when to drop the pan?

okieford

okieford

Junior Member
How do you decide when to drop the pan and take up the mains? I have looked at a lot of threads about how to take up the mains, but nothing about when it should be done.
 
If it sounds good & doesn't drip oil excessively, just drive & SMILE! (The Dog:cool: agrees with me on this one. If you need a noise evaluation, he has a good ear) Bill W.
 
Well I don't recognize your car so I am guessing you are not a member of the local club. If you were you would have over 100 members who could help you answer this question. Mileage and driving habits will dictate a lot in regard to when you would want to re-shim the mains. Typically main bearings can heard more when the engine is fully advanced. Middle main is usually the first to go but every case is different. We just did this for a club members car a month or so ago.

Come see us sometime, our next meeting is next Tuesday. Check our website for meeting time and location
 
I heard from a friend that when the car has been sitting for a while, and you start it up for the first time in probably 2-3 weeks, if you can hear a little knock it's time to take up the mains. This is just what i heard.
 
In the 75,000 miles I put on an A between 57 & 65, I adjusted the rod & main brgs 3 times.If you keep the cruising speed around 45,dont lug the engine & service the car regularly,they will last a long time.I always cruise at 45 or 60 when in OD.As long as the engine has no bearing noises,then no need to drop the pan.A main brg will generaly be a pounding noise when going up hill,while a rod brg will rattle when you let off on the gas.A leaking rear main is also a sign of too much clearance.
 
I've taken up #3 for Rod Knock, but what are the sounds related to Mains needing an adjustment?
 
If REALLY LOOSE, the mains will pound until oil reaches them, maybe 10-20 seconds. If this loose they will also leak profusely. If it ain't broke, don't fix it!
 
When I bought my 29 Tudor the center main had no babbit left in it. The engine sounded great at idle, but really shook and knocked at about 1,500 RPM and above.
 
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