Mountain of Shims, Should I Worry?

[Fred A]

Going through a "rebuilt" A shortblock, with a scary -.040" on rods and mains. Found what seems like tall shimpacks. Worst are the rods at a typical .025". With the -.040, the rod shims don't even reach the journal. I'm tempted to dremel the notch a bit deeper to gain a more normal seating of the shims. Mostly this reckless use of shims causes me concern for the stability of the caps. Anything I can do to make this engine survive on the road? Thanks: Fred A

[tbirdtbird]

need pics

" dremel the notch" ?

[Fred A]

There is not much that I do without checking Vince's site, which alerted me to the risks of shim "inflation" which I have found to be common abuse for many decades, from 1960 when I tightened up my first center main to revive a worn engine. A source for steel shims would certainly help. As the Guam guy agreed,"dremel the notch". Since Babbitt is such a retro bearing requiring skill beyond most craftsmen today the future market for quality shims is doubtful also. Retorque of the bearings looks practical if I take care in attaching the pan. The shop that sold me the shortblock no longer features babbitt but may handle the customer that insists. Thanks for the advice: Fred A

[tbirdtbird]

LOL I really didn't agree, I questioned the practice...........

and Vince sums it up nicely

[George Miller]

Originally Posted by forever4

Here is my view.

Model A Ford Garage ~ Model A & B Ford Babbitt Bearings and Shims
click> www.fordgarage.com/pages/bearingshims.htm

Very good and very true.

[George Miller]

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Originally Posted by Fred A

Going through a "rebuilt" A shortblock, with a scary -.040" on rods and mains. Found what seems like tall shimpacks. Worst are the rods at a typical .025". With the -.040, the rod shims don't even reach the journal. I'm tempted to dremel the notch a bit deeper to gain a more normal seating of the shims. Mostly this reckless use of shims causes me concern for the stability of the caps. Anything I can do to make this engine survive on the road? Thanks: Fred A

I would have to wonder if any of the work was done right. Yes I would worry.

[Fred A]

Originally Posted by George Miller

I would have to wonder if any of the work was done right. Yes I would worry.

A profound understatement. Decked -.030", Studebaker lifters(block trimmed to fit), ratchet bolt stripped, bores very tight at .003", valve seats oval, cam center 1.555"and pitted. The bent crank may have been from my handling. Could not pass on a bargain from a major shop. Most of these issues have been repaired or refitted. I used to like a challenge. Now not as much.
Thanks: Fred A