1998 3.3L VG33E partial dismantle and rebuild

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YleKyote
Posts: 14
Joined: Thu Aug 24, 2023 2:08 pm

1998 3.3L VG33E partial dismantle and rebuild

Postby YleKyote » Sun Sep 10, 2023 2:23 pm

So I have the old motor block with intake removed sitting in a tire on a pallet with the crankshaft facing mostly upward so I can access it. Oil pan is off.

The motor was yanked because the crankshaft had one or more bad main and rod journals from bearings not spinning, but loose, or not fitted correctly. I'm not sure which...it had two hobby mechanics playing with it.
But it knocked for sure and was bearing material.
I want to remove the crank and hand grind it to smooth operation. What's a good resource you suggest for removing and installing crankshaft from a re-tired 3.3? :D

The crankshaft refinish resource would also be handy if you've ever used one or done this. I've found a few on YouTube that were usually in the block. This should be easier if I remove it. I'm just doing this for fun. Winter project I can do in the bathtub. :lol:


mdmellott
Posts: 43
Joined: Thu Jun 16, 2022 7:45 pm

Re: 1998 3.3L VG33E partial dismantle and rebuild

Postby mdmellott » Sun Sep 10, 2023 5:08 pm

The Haynes Repair Manual, same one I often use for4 my '02 Pathfinder, covers your '98 as well. It is a good resource for "how to" tasks like removing the crankshaft. https://www.amazon.com/Nissan-Frontier- ... 563926105/

"Hand grinding" the crankshaft journals is a fools errand. If you are going to tear down the engine that far, rebuild it right. Send the crankshaft out for a proper refurbishment and then rebuild the engine with properly sized bearings for the reground shaft journals. Stock bearings on a reground crankshaft will not work.

YleKyote
Posts: 14
Joined: Thu Aug 24, 2023 2:08 pm

Re: 1998 3.3L VG33E partial dismantle and rebuild

Postby YleKyote » Sun Sep 10, 2023 9:52 pm

I have measure tools and different sized bearings. The crank is exposed. I can remove it easily at this point eh?

mdmellott
Posts: 43
Joined: Thu Jun 16, 2022 7:45 pm

Re: 1998 3.3L VG33E partial dismantle and rebuild

Postby mdmellott » Mon Sep 11, 2023 5:18 am

Putting it back together is the hard part. The Haynes manual will get you through all the critical assembly steps.


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