MGB & GT Forum

Replacing 3 centre bearings with engine in (72 BGT, 18GB engine)

So I got the sump (pan) off. Bearing caps off. The old bearings slid out easily. Down to the copper but the journals look clean. Big ends the same.

They were 020 so I bought a new set of 020 bearings.

HOWEVER, the new bearing with a couple of gentle taps started to feed in, but stopped dead halfway around. Just won't go any further.

I scrapped the shell by tapping too hard and put a burr on it so I'll get another set tomorrow. It came out again ok.

Any tips though on why it would go part way in only? Anything I can try? I undid all 5 sets of nuts holding the caps to try and relieve a little pressure but no difference. My next step would be to strip the front plate off to take the front bearing out in the hope that it may help but not sure it will.
After that engine out is the only thing I can think of but I really don't want to go there.

Many thanks, in advance, i am desperate!

G

I'm not real keen on just replacing 3 shells. However, have you tried rotating the crank while pushing the bearing into place?

I agree with Chris and Rodger, turn the crank.

The new upper bearing shell is hanging up on the block main oil feed hole. Using a fine tooth file make a small radius on the backside (steel side) of the new upper bearing shell 1/4" wide exactly in the center of the bearing shell, it will slide in.

---

Be safe out there.
Kenny

done the decent thing. early start today.