HELP! Big end bearings gone?

Did he stop the engine as soon as he heard the knocking? Did he lose ALL of his oil (red dash light on continuously) either through a hole in the sump or hitting a brick in the road? Has the problem been building up slowly over the past weeks?

There is a product called Ametech Engine Restorer and Lubricant that contains millions of tiny CSL copper silver lead spherical particles (2micron dia) that can rebuild bad crakshaft main bearings IF YOU CATCH IT QUICK enough. If the shell bearings have become so worn they have rotated on the crank then it is too late and the engine has to be stripped down and examined (or swapped for a good cheap take-out engine)
http://www.AmericanTechnology.co.uk
is a good place to start. Good luck

Donald Bergandi
January 2009

Many thanks to all you guys
I will try the yards and look for 'a very nice man'!!!
Happy new year

Kate
January 2009

If the big end bearings have 'gone' it is very likely that the rest of the engine is worn out as well either due to very high mileage and/or neglect. If he were my son I would suggest a second hand engine from a reputable vehicle dismantler - preferably one who specialises in Vauxhalls - and will give a guarantee. Most vehicles that are scrapped are still runners so they will know if the engine is noisy/burning oil or is sound. It should cost you a couple of hundred quid and should see out the life of the vehicle. When you're repairing vehicle of this age you have to consider the value of the car when deciding how much to spend on it. All that I've said assumes that the car is otherwise in good condition - if not, cut your losses and start again! Hope that helps a bit.

Richard
December 2008

i agree with colin, scour the web and breakers yard to find a used engine and ask around for fitting

shaffick
December 2008

kate. The simplest way is a secondhand unit from a breakers yard. On average £400. They will remove the unit from the braker car if you ask. A local mecahnic would probably fit the unit for £200. Dont consider a repair. It is uneconomical.

colin
December 2008