Thrust bearing problem

[MadMerv]

If you've got a quarter inch of play in the crank, the thrust bearing has got to have been destroyed, meaning.....lots of damage, I.E. oil pump, bearings, cylinder walls, maybe cams and crank. It is probably garbage

[sammm]

If you've got a quarter inch of play in the crank

Finger check -

.022" not .22", but still out of spec.

Chris

[icepenguin66]

I'll tell ya what... we'll draw straws for that duty!!!

Removing the starter is that hard?! Seemed fairly easy the last 2 motor swaps I did...well, aside from loosing 2 of the bolts.

[Treibenschnell]

Removing the starter is that hard?! Seemed fairly easy the last 2 motor swaps I did...well, aside from loosing 2 of the bolts.

It wasn't difficult per-say... just a royal pain in the as...er, uhm... neck.

[altiain]

I priced a Kia longblock for $300 today, here in Dallas, which is an interchangable shortblock.

Chris

More interchageable than the Protege shortblock that just blew up?

Patience, Grasshopper. Don't you have like fourteen other cars to drive while you wait and take time to make the right decision on the Miata? I wouldn't rush this. I think rushing this (or trying to shave corners, like buying an "interchangeable" motor) is just going to cause you more frustration.

I'd find a buyer for the built motor, or back out of the sale if you can. Then I'd use that money to find myself a nice, stock '99 bottom end, swap your head onto it, and enjoy driving a stock car again.

(Edited because I can't speel )

[Treibenschnell]

I'm with him on this one!

[Sharpie]

When Flyin Miata started building stroker motors for their TrackDog, they were using the kia longblock to start with.