Auto Parts: 97 Olds Cutlass engine knocking (rod bearing?), oldsmobile cutlass, olds cutlass

Question
I got a '97 Oldsmobile Cutlass less than a year ago and the engine has been making a noticeable knocking sound since shortly after I got it.  I opened the hood and it sounds like it's coming from the very center of the engine block.  I brought it to a shop and they said it was a rod bearing, and that it can't be fixed. The guy said I would just have to get a whole new engine.  Is that true, or can I just get a new rod bearing?

Answer
Hi Greg,

Rod bearings will give you about 500 miles of road time, after it goes bad, before giving out whereas main bearings will last much longer even abusing them. Once a rod bearing goes, it allows the connecting rod to hit both sides of the block each time the cylinder goes up and down which doesn't promote long life. A main bearing on the other hand has bearings to either side of it and even if the entire bearing falls out, chances are the engine will still run, albeit without oil pressure, but it'll still spin. having a bad bearing means your engine is on borrowed time, time to start looking for another engine or car.

Looking for a reputable service technician? My advice on finding a good technician is: Steer clear of the dealership and 'chain' stores like Firestone, Sears, Pep Boys, Monro Muffler/Brake, Midas, etc. as they usually only employ ONE ASE Certified Tech just so they can say they do and chances are, that guy is the asst. manager or manager and is not in the store to diagnose/repair vehicles anyway. Find a service location in the link below or get some names out of the yellow-pages and do a drive-by. Garages that employ ASE Certified Technicians will be marked with the 'Blue-Seal' insignia. If unsure about whether a place employs Certified Techs, just ask to see their credentials. ALL ASE Certified Technicians will be PROUD to show and display their certificate(s).

Thanks for the question, I hope this information was helpful to you.
Fred
Knucklebusters Used Auto & Truck Parts, Inc.
www.knucklebusters.us
570-453-0910
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