Hello All,

I've got rod knock as diagnosed by me and the mechanic. Ugh.

Should I rebuild - (I"ve worked on my car a lot, - but not the engine. Only ever opened the valve cover)
Ask the mechanic to rebuild ($2,000)
Or ....
Scrap it???


Thanks for your opinions.

this yard is not near you BUT they are volvo specialists..they are near sacramento

http://www.vandsautodismantlers.com/

Thanks for all the responses. It looks like I should be looking for a replacement engine - so that's what I'll start doing.

Any reputable places near Los Angeles to get the sucker put in?

Always best if you can see/hear the engine running so a damaged or rusted out car would be a good start (sic). If you have the facilities, buying either of those could prove economical if it gives you a collection of parts before weighing in what's left.

1. rod bearings CAN be replaced with the engine in the car. it can be a hassle as you have to rotate the crank and you will get oily from drip but it can be done.

2. if the rods are worn or oil starved it is possible the mains have wear and despite happy talk in my experience these can not be changed without removing the crank and even doing so is still real trouble with the engine in the car.

3. rods will cost you 70-100 bucks and main similarly

4. you can buy a entire engine with low miles for under 300 and in may areas of the country for 200 or even less.

5. unless you want the learning experience you're better off buying a good used engine and swapping it out whole.

6. you opt for this i urge you to pull the transmission WITH the engine or drop it after the engine is out. if you do not you will find it VERY hard to line up the two because of the angle of the engine as it drops down to set on the crossmember

I have some experience with connecting rods knocking. Once you get the rod knock, the big end of the connecting rod stretches a little. A new rod bearing won't stop the rod knock since the opening has stretched a little from the impact loading of the knock. It won't knock as much with a new rod bearing, but it will still knock when it gets warm and the oil is thin.

I agree, used engines are a much cheaper and easier solution.
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john

My 245 B200E engine UK spec. lasted 494k miles.

I put in a B230E as a second hand unit with 137k miles. The engine cost £265.

That was nearly two years ago and it runs with no problems, doing about 800 miles a week.

This may be your solution. The Volvo engines are good for 500k with good oil and changes.

BrianH UK

Noted. I'm at 310,000 miles currently. Everything in the engine is original.

Are you suggesting I swap it out - or rebuild?

Thanks!

You'll spend a lot more money on rebuilding than you will on a good used engine. I can change an engine in a day. If you choose to rebuild yours, you will have a lot more down time than simply replacing the engine. Used B230F engines usually don't sell for much money since they seldom fail. Try www.car-part.com, and find a used engine near you.
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john

Thanks. I'm on the site now.