240 Front Crank Seal Replacement

[donnie_diamond]

From what i can tell, the lower bearing half is what fell out. The oil pressure is actually fine. It hits about 65 on start up and stays around 35 at idle. I dont have the garage or tools to replace bearing, or i would in a heartbeat. I hate to know i am eventually sending this motor to the grave, but paying someone to do a full bearing replace is only mildly less than paying them to drop in a new rebuilt motor.
Unless you know of a good way to squeeze one in there without dropping pan, i have to let it be. Now if 6 months or so and this baby is still going strong, i will certainly think about fixing the problem. But for now, I still want to believe someone left an extra one in there during production!

[JDS60R]

Not sure what tools etc you have but dropping a pan is far easier than replacing a motor.

Take a look at what is involed - Its a weekend project with a garage a jack and a socket set.

http://cleanflametrap.com/oilpan/

[donnie_diamond]

Ive done it, several times in fact. I understand if i had the place and space, sure. I live in a rented home with my neighbors as landlords with a lease that clearly states no working on cars (hes perfectly fine with me helping him out when his car has trouble, but thats another story). I have no garage and no yard or workspace at all. I also live in Hawaii, and the cost of paying somebody to do new bearings is not that far from paying a guy to swap motor. And in fact, i would rather put in a motor than replace even a oil pump any day of the week.

[JDS60R]

I understand. If I were in your situation I would make the same decisions. Thanks for clarifying. I had the same situation with my landlord once. I ended up doing oil changes and brake work etc at 3am with a little pocket flashlight so no one would see me.

[NcTrooper10722001]

Dude!! U got some serious crankshaft issues for that bearing to pop out like that.. Pull the engine and get a crank kit or machine job.. Thats some crazy chit.. also looks like an oiling problem... bad pump or clogged crank orfice on that main journal.. dont try to patch it..

[donnie_diamond]

haha, thats what i do. I get all excited when he says hes going to another island for a couple days. I take forever making lists on how i can budget time best to get most done!

[donnie_diamond]

Two weeks now. Made a point to drive every day. No odo but with mpg est i have put over 1,200 miles. Still wouldnt know its missing a bearing. Still taking it easy and not climbing any mountains with it or running full throttle. Hit 70mph a few times, smooth and quiet (for Volvo that is). Becoming less and less uncomfortable to drive, mentally...

[donnie_diamond]

Three months now and ive driven her hard and fast. Speeds up to 80, over mountain passes and about 6,000 miles. Still would never know shes missing a main bearing!
Going to leave her alone and let time decide when i need to do some major work on her. Looking for a good donor though to get the motor and drive to have completely overhauled to drop in on a later date. She celebrates her 21st birthday soon and i want to keep her around for another 21...

[donnie_diamond]

Way long update...
I drove the car for the last 3 years, and it never had any trouble whatsoever. i in fact delivered pizzas in it for over two years, logging well over 100,000 miles. Thanks for all the help guys, and thought you would like to know an old brick can run minus a bearing...

[mtd240]

I am surprised this thread hasn't gotten more attention - 100,000 miles with a missing bearing?! That is awesome.