Unique bearing install
 

My ‘47 59AB is out for a rebuild and I received some photos of the bottom end. My engine builder has never seen this type of bearing use.

Looks like main bearings used as rod bearings. Ha anyone seen this type of install before?

Re: Unique bearing install
 

Looks like floating bearings used by Ford. Look for a new flathead rebuilder.

Re: Unique bearing install
 

Not the person I would want working on my flathead.


Bob

Re: Unique bearing install
 

I would definitely look for a builder familiar with flatheads. There is a lot of useful information on setting up these bearings in Ron(AKA Ol Ron on the Barn) Holleran’s book Nostalgia.

Re: Unique bearing install
 

Sure look like all the ones I've seen for '39-'48 Fords.

Re: Unique bearing install
 

Your working with the wrong guy. They are called floaters present in all pre 49 flatheads.

Re: Unique bearing install
 

Your bearing install is not unique your engine builder is. That's flathead basics 101. Did he ask why you didn't bring the valve covers in too? I agree with the others. If he don't know this I doubt he has the flathead pilot to grind the valve seats.

Re: Unique bearing install
 

Have you spoken to anyone in Parry Sound


R

Re: Unique bearing install
 

I wouldn't want to disrespect the engine guy without knowing more, but this means he has no internet access, no books about Ford flatheads, and hasn't ever seen a pre 48 one. Or maybe it was just a momentary lapse.

Re: Unique bearing install
 

Please do not trust any machine shop , or mechanic that isn't well versed in common flathead parts .
I just enlarged the photo . I'd be more interested in the rod being peened over . It looks like it could of only happened at disassembly .

Re: Unique bearing install
 

These bearings must be fit to the crank and rods. You just can't take them out of the box and install them. I have a chapter in my book on this.

Re: Unique bearing install
 

Buy Ol' Ron's book and you will understand how the bearings are fitted. I think Mac Van Pelt Sales http://www.vanpeltsales.com/ has the book. I would agree time for a new re-builder. Fitting full floating bearing is an art. Dave/Green Bay

Re: Unique bearing install
 

Hopefully you get the right information and the right builder to handle full-floating bearings. As Ron noted - it is imperative that they are correctly sized to float when they are replaced. Another alternative (depending on the crankshaft size) and if it has dual oil holes in the rod journals - is to switch to later 49-53 rods with tanged insert bearings (like modern engines).

While you may get through this issue, one has to wonder how much he knows about doing a flathead valve job correctly? Does he have the correct pilots to pickup the valve guide bore (not just a OHV pilot thrown into a loose-fitting flathead guide). Does he understand that valve angles and associated valve-to-deck dimensions are different side to side, etc.

Does he know how to correctly balance flathead rods? You don't just grind on the bottoms of the caps like they do with modern rods with 'balance pads' on them.

If he does not know these sorts of things and doesn't have the correct tools - you'd better find another builder or you stand to have issues (not guaranteed, but surely likely). I'm not trying to pick on your builder - but in the end, you probably don't want to be his "first" flathead build. :)

Re: Unique bearing install
 

RUN!! It may not be too late to save this project!

Re: Unique bearing install
 

Mmm I lost a crank from a shop that didnt know what they were doing. They were given instructions but they didnt understand [ said they'd done them before ...??] the floating bearings were stamped 30 / 10 . they just cut .040 off the crank..aghh..