Copper colored rod bearings
 

I am tearing down a running 8RT that came out of a 1952 F3. Have been extremely happy so far. No broken head bolts, no oversize markings on pistons. BEST OF ALL,no visual cracks on deck surface. Working odometer showed 25,xxx miles. Very little ridge, in fact with a little help from brass drift pistons popped out with no broken rings. Have removed 3 rod caps, all bearings uniformally copper colored, even the tangs. Journals look good. Is this normal? Think I read some bearings were this way. I believe engine is untouched, all rods in correct holes, solid skirt pistons, 1BA in valve chamber and on crank. It has the 8BA squirter rods. It has an aluminum cam gear, factory?

I hadn't started the engine in 5 years. Pulled it and put it in my 1952 Marmon Herrington F3 so I could drive it before dissembly. Compression check cold, with plugs in was from 74-85 lbs. A bit low, but considering how I tested it...

Re: Copper colored rod bearings
 

Most of the stock Ford bearings were copper colored - so nothing to worry about. If the journals are good and the bearings look good, then reuse them! Just keep track of where they were installed (which journal) and the direction they were on the journals.

Re: Copper colored rod bearings
 

Thanks much! Main bearings were overlayed, I see some wiping of that. Some discoloration on crank journals. Plan to take block and crank to machine shop for cleaning and measuring.

Re: Copper colored rod bearings
 

May just need to have the crank micro-polished. Depending on the bore condition and how much you want to invest in it, you might get away with a hone job and a new set of rings. I'd always touch up the valves if I had it apart . . .

What are your plans for the engine? Stock rebuild or a more performance oriented build?

Re: Copper colored rod bearings
 

It is going to be the stock motivation for my 1952 F3 Marmon Herrington.

Really appreciate your advice.