problems with rod bearings 98 tsi

[98blacktsi]

i just rebuilded my 98 tsi. i put a new crank,bearing,rods,pistons,the elimation kit,etc. rebuilded the top end to. i have only put one about 50 miles and i have had to replace the rod bearings twice. i did the break in like the book said to to do. and now i started it yesterday and it started to knock again. i don't know what is going on with the engine but i have but a lot of time and money. is there anyone that can give me advise.thanks

 

[wont_luz]

Did you use plastigage to size/fit the bearings when you installed them? Even with a new crank they can be a little off; at least I would never trust it without proof. When I rebuilt my motor I had the opposite problem: the motor would not turn over without extreme strain. Turns out when I ordered the bearings off ebay they gave me undersized instead of standard...now a worthless crank, needless to say. Also, how's the oil pressure? When you did the balance elimination, did you remember to install the bearings so they block off the oil passages? Just a thought...I've been there...

 

[Timechg]

Did you put the rods in the same place with the rod bearing caps going the right way? if the oiling holes are blocked off that may cause a problem with proper rod lubrication. See if the oil squirters are still there/clogged.

Tim

 

[98blacktsi]

when i put the elimiation kit in i put in the whole kit like it said. then when the last time i replaced the bearing the oil squitters where full of shavings. maybe i am putting the rod cap on wrong. i put them on so they go to gether the best. the ones that are going bad are the #1 and #4 bearing. the oil pressure gauge is not working but i am going to install a new one before i start it again.

 

[Timechg]

Which balance shaft kit did you get? I bought the kit off ebay and the stub was machined poorly. Everytime I torqued down on the oil pump cover the stub would get wedged in and wouldn't spin. You know how the rod bearing cap has a notch in it as well as the rod? they are supposed to be on the same side. Also what torque are you putting on the rod nuts? 14.5 ft/lbs with a 90 - 100 degree turn. You also might want to check if the studs in the rod have stretched that would cause some problems for torquing down the rod caps properly.

Tim

 

[luvmygst]

IF you have spun the bearings twice already, more than likley you have messed hte crank up also. Check it CAREFULLY when you pull it apart. I would say that you are going to need to get the crank machined or replaced now. I speak from experience you cant just change the bearings and hope for the best they are just going to fail again.