New snag in project Astrid: rod bearing

Post by **jonesg** » 12 Mar 2018, 18:58

Video might help.

veektor · Post by **veektor** » 13 Mar 2018, 14:23

I managed to pull the oil pan off without touching the subframe, although there were a couple of bolts that made me wish I had. The O-rings look flattened, but not busted, which is consistent with predictions. The square PCV passage is clogged, which confirms the need for PCV Kit. I will have to rip that stuff our next so I can decide whether to replace the $190 coolant/breather pipe with banjo fittings. I want to clean and fix everything that is cleanable and fixable, because I know that after engine purrs back to life I will still have to spend money on suspension bits. $200 gets a good start on suspension.

I was happy to learn that I already have the 12-point 10mm socket for the connecting rod dissection. I hope to know the state of #2 bearing and crankshaft in the next couple of days.

After seeing other people's pictures of oil pan tear downs, I was surprised to find a plastic oil pickup instead of the metal mushroom with a mesh. I guess those were on older engines, and plastics are just our new way of life.

Post by **abscate** » 13 Mar 2018, 14:31

Nice - that will clean out nicely. Is it really blocked or just at 30% as it looks?

Im going to cast my vote that your rod journals and bearings are ok.

veektor · Post by **veektor** » 22 Mar 2018, 22:00

Finally got around to popping the rod caps, and though that answered some of my questions, I am also more perplexed . The #2 was a by-the-book spun bearing. I decided to pop some caps on #1, #4, and #5 (skipped 3 because of oil pickup) and now I am wondering if the bearings inside are even the right kind.
Number 2 cylinder:

Number 1 cylinder:

Number 4:

Number 5:

Spun #2 bearing, both sides:

Bearing from another cylinder next to #2:

Post by **mrbrian200** » 23 Mar 2018, 00:38

Ford owned Volvo through the 2000's. Much to our dismay Ford was intent on putting their stamp here and there just to remind us once in awhile. Ford's reputation around cheaply slapped together vehicles that barely hold together through the new vehicle warranty put them at odds with Volvo owner expectations. For example, steering wheels are falling loose on the newer Fusion/Focuses while people are driving them (recall announced recently). I thought OEs figured out how to attach a steering wheel securely like a hundred or so years ago. Makes my head hurt thinking how the hell they managed to screw that up.

Post by **abscate** » 23 Mar 2018, 05:02

What the Hades I started going on with #4 bearing? whiskey Tango Foxtrot?

veektor · Post by **veektor** » 23 Mar 2018, 07:35

abscate wrote: ↑23 Mar 2018, 05:02 What the Hades I started going on with #4 bearing? whiskey Tango Foxtrot?

The only bearing that looked like I expected is on #1. On #4 the bearing halves are spinning and are offset to one side. On #5 it is spinning and the halves are offset to opposite sides. I haven't had time to do more research into this, but I noticed that Volvo bearings don't have notches to keep them in place on the rod, like some other engines I've seen. Perhaps that spinning is normal? Because otherwise I'm looking at multiple bearings 'spinning', not just the destroyed #2.

Right now I am also getting our house ready for sale, which severely limits my time to work on this car, so doing an engine swap is not in my immediate future. I am tempted to just get one bearing ($40), slap it on #2, and start planning a more complete repair within a year. Maybe I will LS-swap it, like one of my friends suggested (I think he was joking, but not sure). I really don't want to deal with loading Astrid on the trailer again to move to our new house, I'd rather it be drivable on its own power. I would still replace the PCV (the kit just arrived yesterday, so already on hand). I'll take a close look at the timing belt and decide if it can last until the full engine overhaul.

Post by **abscate** » 23 Mar 2018, 08:06

Big End bearing kit from VPL is $40

Doesn't show detail as its sold as a kit but I would try a new set after you mike the rods for size and see how that goes.

: Screen Shot 2018-03-23 at 10.03.48 AM.png (350.57 KiB) Viewed 2087 times

veektor · Post by **veektor** » 23 Mar 2018, 10:00

abscate wrote: ↑23 Mar 2018, 08:06 Big End bearing kit from VPL is $40

Doesn't show detail as its sold as a kit but I would try a new set after you mike the rods for size and see how that goes.

Can you give the URL for website where you took that screenshot? None of the parts suppliers I know add up to "VPL", so I'm a little confused by your reference.

I started reading the Repair Manual PDF, and it's talking about Blue/Yellow/Red engines. I'll have to reread a few times to understand how to size the right bearing set. I also want to make sure to get connecting rod bearing set, there seem to be sets for main bearings, but I only see the ones for connecting rods sold individually.

Post by **abscate** » 23 Mar 2018, 10:17

Sorry - Volvo Parts Lisle

It is really a great parts breakdown site

http://volvopartslisle.com

I think it is called a 'big end bearing' set on that site

Looking above - it says recommended qty 5, so it looks like it uses 5 identical bearings on the big end of the rod - that makes sense.

So whatever is on your engine now, something is wrong!

New snag in project Astrid: rod bearing

Re: New snag in project Astrid: rod bearing