Could a spun rod bearing stop an engine from working?

Question

I have an 00 Honda civic manual and it stopped working, do I have to replace the engine block too if I rebuild it?

Answer 1

The engine most likely wont run with a broken connecting rod, its probably a bad/worn out connecting rod bearing. A bad bearing will make a loud knocking noise that increases frequency with engine RPM's (revolutions per minute). While it might not be dangerous to drive it, if the connecting rod decides to exit the engine block it could be potentially dangerous because: 1- a hole in the engine block will let oil escape and dump onto the road 2- the engine might lock up (read: stop turning really quick), and cause the wheels to lock up and you could lose control of the car. The best thing to do in this situation is to go to a junkyard and find a running escort of the same vintage and hear it run for yourself and buy the engine, thats the cheap route. If you have some money you could get it rebuilt, but will be more expensive (crankshaft and connecting rod might be damaged), or buy a rebuilt short block from a reputable engine rebuilder. Hope this helps!!

Answer 2

My daughter's 1993 Accord was run out of oil on the freeway by a person whose identity will be mercifully withheld. Three of the four rod bearings spun but the engine stopped because the oil starvation seized the rings in the cylinders. When I put oil in the cylinders it fired up but was very noisy. I put in three quarts of oil and the engine ran without too much drama.



When I drained the oil after half a minute of running the oil was pitch black and smelled horrible. I disassembled the pan and bearing bridge (there was about an ounce of bronze in the pan from the bearings) and found the crank had survived. I cleaned the journals, replaced the bearings (all the rod bearings Plastigaged within spec: .001-.002 inches), put in new lower half main bearings, and the car was a daily driver for 7 months and more than 7000 miles. She traded it to a desperate car dealer for her present Sienna.

Answer 3

even with a spun bearing it still should turn over ! as long as the bearing did not scar the crank then all you need is a set of new rod bearings ! but usually once a bearing spins it scars the crank ! if the crank is scared then you can either replace the crank or have the crank turned down and use oversize bearings ! the block should not be hurt unless the rod goes through the block, then you will need another engine ! if your going to overhaul the engine then all you need is another crank and a set of bearings ! once you get a used crank make sure the oil holes are opened up !

Answer 4

As long as the rod didn't come loose and punch a hole in the side of the block, then you should not have to replace the block. You may have to have the crank replaced, or at least machined. To answer your first question, yes a spun rod bearing can stop an engine from working. When a bearing spins it basically welds itself to the crank, causing it where it will not spin freely or not at all.

Answer 5

Unless you're really gung ho to rebuild an engine I'd get a used motor for around $400-$600, replace all the major seals (valve cover, oil pan front and rear main) on it and the timing belt while it's out of the car and call it a day.

Answer 6

I know of no way a rod bearing can "spin". It may seize from lack of lubrication and it could destroy itself and the crank shaft but it won't "spin"

Answer 7

If you've abused the engine to the point you've destroyed a bearing, it's safe to say the whole engine has to be rebuilt.



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Answer 8

That is a good point