Well, something is wrong with this piece of sh*t again, surprise surprise. 98 318 4x4 5 speed. It's got a slight knock, from as far as I can tell it's a rod knock. Has anyone replaced the connecting rod bearings and mains without removing the engine? And if so did you guys use the undersized bearings? As well as if anyone knows where to get connecting rod bolts that aren't $100. Or see if I can find a low mileage 318 cheap and have the garage I go to for inspection put it in. How long *could* I go with the knock? doesn't sound like the engine will explode unlike some I've heard. That's what I get for buying a 2nd Gen with a clean body, mechanical problems out the wazoo. If it weren't for the new rebuilt rear with a detroit this thing would be in the junkyard

 

Probably best to find a good used engine and swap, rod knock usually requires machining to get it right... by that time, you'll probably be inclined to do more than just fixing one rod. Used engines are so plentiful and cheap, I would be exploring that path.

 

Rod bearings can be done but the crank is a bit harder. You might want to run thicker oil.

 

I wanted to do a used engine, but I'm having a hard time finding a low mileage one. I got 160000 on the truck now I'm not putting an engine with 200000+ in like the ones I've found. Believe it or not this started right after I put thicker oil in. Ran fine and I put 10w40 in and it started having this problem

 

Your screen may be partially clogged. What kind of psi are you getting now? Might want to drop the pan and take a look at the screen and rod bearings. Replacing them is easier than replacing the motor.

 

I'm getting perfect oil pressure. Cold it's at halfway between 40 and 90 (I think that's the middle and max) warmed up at idle it's a hair under the middle and while driving it's at 3/4 again with no fluctuations

 

Try running with mid grade gas (I am assuming you are using 89 now). Try 91, or even 93. See if it helps.

 

Yeah I'm running 89 now, took it to my buddy who inspects it, he said it's noisy lifters. Put marvel mystery oil in, and I'm not sure if it helped yet. Idle it seems quieter but driving I think I still hear it. It could be an echo I never noticed before considering my exhaust I'd dumped right under the bed. I'll try hi octane gas next fill up