R&R N14 main bearings . How difficult?

It's nice to think that a motor will run one million plus miles before needing any major repairs, but the N-14 is still from the old school days of the big cam, and a thousand dollar set of bearings is cheap insurance, if you keep the block and crank in good shape it's easy to fix the rest of the motor when it's time for an in-frame.Just my opinion.

 

That isn't a bad idea. The top rod bearings will be wore the most. I have seen them so bad it lost oil pressure when warm. But left no lasting effects after the bearing roll. The oil pump on an N-14 is external bottom drivers side of engine with a tube from pan to it. They are high as a cats back unlike a small block. So if it needs it of course but if not I lrt them ride

 

There is a bushing in the front cover (for the acc drive). It is wise to change that bushing about every 250k . About 3 hours on the high side . If it fails it spins in the cover wearing out the cover. Needing to replace the front cover. About the only weakness in the N14. Best of luck!

 

Get some old bandanna's and wrap your head good. Maybe a scarf too. You can pull the pan on a Friday and start the bearings on a Monday and still get oil dripping all over your face and in your hair.

I second sdaniel on the accessory drive bushing, replace it or risk ruining the front cover when it fails. Be very carefully tightening the water pump belt. Running the belt too tight takes out the bushing. It's been a while since I did one, but if I remember correctly, there is an oil hole int he bush that need to be aligned with a hole in the front cover.

 

remember also, there are 3 different widths on the main bearings on a n-14. ive seen people get them outt the box and install these in the wrong locations. pay attention which ones came outta where. Wide,skinny,wide,skinny,wide,skinny,WIDEST at the rear. becareful with the thrust bearings......that is if you tackle it yourself.

 

My brother n law had a n14, 500hp, it had 1.2 million on it when he sold it with nothing done to it, it's still running with only injectors being replaced

 

Yep as long as I have good oil pressure I ain't messing with it