I have a 1985 22re that has a knock in it, i thought at first it had an exhaust leak, but the further i tear into the engine the more i fear its the bottom end. I this common in this engine to have bottom end trouble? Any suggestion from anyone.

Thanks

 

mine had a knock. upon rebuild i found out it was the piston hitting the cylinder head.

 

Call ted and Engine builder and Rebuild it.

Bottom bearing went on my 22RE after 600,000 KMS

if you have a SFA you can replace the bearings by just removing the oil pan. If IFS Pull the motor

the 22RE is a very simple engine to work on.

 

Common? No. Bottom ends are typcially good for some very high mileage.
Wear happens though...