Hi Doc, thanks for your reply in how to change
main bearings. Again, this van has 60000 miles
on it. My question is, is in uncommon for the
thrust bearing to wear to this point (.013 clear-
ance) with a manual trans?? In your opinion
do you think I should go ahead and try to push
it out of there to replace it?

Sorry, I'm a little hesitant. I've just never
changed a main with the crank in. I'm wondering
how bad it will be??

Thanks
Mike

mike.j.moser@boeing.com

Mike, I'm not the Doc, but his info is right on, as usual. It's easy to change bearings without pulling the crank, and if the nail thing scares you, you can buy a small aluminum tool designed specifically for the job. The only thing I would have hesitancy doing is changing a rope-style seal. They can be a pain.



lancer_41@excite.com

Changing the main(s) will be a snap, my bet is that once you do the one (and #3 is the hardest) you will do them all. I would do some measuring just to see how much the #3 bearing thrust surface is worn, just pop the cap half out and use a micometer or dial caliper on the lips, this will tell you if the change witha standard #3 main will get your end play back into spec. Note that you can special order oversize thrust surface mains, they can be a *backorder* deal.
DD