Nolan_WRX

iTrader: (3)

Im not sure if this is the right place to post this but here goes anyhow.
just replaced the headgasket (2nd time in last 6mnths) on my missus Vreg 1.2 8v clio with 60k on clock.
Changed virtually everything on the top, now thats all good. it had a problem with the oil light flashing on when warm when you come to idle, i was told that the sump oil feed pipe is probarbly blocked, and is starving engine of oil, now i didnt quite get how that would cause it only when hot? but checked anyway.

Had the sump off, the strainer was a little dirty so cleaned it. had a poke around the big ends on the rods and they all seem to have a little play in them, one more than others.
Should there be any play in them at all?
im thinking if they are worn that could be causing the low oil pressure at idle?
it makes a kind of rough rattle when you change gear at higher revs, could it be this?

Any help would be great guys, Cheers

debbiesonic

iTrader: (7)

There should be no play felt in the big ends, assuming you are talking about up and down movement. Low oil pressure is usually caused by worn main bearings rather than big ends though.

Shark Man

Sounds knackered, shouldn't be any noticable play (up down) on the big-end bearings.

Whilst your under there, you can take off a few bearing caps and take a closer look - obviously make sure you have a good torque wrench and correct torque settings to put them back on (note fitment direction, and don't mix them up ). If they are down to the copper (or worn through) then its rebuild time.

If the bearings are damaged/worn, you need to find out why. Obviously mentioning head gaskets points to water contamination and/or overheating, causing acid etching and break-down of the oil's lubrication abilities. (But obviously don't discount other possibilities, such as a stuck pressure relief valve, seal on oil pickup sucking air etc.).

debbiesonic

iTrader: (7)

Good point there! Has it had water in the sump?

Nolan_WRX

iTrader: (3)

Cheers for the replly's guys.
Well the last time the headgasket went it was loosing water and overheating, and couldnt see where the water was leaking from, but the strange rattle was there before this happened.
It hasnt really been serviced that much, i asked her when it was serviced last and she said whats that lol so cant have been done for a while.
would the low oil pressure and worn bearings cause the headgasket to repeatedly blow then?

Was going to take a cap off but didnt have the torque settings to hand.
Bit confused as to the bearings, which are the main and which are big end bearings?
The ones that attach the rods to the crank are the ones that have movement in them.
If these are worn, do they tend to just wear out the shells or does it damage the crank shaft aswell?
Would it be a case of just replace shells, or would it need re-grinding and then oversized shells?