main bearing replacement?

[RWC]

I'm pulling the pan to replace my rear main seal and dipstick tube. Would it be worth it to replace all my bearings too? Is this technically feasible? The engine has 170,000 on it, but still has descent pressure (for an AMC V8) and good power. I assume you just drop all the caps and tap the bearings out of both the caps and the block, but I can't say I've ever actually done such a thing. Am I on the right track? Any suggestions? I'm also afraid that I might somehow disturb a perfectly good running engine by attempting this.

RWC

[kyjman]

I just did my rear main seal this past weekend. My 258 has 157,000 on it and I only unbolted the rear bearing cap, and worked the old seal out and new one in. I did not want to loosen any other bearing caps for fear of messing up a good running motor. You may want to try it the same way. No sense in taking the risk of ruining a good motor. While you have the rear Bearing cap off you can inspect the lower bearing in that cap and make a determination if they need replaced. The others should be in about the same condition. Mine seemed to be ok. Good luck

[Kris]

Originally posted by RWC:
Would it be worth it to replace all my bearings too?Worth it ? Probably not.


I assume you just drop all the caps and tap the bearings out of both the caps and the block...
The timing cover and the trans will not let the crank drop enough to get them out easily.


I'm also afraid that I might somehow disturb a perfectly good running engine by attempting this.
RWCBe afraid, very afraid... ;)
If it aint broke, dont fix it. :D
my $.02
kris.

[Ralph]

I experienced a problem getting the rear main seal out. Turned out the nice soft rubber it originally was had cured to rock hardness between the crankshaft and block. Had to remove the crank anyway, then chisel the old seal to remove it.

In the process, I checked the crank bearing tolerances with plastiguage and found them all to be fine.