QuestionHi Howard!
I have not been able to find a direct answer to this question, so I hope you can help. It seems simple enough.
Is it possible to replace all 3 main bearings with the engine still in the car?
I've read conflicting accounts saying that it's possible in the mg midget with the 1500 engine, but not necessarily in the spitfire. In one of your answers you mention something about two of them being possible, but requiring patience. I am debating whether to remove the engine in my tiny garage. Any help is appreciated!
AnswerHi Hugo,
The amount of work and effort and possible results of trying to do it in the car would be much more with much less effective results then to simply remove the engine and do it right.
It is 100% waste of time and effort to just put bearings in without getting the crank "miked" for size and roundness. It can look good but be out of round or out of specs in size and that would destroy any new bearings installed in a very short time.
Read my "Tech Tips" on engine rebuild to see what you NEED to do. http://mg-tri-jag.net/Preamble.htm
The tools and equipment are not very expensive. If you have exposed beams in your garage, a block and tackle or small chain hoist will take the place of a engine hoist and engine stands are inexpensive to do the work on. Most any automotive machine shop will mike any thing for free to get the machine work necessary and even do the cleaning.
With a service manual and copy my "Tech Tip" and a few tools you should be able to do a first class professional job that will give you what is needed. You will not regret it in the long run but will regret a half hearted patch job that will self distruct.
Howard
