[s-cars] Ate a rod bearing?

[Michael Bess]

Folks:

 

I had picked up a "rattling" type sound underhood a month or so ago, which
has gotten worse.   Noticeable under partial throttle conditions (like
between shifts) or when blipping the throttle in neutral.  Not present at
idle, nor apparently under acceleration load.  I had thought it was
loose/rotted exhaust shields (which there were and were subsequently
removed).  Then the whole discussion about serpentine tensioners made me
think along those lines.  Plus the fact that the viscous fan seemed to have
excessive play came to mind.  Car has ~95,000 miles on it.  Brought it in to
my local Audi/VW independent who listened hard, blipped throttle while
underhood and stated that the noise was deep in the engine and probably a
bad rod bearing.  He questioned whether I ever had the oil go real low and I
stated no.  Then I remembered I had blown the oil switch at the rear of the
engine out a year or so ago and had thought I shut down before any damage
set in.  Apparently this may have not been the case. 

 

So.what is the group's collection knowledge/opinion on this?  Did I indeed
eat a bearing?  If so what are the options?  Rebuilt the lower end only?
Swap in a new used motor?  What's most cost effective?  It looks like I have
a big bill ahead of me no matter what, but if one approach is better both
cost and longevity wise I want to go that route.  Looks like all the other
work I was seriously contemplating (RS2 goodies, suspension) may go by the
wayside in view of this new issue.

 

Ugh

 

Mike Bess

'95S6 MTM 1+