[BlackBuford]

Hey guys so yesterday I think I might've spun a connecting rod bearing. Today I dropped the oil pan and took it apart and the crank is slightly scratched. I plan on using emery cloth from 400 grit to 1000 grit and carb cleaner to get it back into shape. This is my first ever attempt but I managed to get all the work done so far by watching youtube videos. I see some people saying on here you cant just change one and others saying its fine... I am wanting to know what kind of factory clearance I need to check for and if it is okay if I just change out the two rod bearings on that section on my crank. I've also seen where some people say I might need to change out the bolts aswell? Im trying to get out of this spending the least bit of money possible. I noticed metal shavings in the screen so im replacing that aswell. Im working on a 1998 5.4. I was out fishing and on my way back is when this happened, and noticed that my RPMs were way off and if I let off the throttle it would knock real loud. I made it home and oil pressure never dropped. Any input/personal experiences would be greatly appreciated, as I said before this is my first time tearing into a motor, any tips and tricks would be awesome to know. :bowd:

 

[chipset]

how do you know you spun a bearing ? Was the bearing actually spun ? And yes they actually spin in the rod cap. Two bearing haves in the same space. If they spin that bad
the engine usually seizes. Your clearances are in the engine manual. You can save all the money you want and " mickey mouse " this together and wait for the next spun bearing or spend money and fix it right. Don't take too much into the You Tube videos. Half of that stuff is questionable. No offense to the ones that actually know what they are doing.
your crank has to be miked. If your finger nail jets snagged on the scratch of your crank it has to be reground. How do you know you didn't bend the rod ? You will have to change the rod anyway because the rod cap will be out of round. To change the rod the head will have to come off and the piston will have to come out and it goes on.
good luck

 

[BlackBuford]

What should I look for to tell if I bent a rod? and could I not use emery cloth to sand it down until my fingernail no longer catches? Thanks for the input.

 

[chipset]

to check to see if you have a bent rod it will have to come out. and yes you can sand down the crank to get the scratches out but you will now have a crank with flat spots.
The metal shavings you saw in the screen are the big ones that were trapped in it. the small ones that got by the screen are in every oil gallery and passage in that engine. If you want to keep this vehicle the motor has to come out. The block stripped, hot tanked,
cleaned and rebuilt. If you want, you can slap in a rod bearing only get it running and sell it. An automotive engine is a PERFECT exp. of perfect. when one piece is worn or damaged the entire engine is damaged and must be repaired. If you don't want to spend money on this now you will spend money on this every 6- 8 months till you get pissed off and sell it. I've spent most of my life in the automotive trade and also engine rebuilding.
Even using the wrong motor oil can turn your cam shaft into a 1 inch water pipe. I've seen it. What ever you think is best. Good luck.

 

[R.S.LOGAN]

Good advice from Chipset .Lifetime in motor trade and can only remember trying to clean up crankshaft with emery cloth on 2 occasions and that was through neccessity rather than doing job right .It was an easy and quick job to drop sump pan on vehicles concerned which was why it was attempted and because it was caught quickly .If lucky , temporary fix and never recommended .In my experience once it's starts knocking it's knackered and needs strip down and proper overhaul .

 

[BlackBuford]

I appreciate all the help guys. Ive decided to go down a different path and instead of starting a new thread I just have a quick question. So im buying a 2000 Ford expedition for 500$ guy claims it runs good put fuel pump is shot and he can get it started by squirting gas in the throttle. Hes selling cheap because it doesnt have a title, odo is 156K. it is a 5.4 and I do plan on doing a motor swap. Was wondering if there might be anything else I may have to change out since it is 2 years away from my 98 f150.

 

[FordFan 2021]

I appreciate all the help guys. Ive decided to go down a different path and instead of starting a new thread I just have a quick question. So im buying a 2000 Ford expedition for 500$ guy claims it runs good put fuel pump is shot and he can get it started by squirting gas in the throttle. Hes selling cheap because it doesnt have a title, odo is 156K. it is a 5.4 and I do plan on doing a motor swap. Was wondering if there might be anything else I may have to change out since it is 2 years away from my 98 f150.

Just wondering where you went with this project. I know it is an old thread.