rod bearings ?

[Rick1803]

We started the 1993 164L today after replacing the head gaskets, everything went accordingly to plan, thanks to the great advice we get on this site. However, we think we hear a rod bearing rapping. If you recall, we bought this car without ever hearing it run, there was 4 gallons of coolant/oil mix in the crankcase. We're afraid that the engine may have been run too long with this contaminated mix, causing bearing damage. It sounds fine at idle. We have not driven the car on the road, it is not registered. When we "rev" the engine we hear a thumping/clunking sound as the engine RPM returns to idle. Does that sound like a rod bearing(s)? Is it possible to replace rod bearings with the engine in the car?

[jontg428]

Sounds like a rod bearing to me, but I am not there listening to it in person. You can replace them while in the car, but I hear removing the oil pan is a real pain the the a$$. Maybe better getting a good used motor and do a swap, or if your crank is still in good shape putting in some new bearings. Best of luck,
Jon

[Richard2]

The cranks are nitrated and hard, but once damaged by #4 rod bearing, they are all but useless. If I were you I wouldn't take any chances and pull the engine and look at the mains and rods.