Big End Bearings

wizzo337 · 13th September 2023, 16:27

Odd question, mainly because I've done this on other cars.
Had anyone on here ever changed the big end and main bearings with the engine in the car, 1.8t.
I know it may be tricky, but I don't currently have the space or kit to get the engine out.
Thanks in advance.

DMGRS · 14th September 2023, 12:00

It's definitely do-able - as long as the car is lifted up it shouldn't be too bad.
Make sure you check the bearing grades before ordering replacements; our guide for doing this is on the product page for the bearings here:
https://www.dmgrs.co.uk/products/k-s...d-per-cylinder

We have all of the grades in stock.

beinet1 · 15th September 2023, 10:39

Hi,

Its possible to do the big ends, but you need to remove the lower oil rail and the cylinder head to get access to the big end bolts and bearings. Main bearings not possible with the engine in situ as the block needs to be split to get access and crankshaft done. The K-engine`s sandwich design is a bit different than the convential engine design :/

Take a peek here:
https://the75andztclub.co.uk/forum/s...=146867&page=3

Parts of this project is typically whats involved for a big end replacement:
https://the75andztclub.co.uk/forum/s...d.php?t=308680

In theory, removal of the cylinder head is not needed, but you need to remove the cylinder head bolts to remove the lower oil rail. The seal on the head gasket is then broken due to lack of clamping force and hence need for replacement (and removal). Re-sealing of liners might also be in its place at the same time.

wizzo337 · 21st September 2023, 21:11

Thanks for the info.
I'm going to pull the head and replace it as the camshafts are a bit worn. I have a replacement one with camshafts all built up and ready to go on and I have one of the reinforced uprated oil rails as I replaced the one on my ZS a few years back and was impressed with its construction so I purchased one for my ZT Turbo knowing I had to do some work on it sometime in the future.
I'll get the front of the car as high up as possible to give me a bit of a chance.
Thanks again.

13th September 2023, 16:27	#1
wizzo337 Loves to post mg zt Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Ely Posts: 288 Thanks: 55 Thanked 87 Times in 52 Posts	Big End Bearings Odd question, mainly because I've done this on other cars. Had anyone on here ever changed the big end and main bearings with the engine in the car, 1.8t. I know it may be tricky, but I don't currently have the space or kit to get the engine out. Thanks in advance.

14th September 2023, 12:00	#2
DMGRS Discount MG Rover Spares Rover 75 CDTi, 2x MG ZS180 Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Hythe, Southampton Posts: 11,321 Thanks: 456 Thanked 3,377 Times in 2,027 Posts	It's definitely do-able - as long as the car is lifted up it shouldn't be too bad. Make sure you check the bearing grades before ordering replacements; our guide for doing this is on the product page for the bearings here: https://www.dmgrs.co.uk/products/k-s...d-per-cylinder We have all of the grades in stock. __________________ Your trusted MG Rover specialist! Tel: 02380 001133 / Email: [email protected] We now have a 'chat' function on our site for even quicker replies. Give it a try! Remember - discount code FORUM5 for 5% off

15th September 2023, 10:39	#3
beinet1 Posted a thing or two Rover 75 2.0 V6 Auto Join Date: May 2011 Location: Sandnes - Norway Posts: 1,560 Thanks: 64 Thanked 283 Times in 174 Posts	Hi, Its possible to do the big ends, but you need to remove the lower oil rail and the cylinder head to get access to the big end bolts and bearings. Main bearings not possible with the engine in situ as the block needs to be split to get access and crankshaft done. The K-engine`s sandwich design is a bit different than the convential engine design :/ Take a peek here: https://the75andztclub.co.uk/forum/s...=146867&page=3 Parts of this project is typically whats involved for a big end replacement: https://the75andztclub.co.uk/forum/s...d.php?t=308680 In theory, removal of the cylinder head is not needed, but you need to remove the cylinder head bolts to remove the lower oil rail. The seal on the head gasket is then broken due to lack of clamping force and hence need for replacement (and removal). Re-sealing of liners might also be in its place at the same time. Last edited by beinet1; 15th September 2023 at 10:43..

21st September 2023, 21:11	#4
wizzo337 Loves to post mg zt Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Ely Posts: 288 Thanks: 55 Thanked 87 Times in 52 Posts	Thanks for the info. I'm going to pull the head and replace it as the camshafts are a bit worn. I have a replacement one with camshafts all built up and ready to go on and I have one of the reinforced uprated oil rails as I replaced the one on my ZS a few years back and was impressed with its construction so I purchased one for my ZT Turbo knowing I had to do some work on it sometime in the future. I'll get the front of the car as high up as possible to give me a bit of a chance. Thanks again.