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Old 04-27-2021, 12:13 AM   #1
Talkwrench
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Default Whats up with this bearing?

This is the center main bearing I just pulled out, was in the engine 3 years. What gives?
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Old 04-27-2021, 01:12 AM   #2
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Default Re: Whats up with this bearing?

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This is the center main bearing I just pulled out, was in the engine 3 years. What gives?
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Old 04-27-2021, 01:49 AM   #3
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Default Re: Whats up with this bearing?

I've seen many flathead bearings like that...too many! What the cause is I'll let the experts explain
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Old 04-27-2021, 01:56 AM   #4
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Default Re: Whats up with this bearing?

I'm no expert. I'd say it is what it is. Probably run as is for another 3 years or more. Crank bearings are not typically line bored hence the wear on the leftside. It's a imperfect world we are just driving in it.
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Old 04-27-2021, 02:30 AM   #5
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Default Re: Whats up with this bearing?

Looks like the bearing is delaminates from the base material .
You see some bearings have slight chunks come off sometime like this .
You might consider swapping in some new ones .
As long as the crank journals look good,,,,I wouldn’t worry too much .
Do a good visual inspection of the cap also,,,,,to be sure .
The wear pattern looks good,,,,,no serious gouges,,,,,you should be good .
All bearings are not created equal,,,,,,these things are made in a machine,,,and they are made fast,,,,,sometimes the bonding just isn’t perfect.
Also,,,,,well,,,,you get it .

Tommy

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Old 04-27-2021, 05:35 AM   #6
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Default Re: Whats up with this bearing?

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That's called "Flaking" and was common with WWII bearings. This was also caused by excessive oil pressure. Had problems with the early floaters, back in the day.. Good reason for running a full flow oil filter.
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Old 04-27-2021, 03:36 PM   #7
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Default Re: Whats up with this bearing?

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Originally Posted by Talkwrench View Post
This is the center main bearing I just pulled out, was in the engine 3 years. What gives?
That is a bimetal bearing, steel back and a tin/babbitt layer. They fatigue easily due to the thick layer of tin/babbitt.
Use a trimetal bearing like a Clevite 77 they are a hi performance bearing, steel back a layer of copper and a thin layer of tin/babbitt.
The thick layer of tin/babbitt is soft/compressible and the continued flexing fatigues the tin/babbitt layer and starts to crack and fall out. The trimetal bearing with the copper layer and thin tin/babbitt layer doesn't have this problem.

I had this same problem in race engines.

Bill
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Old 04-27-2021, 04:05 PM   #8
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Default Re: Whats up with this bearing?

This is a typical example of bearing damage from "lugging" the engine. Of course their can be other causes, including a faulty fusion of the outer layer.
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Old 04-27-2021, 04:09 PM   #9
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Default Re: Whats up with this bearing?

Too much clearance and old bearings
You running a filter Rob.
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Old 04-27-2021, 07:22 PM   #10
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Default Re: Whats up with this bearing?

Good answers guys ,thanks.

This engine was the one that they lost the caps too and I had to get others so it was line bored. Lawrie ; Clearance should have been spot on the guy that did the crank said it was basically blueprinted [?] . The bearings were new . Yes I did the 90% oil filter setup.

John ;Lugging, interesting.. Most of my driving is too and from work however I drive it like I stole it most of the time .

Ron; Too much oil pressure, possible but does not go over 60 lbs. One of my worst problems is that I dont get the oil hot enough most days so the pressure does stay high.

Bill; good info the the types.

Well if theres anyone in Oz with a spare .030 bearing let me know
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Old 04-28-2021, 11:42 AM   #11
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Default Re: Whats up with this bearing?

If it was mine, I'd replace the entire main bearing set - with a recently manufactured set. I'm running King Bearings on many of my recent engines - have not seen an issue like this to date. Check your clearances - as every bearing manufacturer is a bit different.

I've also had good luck with Clevite/Mahle P-Series bearings . . . just a little bit pricey.

Question: Whose bearings and are they NOS/vintage manufacturer or recent?
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Old 04-28-2021, 04:11 PM   #12
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Default Re: Whats up with this bearing?

Rob, clevite are hard to get but you can get them here.
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Old 04-28-2021, 04:33 PM   #13
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Default Re: Whats up with this bearing?

The bearing pictured is out of a 21 stud engine. Now it's hard enough to source genuine Ford bearings for these early engines, let alone aftermarket...The only aftermarket bearings I've seen for these motors were Repco brand. I don't think King make them....
There is an antique engine reconditioner here in NZ that can re-metal shells, often the only alternative when playing with real obscure makes.
Rob, just keep looking, you'll find a replacement. Good luck!
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Old 04-28-2021, 06:14 PM   #14
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Default Re: Whats up with this bearing?

Could try Reds Antique Parts as opposed to Reds Headers.
I have had some useful brgs etc from him
Phil NZ
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Old 04-28-2021, 07:44 PM   #15
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Default Re: Whats up with this bearing?

Or Fred
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Old 04-29-2021, 08:38 PM   #16
Lawrie
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Default Re: Whats up with this bearing?

Rob , Did you get some bearings?
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Old 04-29-2021, 09:04 PM   #17
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Default Re: Whats up with this bearing?

Rob, reading the adverts I see Chuck has .030 mains -front and centre.
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Old 04-29-2021, 11:25 PM   #18
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Default Re: Whats up with this bearing?

Thanks BB

NO Lawrie haven't started looking locally yet... Lead?
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Old 04-30-2021, 02:17 AM   #19
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Default Re: Whats up with this bearing?

Have you tried auto surplus.
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Old 04-30-2021, 06:04 AM   #20
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Default Re: Whats up with this bearing?

Got my set for a 36LB from C&G 3 yrs ago.The rod bearings were harder to find
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