I have a 1986 vette with what I am pretty sure to be a spun rod bearing. I haven't had it officially diagnosed by a mechanic yet but everyone who is more mechanically inclined than myself has said that is what the issue most likely is. It was caused from driving a long distance while unaware of an oil leak. My main question here is how much would it approximately cost to replace the bearings and maybe the crankshaft if I were to do it myself and if I were to take it to a mechanic. As far as internal engine workings I am still learning and do not know much but have lots of people willing to help. I've also been made aware of the possibility that is could be my rockers. If so I'm not sure what a fix for that would entail either. I just cant seem to find a solid estimate and don't know what parts to look for. I'm only 20 and don't make a ton of money so if this is something that would cost me an arm and a leg then I would have to sell it.

Another issue I'm having is I'm not getting any spark which obviously is preventing the car from starting. I've already replaced the plugs and wires and just today replaced the Ignition Control Module with no success. My plan is to next test the coil to see if its bad but if anyone has any suggestions they would be greatly appreciated.

Any help would be super appreciated, thanks.

 

If you think you have a spun bearing you shouldn't even be turning it over. It needs to come apart. The cheapest way out if you're willing to do the work is to put a crank kit in it (turned crank and new bearings) along with cam bearings, oil pump, resize at least the spun rod(s), and a good cleaning with brushes and all plugs out. Everything else should be carefully inspected.

Or you can just pick up a new short block. Many first timers that try to fix something like this end up wishing they hadn't.

 

if its a rod bearing, pull the engine or put a for sale sign on it.
However, this is a great time for you to learn about engines, how and why they work. Gonna cost you some bucks. You will need friends help but take advice with a grain of salt. Also, drink beer AFTER you have finished working.

 

Good advice!

I still have a couple scars to prove it is worthwhile waiting until AFTER.

 

First off all, don't assume it's the worst of all possible scenarios.

Second, can you be a bit more specific? A "long drive", well, how long ? "with an oil leak" like what ? a drip? or a gusher? any oil pressure warning lights come on ? most importantly, was there any oil in the engine at the end of this "long drive" ? Trust me, there are LOTS of chevy's running around out there with oil leaks; it ain't necessarily fatal.

the last time the engine was running, did it have any oil pressure?

At least can you drain the oil, or whatever remains of it, and inspect for shiny metallic specks ? can you remove the oil filter and cut it apart and inspect the filter element for metal debris?

Anyway, good luck; worst comes to worst I would strongly suggest NOT trying to rebuild the engine unless someone with experience is there to guide you along; buy a reputable new or rebuilt short block and do the grunt work yourself. You'll learn plenty enough just doing that.

 

I agree with the above, look for bronze colored metal in the oil and oil filter, this will be bearing material. It is a pain to cut a filter apart but worth it, I use tin snips and a chisel to avoid contaminating with metal shavings as I don't have the fancy tool. Also, it is possible to drop the pan on the L98 without pulling then engine to inspect the bearings if you find a bunch of metal, although if the bearing is spun you will more than likely need to have the crankshaft turned away, which means pull the engine and replace or rebuild. At least you will know for sure. IMO you need to be willing to do the work or willing to pay the money if you want to keep the Corvette, at 20 paying a mechanic to fix a near 30 year old Corvette will keep you in the poor house, so investing in some tools and learning to fix your car will pay off!

 

Where is the car located and please don't at "at my house",lotta houses in this country.

 

To be honest, after reading your whole post, my first concern is that you tried to fix the spark issue by throwing parts at it. This approach is the wrong way to fix problems with these cars. Maybe your spark plugs and wires needed replacing anyway but my point is that you didn't diagnose or test anything, at least you didn't say so in the post.

So it might be a spun bearing, or it might be rockers... get the engine problem officially diagnosed by a professional, or at least a Corvette specialist or enthusiast who knows these motors well. Find out what the problem is, in fact. No speculation and no throwing parts at it. When you have some definite information, then people on this forum can give better responses. I'm just trying to help you help yourself.

 

I apologize for the late reply to comments. To clarify some of your questions, the long drive was from San Diego to Lemoore, CA. which is about a 4 hour drive. I noticed the oil leak when I stopped at a gas station to fill up and checked my oil to find none. I never had any oil pressure warnings and the pressure stayed steady at 80 the whole time. I ended up buying 8 qts of oil just to get it back. The leak was on the driver side valve cover gasket. As far as the ignition issue, The plugs and wires are all new so I have no reason to suspect those as the cause. The car is currently located on the naval base in Lemoore. Thank you everyone for the inputs. I am working to get my car to a shop to get it looked at.

 

you can still have oil pressure without oil being on the stick.. barely. problem is, the oil gets extremely hot when that low and starts to lose its ability to lube everything. I wish you the very best of luck and hope its something simple on top of the engine.