Morris Minor Owners Club

Is it possible to renew the main bearings shells without removing the engine, and if so are there any particular snags or pointers. Thank you,

Telpet

Not really - you could do the centre one easily, and the front one by dismantling the timing gear and front plate - but the rear is not possible. In general - if the main shells are worn - the crank needs a re-grind, and a new oil pump is always a good idea when you do that.

Many thanks for your reply. I was in fact thinking of big end shells replacement but somehow managed, wrongly, to type in main bearing.

Hi,
If you can remove the sump, you can replace big end shells,be careful when refitting sump seals and gasket.

Mind the oil drips,etc;

Roy.

Hi Roy,
Many thanks for your advice. I had the sump down a few months ago in order to renew gasket and seals. Looks as though I will be repeating this exercise,plus of course putting in new shells.

Telpet

It's worth a try - but if the crank is scored it's a waste of money. While in there inspect the centre main - if it's worn through or scored - crank regrind is the way forward.

Trust me I know, like many others, swapping bearings is no good. Have the crank re-ground.

One of my big-ends is currently packed with shimstock and gear oil used to quieten things down (just like back in the day, remember?). Been knocking along for ages like this but is now slowly dying. Rebuilt 803 will be fitted before winter.

HI,
If your crankshaft does need a regrind, then may parts will have worn. Then it may be cheaper in the long run to have a bottom end exchange engine.
lets hope your mains are fine.

Roy.