John wrote:

> Dear List,
>
> After reading Boston Bob's conclusions on the 2.1L connecting rod big
> end distortion and Stuart's "Evangelical" spin on the importance of
> replacing con rods sooner rather than later, the solution seems clear.
>
> 1) The oil pressure loss and the resulting engine destruction seems to
> always be rooted in the con rod big end changing shape and is never a
> crankshaft/main brg issue. So we'll leave the crank alone...........
>
> 2) From what I read it is possible to remove the con rods without
> splitting the case. So at high miles do the heads(as needed), REPLACE
> THE RODS, throw in a new(cheap)type one oil pump, have a good look at
> the P&Cs and put it back together. This would avoid the grim 6-8,000
> mile later engine destruction we keep hearing about.
>
> 3) This mini-overhaul would require the motor to be on a stand but
> repairs of this type should be carried out on a stand. Once we know the
> true weak link in the WBX(thanks Bob!), we need only spend our money in
> the right places and the 2.1L will deliver reliable lower end
> durability.
>
> Regards,      John

How do you remove the rods without splitting the case???