Fried rear bearing
 

My engine seized up and it looks like my rear babbit went south on me. I’m pulling the oil pan in the morning to see but it looks like it will need new babbit for it so will do all of them. Any experience on putting inserts in instead of poured babbit. Either way any recommendations on a good shop to do either babbit or insert? In the mid Atlantic area.

Re: Fried rear bearing
 

I know a fellow who does the inserts but he is pretty loaded up with work. He's close to Mt Airy NC. I know he's an excellent mechanic and will probably do mine when I have it done. Message me if you're interested and I'll give you his info.

Re: Fried rear bearing
 

If you are lucky only the cap will be damaged and you can buy a new cap, and a lottery ticket.

Re: Fried rear bearing
 

IMO, you should think carefully about using inserts. It seems Rich Falluca (spelling?) is trying to sell that part of his business but so far, no takers. There is absolutely no guarantee that the inserts will be available into the future.

Re: Fried rear bearing
 

Maybe if you shared your location.

Re: Fried rear bearing
 

Rich sold his business to a guy who already does engines and they are in the process of training. But they are not doing any new work.

Re: Fried rear bearing
 

I believe Rich sold the engine rebuilding part of the business but not the parts component of it which is where the inserts were handled.

Re: Fried rear bearing
 

Actually the parts business was part of it. It looks like it is going to turn out good.

Re: Fried rear bearing
 

Search SCHWALMS.COM Located in Strasburg, PA. About 40 miles from you.

Re: Fried rear bearing
 

Lee, what did you find when you pulled the pan?

Re: Fried rear bearing
 

I certainly hope you are right.

Re: Fried rear bearing
 

Definitely Schwalms, they are who you want to contact. They do some excellent work. And you are close.

Re: Fried rear bearing
 

Schwams. He had a nice assortment of rebuilt shortblocks at Hershey for what I thought were very reasonable prices. His work shows pride and craftsmanship. Nice guy, on Wednesday I had a chance to talk with him early before it got busy, I plan on getting one of those beauties next year.

Re: Fried rear bearing
 

You may want to consider the new Model A engine designed and sold by Terry Burtz. His block doesn't include the valve train, but it is a brand new engine. I would seriously consider that option.

Re: Fried rear bearing
 

Pulled engine and beat up solenoid bolt and a chunk of pedals stop fell out of bell housing. Engine now turns over, must have been jammed up in flywheel. Time to turn lemons into lemonade and check valve and crank shaft clearance, clean out oil pan, and touch up engine compartment. Thanks for all the advice.

Re: Fried rear bearing
 

Time to buy that lottery ticket.

Re: Fried rear bearing
 

I am a little bit confused on how that stuff can get in the bell housing. I am happy that the fix was that simple.

Re: Fried rear bearing
 

I think previous owner may have placed pedal part on top of bell housing with clutch bearing cover removed and fell into housing. Starter solenoid bolt is infamous for coming lose or breaking and getting caught while bouncing around bell housing. Either way better than what it could have been.

Re: Fried rear bearing
 

Solenoid bolt??? I think you meant to say bendix or starter drive bolt. :)
TOB

Re: Fried rear bearing
 

You are right , bendix bolt. Either way better than what is sounded like!

Re: Fried rear bearing
 

Does anybody please have a contact for the new owner. I have just gone through the bearings in my Tourer and found the rear inserts fried again - even after cutting a groove for oil to reach the back of the bearing. Surprisingly, this time the cap on #2 main bearing was OK. I have suggestions to make on improving the design of these inserts. As it is, they don't handle heavy use.
Who knows, we may all benefit from any improvements the new owner might make.

Re: Fried rear bearing
 

It’s the same site, antique Engine Rebuilding , I just googled it! The same phone number!

Re: Fried rear bearing
 

Schwalms is the place to go.
Strasburg PA is about 250 miles from Yorktown VA. Don't drive I-95 during rush hour or bad weather. Even on beautiful sunny days it's a crap shoot.

Re: Fried rear bearing
 

Not a fan of inserts. Spend your money somewhere else.

Re: Fried rear bearing
 

Here's the link to AER. https://antiqueenginerebuilding.com/

Re: Fried rear bearing
 

Thanks Bob. I have sent them an email. Now I wait to see if there is a response. Many companies don't bother. I hope they do. Otherwise, I will have to ring them.

Re: Fried rear bearing
 

Well, a week and a half later and no response, which is disappointing but not uncommon. I guess I'll have to ring them.

Re: Fried rear bearing
 

Sounds like best case scenario. Thank God for that.

Re: Fried rear bearing
 

I had to pull my engine for a starter drive bolt that had come loose and jammed between the flywheel ring gear and housing. I am now running modern starter drive, works great.