Reuse big end shells ok?

  1. Saxperience Forum Bum Joined: Aug 2010 Midlands Posts: 2530 AX 16v Turbo
    #1
    Im looking to change my pistons for low comps, i have the pistons, just need some new rings.

    I'm in two minds wether to change the shells - im not planning on removing the engine, just change in situ so not planning to regrind the crank journals.

    Would i be better off reusing the bedded in big end shells - the clearances must match pretty well if they have lasted this long.

    If it's a case of better safe than sorry - what makes it safer to replace them? potentially I wont even be removing them from the caps and rods.
  2. Infrequent Poster Joined: Sep 2009 Posts: 236
    #2
    if your not removing them id leave them in tbh
  3. Frequent Poster Joined: Jan 2004 Denny United Kingdom (Scotland) Posts: 666 Ford focus 2.0 Saxo VTS
    #3
    You will have to remove the rods, a set of oem rod shells aren't expensive from an engine builder got a set of mahle rod bearings only for £37 although he didnt charge me vat
  4. Infrequent Poster Joined: Jul 2011 East kilbride Posts: 168 saxo desire 1.1 citroen c1
    #4
    if u can get a good price id get new ones tbh
  5. Saxperience Forum Bum Joined: Aug 2010 Midlands Posts: 2530 AX 16v Turbo
    #5
    nothing to do with price - why change them?
  6. Established Member Joined: Apr 2009 just aroon the corner Posts: 1509 Audi S5, Corsa, Defender 90 CSW
    #6
    cos if youve went to the hassle of removing the olds, which have done alot of miles, why not fit new ones for a cheap price?

    my advice is check them when they come out, any sign of wear, change... but i would change them if i was doing it myself!
  7. Frequent Poster Joined: Oct 2005 Posts: 751
    #7
    have a visual inspection and measure the clearances before making a firm decision