Originally Posted by
wrinklearthur
Hi Tony
I have found that the material, used in the construction of the big end bearing, as fitted to the 300TDi, does not last long, if the engine ever has had water contaminated oil.
Inspecting all of these bearing shells from a blown 300 TDi motor and comparing them to the bearings from a V8 Perkins, that also had water contamination, the exact same damage was caused to both motors.
The soft alloy bearing material, bonded to the steel shell had pock marked and delaminated, then balled up breaking the big end bolts, this let a conrod go, with it coming out through the side of the block.
This posting isn't a criticism of only the 300 TDi, but rather is a warning to those that have had water in their motors, of all types and makes.
They should have their motors bottom end looked at, if they don't want their motor to fail catastrophically.
Cheers Arthur