Journal Nut in Oil Pan

[Dan Hagrman <DanH@domain.elided>]

Gregg,
this happened to my 89 spider too.  Fourth journal (between cyl 3 & 4)
drivers side.  After tighening the nut back on the journal (tight but not
torqued), the crankshaft would no longer turn.  It turned easily by hand
with the journal nut loose, since the head was already off <g>, but tight I
couldn't turn it.  Don't know how long it was off, but this started as a
replace-the-rings-in-the-car project since my third cyl rings were shot.

The KC club folks advised a full rebuild.  Upon disassembly, it was
discovered I had serious damage to the fourth journal bearings.  I would
advise (as all my KC club members did to me) pulling the engine now, instead
of taking the upper oil pan off in the car.  Well, if you don't have AC it's
much easier, but still not fun like on an engine stand.  If you take off the
upper pan in the car, you'll need to take out the oil pump and raise the
back of the engine a few inches so the oil pan clears the radiator
support/front fairing thingie.
I bought 10 of the journal nut retainer caps instead of the 2 that were
originally used; very cheap insurance I wish the car would have come with.  

good luck.
dan hagrman, 89 spider in parts in kansas city

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