Rod Bearings - change 'em?

[Winny_the_Pooh]

I've got the oil pan off while doing the timing cover gasket repair and I'm wondering if I should change the rod bearings while I'm there. Given that I had a small amount of coolant in the oil, I wonder if this caused more wear on the bearings. I don't seem to recall anyone changing these bearings as a preventicve measure.

If I change them, should I use assembly lube on them? Or, will the oil be sufficient to get them through the initial startup?

BTW - '96 / 3.8L / 85.000 mi.

[12Ounce]

I would certainly drop the rod caps for an inspection while you're in there. Main journal caps also. A visual inspection should show damage if there is any.

Just don't get things mixed up or reversed!

[Winny_the_Pooh]

Thanks 12Ounce (a.k.a Fordfan :-). We know we can always depend on you.

Logistics questions for anyone. Would seem like checking bearings will involve spinning crankshaft. Timing cover and CMP are still in place. Would seem prudent to leave them alone for now so timing relationships don't get fouled up. Also, when removing journal cap closest to cover, does weight of crank tend to stress oil seal in timing cover? If so, would seem prudent to again do this with original seal in place. New seal is provided with Felpro gasket kit for cover so I can change it after I'm done monkeying around with the crank. Sound like a plan - finish crank before going after timing cover, etc.? Or, am I missing something?

[Winny_the_Pooh]

After much pie-r-squaring, I decided not to touch the rod or main bearings. Ford some reason, Ford Shop manual instructs to remove heads and lower intake when sizing main bearings. No way I'm going to tear into the top again after doing it last year. Also per Ford manual and Haynes, the rod bearings require new bolts, even if you just check them and don't replace the bearings. Apparently, these bolts are torqued to yield twice already (during sizing and final install). Plus, the rod bearings are not stocked at Autozone and didn't even find a reference to the rod cap bolts so short-term part's availability was an issue. Going to take my chances given only slight amount coolant in the oil and see what happens. Hope the info above helps someone else.