys are such a pain.

 

[CJD]

You'll thank us later!

 

[tdskip]

You'll thank us later!

I always do.

 

[TR3driver]

Having the crankshaft journals ground undersize is a normal service operation. Unless the journals are badly scored or have already been ground to the minimum, or there is a crack; the crank can be reused. But even if you need to replace the crank, that is still no reason to replace the entire engine. They're interchangeable.

A spun main bearing would be cause to replace the block maybe, but very unlikely IMO. Even then the block could be saved (but picking up another one might be cheaper).