So there's metallic copper flakes in the oil filter...

[OutbackMat]

...and the sewing machine under the hood is making a bit of a banging noise. The dipstick was dry and it's only been around 4000 miles since the last change--the oil that did come out was still honey brown so it was in decent shape. HGs were done less than 20K ago and everything was buttoned up tight--no real consumption until now. And the idiot light never came on.

So...rod knock or a bad lifter? I'm thinking rod knock. How spendy are we talking for new bearings? Car's got 130K on it and we've dumped $3,000 into it over the last year and a half in HGs, trans solenoid pack, suspension, and wheels/tires. Not really excited to spend more on it.

[rougeben83]

yeah the gold flakes are usually a sign of the coating on the bearings having worn away...any knocking sounds? new rod bearings usually means a whole engine teardown.

[decke48]

if you looking at rod knock. its complete engine tairdown. depending on the crank and if it got scared your looking at a bit of money. we just did a rebuild it cost around $1700 to rebuild but build up the engine at the same time. your probally looking at $800(if new crank) to rebearing, rering, oilpump, complete gasket seal in parts ($140 more if you want to do a water pump, oil pump and t-belt). then a big chunk of labor to rebuild it.

[OutbackMat]

Yeah, she's got a knock to her.
My understanding of rod knock is that you can get another 10 miles or 10,000 miles. That about right? Would more frequent oil changes help keep it going a little easier or should I just park it until I decide to fix it or replace it?

[OutbackMat]

Whelp...minvan time. At least I can get a full sheet of plywood or drywall in the thing.