Last summer when I replaced my rear main oil seal I noticed that the main bearings were worn out. I was wondering if it's possible to replace the bearings without pulling the crankshaft out and getting the crankshaft machined and then reinstalling it with oversize bearings. I know it'll probably be less than ideal and this is the wrong attitude, but it's only used 6 months of the year, and I'll be replacing the motor in 2 seasons.

 

Yes, you can replace the bearings without removing the crank. As you say though, it's not the ideal thing to do.

 

I thought not. The only reason I ask is because this is something of a stopgap motor until I can build a 383. I'm adding 305 heads, a new intake and a cam, and I dont want worn out main bearings letting my crank shake itself apart. Or should I perhaps just leave them, the engine doesnt knock or anything, the bearings just looked worn out.

 

What do you mean by "worn out"? You'd probably be better off leaving them alone.

 

By worn, I mean that they werent the uniform silver color they usually are. They had pieces of the shiny silver coating but most of it was worn to the copper/brass colored layer. Maybe I'm wrong and thats normal?

 

the question isnt what the bearing looks like, what does the crank look like? If there is no damage to the crank journals, you could get a set of bearings and check it. With crank in the in block, in the car, the only real option is plastigauge. GM warranty repair does this, not the best, but not the worst either. make sure the clearance is correct.

 

The crank journals look fine. So I guess I'll check all the clearances and decide my action from there. Thanks guys.