The Ford Barn

David R. · 09-11-2020, 07:28 AM

I am reading a book by Page (copyright 1929-31) titled “Ford Model A Car andAA Truck”. Page says rod bearings would likely need to be taken up after 10,000 miles and mains after 20-30,000. Do you think that is accurate?

Bob Bidonde · 09-11-2020, 09:18 AM

For the low quality motor oils of the 1930s, and the every day driving conditions back then, it was likely necessary to adjust the bearings as Page suggests. However, not today.

Doug Linden · 09-13-2020, 09:24 PM

I would check all the babbitt bearings (Rods & Mains) at 20K intervals.

Patrick L. · 09-14-2020, 11:15 AM

My engine was last done in 1961. I checked/adjusted the bearings about 10 years ago. The rods were fine [ .0015"]. Front main good [ .0017]. The center and rear main needed some snugging up to get them to .0015". The pan had an inch or so of crap in it. I have no idea of the mileage up to that point.

Synchro909 · 09-14-2020, 06:10 PM

My experience is the rods will way out last the main bearings so those mileages don't make a lot of sense.

Patrick L. · 09-14-2020, 06:34 PM

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Yep, those dippers pick up a lot of lube and make a lot of pressure .

09-11-2020, 07:28 AM	#1
David R. Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: West Virginia Posts: 430	Bearing adjustments I am reading a book by Page (copyright 1929-31) titled “Ford Model A Car andAA Truck”. Page says rod bearings would likely need to be taken up after 10,000 miles and mains after 20-30,000. Do you think that is accurate?

09-11-2020, 09:18 AM	#2
Bob Bidonde Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 3,464	Re: Bearing adjustments For the low quality motor oils of the 1930s, and the every day driving conditions back then, it was likely necessary to adjust the bearings as Page suggests. However, not today. __________________ Bob Bidonde

09-13-2020, 09:24 PM	#3
Doug Linden Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 259	Re: Bearing adjustments I would check all the babbitt bearings (Rods & Mains) at 20K intervals.

09-14-2020, 11:15 AM	#4
Patrick L. Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Largo Florida Posts: 7,225	Re: Bearing adjustments My engine was last done in 1961. I checked/adjusted the bearings about 10 years ago. The rods were fine [ .0015"]. Front main good [ .0017]. The center and rear main needed some snugging up to get them to .0015". The pan had an inch or so of crap in it. I have no idea of the mileage up to that point.

09-14-2020, 06:10 PM	#5
Synchro909 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 7,496	Re: Bearing adjustments My experience is the rods will way out last the main bearings so those mileages don't make a lot of sense. __________________ I'm part of the only ever generation with an analogue childhood and a digital adulthood.

09-14-2020, 06:34 PM	#6
Patrick L. Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Largo Florida Posts: 7,225	Re: Bearing adjustments Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Yep, those dippers pick up a lot of lube and make a lot of pressure .