con rod clanking

[1978fiat]

My 16 year old son and I just got our 1978 1800cc 124 restoration project on the road this weekend. It did not have the greatest oil pressure but the low pressure light would not go on so I figured it was sufficient. After 100 miles we heard a knocking sound, the pressure went to zero, and the low pressure light came on. My son was participating in a driving school and one of the guys there said it sounded like a connecting rod bearing and I think he is right, but he was not familiar with Fiats. My question is, how robust are the engine parts in this car? I know I am stupid for not going with a new oil pump and assumed the lower pressure may have been because of an old pump, not bad bearings. Are the connecting rods pretty tough and would it be even feasible to replace bearings and pump, or in your experience does the whole thing need to come apart, con rods checked etc.. Are short blocks readily available? By the way, I live in the sticks of Kentucky - no one here is familiar with Fiats and there are no engine shops locally. Thanks in advance for any input. Tom 502-349-6488

[So Cal Mark]

if it's knocking you won't get away with bearings. The rod will be out of round at a minimum and the crankshaft will need attention. The piston may also have been hitting the head

[1978fiat]

Rats.

[majicwrench]

Yup Mark is right, basicly there is no easy way out. Take apart, inspect, repair replace. If it makes you feel better, it was likely doomed, any work by you changing pump etc would probably not made any diff. And the guts of a fiat are no diff than any other, any decent machine shop should be able to take good care of you.
On a good note, what a great father/son project.....

[1978fiat]

We have been off and on with the project for 2 and a half years, but he has done most of the work. He learned body work and paint as well. A friend of mine helped with that and we both learned what a skill and talent body work can be. Time consuming! We are both bummed about the motor, but he loves the Fiat!

[Exit98]

Where are you located?

There are plenty of used Spider motors around is you want to go that way rather than a rebuild.

The motors are very strong. Which ever way you go its worth the effort.

[1978fiat]

We are located in central Kentucky. Hopefully I can find a shop that will do the machine work not too far away. Would like to find a short block and go that route I think.

[1978fiat]

Got the motor out and pan off. The pump screen was completely blocked with crud, thus causing the loss of oil pressure. The motor had sat for a long time before I got it, and obviously I didn't get it cleaned well enough. Tomorrow I shall see how much damage was done.