[petehoovie]

Few people on the Flathead V8 Forum (where I normally post) know about Babbitt bearings as most of the Flathead V8's have insert type bearings. The engine in my '34 has Babbitt bearings. I'm curious to know more about Babbitt and decided to pose my questions here thinking that Babbitt bearings in the Model A engine is more common.


Is Babbitt as durable and long lasting as the more modern type insert bearings? Does Babbitt require any special care or treatment to preserve its longevity? One guy told me that a ZDDP additive to my oil would help to protect the Babbitt, his reasoning being that the zinc in ZDDP is a sacrificial metal that will coat the bearings. Is this valid? Any other information you can provide about Babbitt is appreciated....