So the 2.8 has a slight knock when I first start it but shuts up after it starts warming up. The engine has 200K on it and I don't have the cash or time to pull & rebuild it. Do you think I can get away with dropping the pan and just changing the connecting rod bearings? I know this engine is bone stock so is it reasonable to assume the standard bearings will fit & solve the knock/extend the life of Old Betsy? Has anyone here replaced rod bearings with the engine in the car?

If it was a connecting rod bearing I don't think it would go away after it warms up. Maybe piston slap from cylinder wear?

I have replaced a bad rod bearing before but not on a Fiero. If the business end of the rod is egg-shaped from knocking, all bets are off, "Sort-of".
You may want to check for journal scoring. If scored all bets are off again, "Sort-of".

I once found myself in a pinch such as yours and an old -schooler told me about a trick fix. Find a worn out leather belt and soak it in some oil. Cut a length of belt equal to the circumference of a rod bearing. Poke oiler holes in the appropriate places and put the leather bearing in place.

When you fire it up the expression on your face will be priceless!

No,,,,,,,,,,,, I wouldn't advise replacing the remaining 5.

Spoon

------------------
"Kilgore Trout once wrote a short story which was a dialogue between two pieces of yeast. They were discussing the possible purposes of life as they ate sugar and suffocated in their own excrement. Because of their limited intelligence, they never came close to guessing that they were making champagne." - Kurt Vonnegut

quote Originally posted by Toontown Fiero: If it was a connecting rod bearing I don't think it would go away after it warms up. Maybe piston slap from cylinder wear?

quote Originally posted by Spoon: I once found myself in a pinch such as yours and an old -schooler told me about a trick fix. Find a worn out leather belt and soak it in some oil. Cut a length of belt equal to the circumference of a rod bearing. Poke oiler holes in the appropriate places and put the leather bearing in place.

And I suspect that repair would come with the standard 30 feet or 30 second guarantee... whichever occurs first.

I've heard the leather belt trick is military procedure in old jeeps.


I agree with piston slap. I wouldn't worry about it unless it bothers you enough to rebuild it.

Exhaust leak at a manifold?

Well, I just put the oil pan back on yesterday.....all the bearings looked great so I am inclined to agree with the piston slap theory. Guess I'll just run it until it dies. Thanks for all your input....as usual, a great source of help!