Re: IML: 413 rod knock etc

["Ken & Tracie" <ktjosephson@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I've been told that in the days of the low compression (mostly flat head) 
engines, dropping the pan, loosening the crank, removing damaged rod 
bearings and slipping in replacement bearings was somewhat successful and 
would allow the engine to be used for a time without a complete teardown and 
rebuilding of the bottom end. I'm sure people have done this successfully 
with Model A engines, flat head Mopars, early Ford V-8s, some of the splash 
lubrication overhead valve Chevrolet engines, etc. I would imagine the rest 
of the engine would be pretty well worn (or damaged if the oil level had 
dropped dangerously low, leading to the rod knock.) So I don't believe 
people planned to drive the vehicle another 50,000-70,000 miles after doing 
a "driveway bearing replacement job."

I know people who have tried this technique with later model engines and all 
repairs failed within a few miles of reassembly. The higher compression, 
higher RPM, higher output engines, operating at higher temperatures do not 
appear to tolerate a "band aid" solution such as this. If some have, I would 
wager they are exceptions to the rule.:-)

How could this happen on recently rebuilt 413? Perhaps one of the connecting 
rod bolts was damaged (if used) or defective (if new.) I had a 230 Plymouth 
engine spin a rod bearing shortly after having it rebuilt. A nut from a 
connecting rod bolt was found in the oil pan. Apparently, the person who 
assembled the bottom end didn't torque that one bolt to specs.

K.






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