Re: [HSS] connecting rod bearings

Unknown

----- Original Message -----

From: "campguy20002001" <djlasell2@aol.com>

To: <HudsonSuperSix16-29@yahoogroups.com>

Sent: Wednesday, August 25, 2004 9:56 PM

Subject: [HSS] connecting rod bearings





Help,

While driving my 29 hudson sedan yesterday it developed a loud knock.

I think it is a connecting rod bearing. The knock is loudest when the

engine is reved without a load. The knock is still present but much

softer when the car is going up a hill slowly (I had to drive half a

mile to get to a relatives house).



****It certainly sounds like a con rod gone by your description.



The oil pressure and level is

still normal.



****As the engine is a circulating-splash oil system, a failed bearing will

have effect on oil pressure.



The water temp was normal.

Although I am a backyard auto mechanic, I have never tackled anything

like a 1929 super six.

1. can I tell by removing the pan if it is just rod bearings?



****Yes, you will be able to plainly feel the looseness in the rod that has

gone. If not, just drop each cap and you will find it. Watch out that you

don't lose shims. You will have to remove any detretus from the failed

bearing from the channels that feed the main bearings. Get a small mirror

and check the holes above the journals are clear.



2. can I get replacement rod bearings?



****No, you will either have to replace the rod or get the bad one

re-metalled and machined to size.



3. with some guidence from an older auto mechanic can I replace the

bearings without removing the engine or without removing the heads?



****If the rod that has gone is No. 3 or 4, you can get it out from

underneath, otherwise you will have to remove the head. Technically, you

should remove the block as well, as the rods will not go up through the

bore, but if you file a small amount off each side of the rod by the bolts,

you can narrow it down enough so it will fit up through the bore. This

saves a lot of extra work removing all the other rods.

4. where can I find torque specs and other helpful info?



*****Torque the rod bolts down to 40 lb initially, and then tighten further

if you have to align the cotterpin holes. Head nuts tighten to 50 lbs..





Darrel Lasell

1929 Hudson sedan







Rotten luck! Hope all goes well. You will have to measure the crankshaft to

get the rod bored to the correct size, or if it is still standard perhaps

someone has a spare rod to help you out? You will have to fit it to the

crank, by adjusting the shim pack. There is no quick and easy way to do

this I'm afraid.

Geoff.