Myths
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Elder User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 970
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Myths
Many times I see opinions stated in forums regarding engines and related
components. The purpose of this posting is not to offend any writer but to
try and help in the understanding of many.
Frequently bearings are disscussed, Ford for years has used a copper lead
bearing insert, which is flash coated with a thin layer of babbitt to allow it to conform to irregularities. In use the flash coating may be worn away exposing the cooper and this brings out the idea that the bearing is shot.
To quote a Ford manual from 1966 under "Main and connecting rod bearings. The copper lead base may be visible thruogh the bearing overlay.
this does not mean the bearing is worn. It is not necessary to replace the bearing if the bearing clearance is within the recommended limits."
thanks to you all,
Kotzy
components. The purpose of this posting is not to offend any writer but to
try and help in the understanding of many.
Frequently bearings are disscussed, Ford for years has used a copper lead
bearing insert, which is flash coated with a thin layer of babbitt to allow it to conform to irregularities. In use the flash coating may be worn away exposing the cooper and this brings out the idea that the bearing is shot.
To quote a Ford manual from 1966 under "Main and connecting rod bearings. The copper lead base may be visible thruogh the bearing overlay.
this does not mean the bearing is worn. It is not necessary to replace the bearing if the bearing clearance is within the recommended limits."
thanks to you all,
Kotzy
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 4,907
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From: suburban atlanta
I remember years ago getting 292(?) rod bearing inserts that looked polished, almost a chrome looking surface. I haven't seen them for a while. Was this a particular brand that polished the bearing surface or were specs different over time?
I also remember the tale of a co-worker who had an 'older' vehicle in his youth that had a non-round journal. He took leather and used it in place of the insert, or, rather in place of the babbitt(sp) that was cast into the big-end of the rod. It worked for a while, and then when it knocked, he'd pull to the side of the road, preferably over a ditch, drop the pan, and fit a new piece of leather. It worked. Seems funny to be discussing tolerances in the thousandths and ten-thousandths when you can slap a piece of cowhide in there and go...
He was a very good friend.
tom
I also remember the tale of a co-worker who had an 'older' vehicle in his youth that had a non-round journal. He took leather and used it in place of the insert, or, rather in place of the babbitt(sp) that was cast into the big-end of the rod. It worked for a while, and then when it knocked, he'd pull to the side of the road, preferably over a ditch, drop the pan, and fit a new piece of leather. It worked. Seems funny to be discussing tolerances in the thousandths and ten-thousandths when you can slap a piece of cowhide in there and go...
He was a very good friend.
tom
Last edited by tomw; Sep 19, 2006 at 09:07 AM. Reason: spelling
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,068
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From: western montana
thats funny...my dad was just up helping me put my 400 together and was talking about how his dad used something like thick bacon rind (sp?) as a main (i think). they did stuff like that all the time during the depression and wwII when a lot of things were hard to get. dad was never able to use a torque wrench (except to ck every once in a while) so he could do repairs in the field by feel. good stuff- I'm trying to get my valve train geometry perfect with roller rockers- the opposite of above.
