replace crankshaft w/engine installed

I know the odds are way against me but I'm game to try.

'99 camaro 3.8 V6 - 116k miles. 4 yrs ago engine was neglected and developed top end noise but was flushed repeatedly and noise went away. Since that time oil has been changed religiously until two days ago developed rod knock (confirmed by two mech) . Car was driven home (15-20 mi.) at low speed - no heavy load or accelerations. Prior to this Oil press always held steady at 60. Now 60psi @ 1500rpm and 40psi at idle. Runs fine, no smoke otherwise. Now parked and not being driven.

Several mechs claim engine is destroyed. $3000 price tag for rebuilt + labor. That's not unreasonable especially with 3 yr warranty but is it possible to access the crankshaft to refurb or replace with reman crank w/ matched bearings from underneath with engine in car?

I understand lots of stuff in front, the tranny and maybe a crossmember have to come off and I also understand there are lots of variables like are there pieces of bearing floating around, was the rod journal damaged and many others.

I'm willing to risk a bit of time and money to bring her back to life but only if I can get at it from underneath with engine in car. I think if I have to pull the engine, then it makes sense to put in a rebuilt. Obviously if this pipedream was $1500 I wouldn't even consider it but reman or refurb crank is $250 + my time (couple weekends) so it is looking like an option IF I can get to the crank.

Thanks

i would think that if your working off the ground(no lift)
you wont be able to.
sorry my 2 cents
good luck

Was able to shimmy under and have a better look today. Not good. I think you are right.
Dang!
Thanks

The motors on 4th gens (93-02) are removed from the bottom, member and all, just got get her way up there and SECURE. It can however be done from the top, just a little more time consuming.

As I said in your other thread, 3.8s are pretty tough motors. If the oil in the filter and all is 'shrapnel' free, your plan might be viable. However, I'd just be more inclined to get a used short block and be done with it, sighting the possibility of the cylinder wall being scored. Have you checked around ebay and such? Just know there are differences between the 3.8 longitudinal and 3.8 transverse motors.

Honestly, at this point, you've parked it. Why not tear it down and see what you've got? :dunno: Curious, is the trans manual? Just trying to figure out what caused this in the first place.

Automatic trans. As mentioned, oil was neglected about 4 yrs ago and also I have had bearings turn in two buicks. Maybe just bad luck.

I generally do all my own repairs but never anything this major. Not afraid to try as I have torn down and rebuilt motorcycle engines in the past and understand tolerances and such but that was a long time ago and I failed to include two important things.

Do I have the tools and do I have the time? I'm going to give it the 60 minute rule. Rule being, if in 60 minutes I can research everything I need, look closer, assemble workspace and tools and convince myself I can do it I will. If not, then I will put her up for sale and if I can't get a good price, then will have her rebuilt.

Gotta do something to get the kid off my back. She's a girly girl and won't even touch a wrench but I have trained her to check fluids, pay attention to gauges and check tire pressure every week. It's funny to watch her pull oil dipstick with gloves and a pair of tongs so she won't get "dirty".

Too jammed up with other stuff right now but we'll see.
Thanks for all the help.

I'm going to give it the 60 minute rule. Rule being, if in 60 minutes I can research everything I need, look closer, assemble workspace and tools and convince myself I can do it I will.


Buy this man a Miller, took my pep talk right out of "my mouth"

[Hey Igor, we need a "AF Like Button" for posts like this] :grinyes:

Well, it's taken longer than 60 min. but I found a 2001 Camaro with a 3800 series ll v6 with 60k miles. Is there any way to verify the compatibility with my 1999 (also 3800 seriesll )? Really need to make sure about this as I'm really not interested in "winging it" with mismatched tranny bolt patterns or MAF sensor connector problems. Any compatibility charts anywhere?

Thanks

That what I was gonna say.
Look around for a motor, which you did. Get it, I will fit. Font matter if its manual or auto, it does fit. Same thing happened to me, 204,xxx miles and motor took a dive, found a 3800 off of a 2001 camaro with 53,000 plus for 500 bills. Car is running like a top. Total spent to fix including everything was 1000 bucks.