Instructions for replacing Blacktop 4AGE big end bearings

[Timoz]

Hi all, i need to replace my big end bearings and i wanna do it myself to save me a bit of money, i got a set of socket set. i just wanna know what are the steps to replace these bearings. it would be nice if someone can teach me in person

[Rick]

http://locost7.info/files/engine/4age_blacktop/bt4-em.pdf

[B1NZ]

Oh dear, have you done anything remotley like this before? Do you have anything other than a socket set? Is it a Repco $30 one?

[Timoz]

i've changed the air con and drive belts myself before, i can get more tools from my dad as he's a plumber. how much are the ACL race bearings for my blacktop anyway and where can i get them in Auckland?

[rollaholic]

you are going to want a torque wrench at the very least, which i dont think your dad will have unless hes also a mechanic.

i think its safe to say you'll be much better off paying someone else to do it.

[Timoz]

how much approximately if i provide the parts?

[AceSniper]

ACL big ends are cheap from supercheap

def need a good torque wrench

Shouldnt cost tooo much at a workshop, unless your mains need doing to then ya mayaswell rebuild it

[ChaosAD]

If your replacing them coz youve run a bearing then it needs a rebuild

[Timoz]

it just make some knocking sound lately when i rev up when the engine is hot so i just replace them to prevent more problems with the engine

[Alex B]

Well if its a big end you will need a crank grind anyway. In which case you may as well do the mains, in which case you may as well do the rings. So you may as well take the motor out and do a full rebuild

[Timoz]

i dun have the money to do a full rebuild as it would cost thousands of dollars so i just wanna fix it temperoily until i got the money to rebuild it

[Ae92typeX]

Have you had a mechanic confirm its probably the big ends? by your description it may be...but there are other possibilities.

just my opinion, but if you cant afford to do all the bits that may possibly need doing, just make sure the oils ok and drive. If you replace the shels, but the crank is damaged they wont last long.

A torque wrench is cheap enough to buy (cheaper than paying someone)if you do do yourself and you will need one.

[Timoz]

how do you know if the crank id damage? scratches

[Ae92typeX]

not the most super link, but have a read here:

http://www.babcox.com/editorial/us/us90126.htm

[Timoz]

when i take the oil pan out do i have to replace the gasket?

[Zak]

Nope, they don't use one, they use a silicon sealer instead.

[Ae92typeX]

No offence intended, but if you are going to do yourself it would pay to get someone who has dome something similar before to assist.
Its a great learning opp, but done wrong could cause major issues.

[Timoz]

i went to repco today and ask for a set of bearings but they said it comes in different sizes 40mm and 42mm so which one should i get for a blacktop 20 valve?

[ChaosAD]

bluetop is 40mm all other 4age are 42mm. But they should know that

[Timoz]

will i be able to use the ACL Race bearings, as i will just replace the old ones and it is one size fits all bearings or does it have a specific sizes and how much approximately they cost for a set of 4?