Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting spun bearing

Help guys I spun a bearing on my V6
They are quoting me $2200 for machining the crankshaft; and I personally don't think it is worth it.
Could I get a new performance crankshaft?
What about a 3.0 conversion?
Could I run a higher viscosity oil in the mean time?
Oh yeah I only got 54k.
Help!!!

When a bearing spins there is usually damage done to the crankshaft. Sometimes there is no damage, but generally the damage is measured in thousands of an inch, and is usually undetectable by visual inspection, but by checking with a micrometer you will find the problem.

The main reason for the shop quoting for reworking the crankshaft is that the rework also consists of a magnetic particle inspection that will detect microscopic stress cracks. Not only that but the rework also consists of refinishing the bearing surfaces to ensure a true and round surface to allow for optimum bearing break-in conditions and service life.

I would rule out a performance crankshaft since repairing the stock one will cost signifigantly less

a 3.0 conversion is definately a possibility, if you are willing to spend the money.

If a braring is spun a higher viscosity oil will not solve any problems.

i think the 3.0 is cheaper

NO.....Dont run it,dont use it....a spun bearing will damage the rod end/ main bearing caps...keep using it and you could toast the block and/or more con rods....Heavy oil flows slower...old wives tail that it helps....the price is fair for tearing down the motor etc....you could end up with a whole new motor if you continue to run plus a load of metal in the oil that will wreck the rest of the motor....more $$$$ on rebuild....

If crank is in hand (you pull engine and bring them the crank) how much does it run to do it? How much of that $2200 is his labor?

Common'Brian, you know dealer 'engine' builders, what would you do????

GASP! You know they aren't "builders" Terry! They are merely parts exchangers... :p Heheheh. Freeagent, if you need something to drive in the mean time, buy a POS run-about for a short time, it's much cheaper than ruining more expensive parts in your Duratec engine... With the money you can save doing the work yourself, you can easily buy and then sell a couple hundred dollar car and end up with a 3 liter Contour in the process!

That's what machine shops are for.... It has been awhile since I rebuilt a motor but I always took the block and crank to be hot tanked, magnafluxed and mic'd. Saved me big bucks.....

Might see what they are charging you in labor to pull motor and such, it might be cheaper to buy a good short block from an SVT (like the one I'm selling) and use it to gain a better engine. This is most definitely the time to think about an upgrade. Most any work on the bottom end of the motor is the most expensive for this car.

Rick