can the bearings be replaced by removing the sump rather then removing the engine?

 

Dont think so mate but I'm sure someone will be along to confirm this shortly!

 

In a word no bugger that was four words damn

 

Common sense dictates the answer "NO".

But I did sell a set of big end shells to someone that had been proving us wrong. I don't know how he ended up though!

 

Don't think it can be done without splitting the block - the coolant transfer tube is in the way of No.1 + 2 big end caps.
How do you measure the big end journals for wear "in-situ" ? No room to get a micrometer in there and Plastigauge would be awkward.

Mick

 

I don't think cyl 1 is possible, but I've taken caps off cyl 2&4 in situ to check the shells in the past.