Rear main - nuts!

Kevin - Illinois

Kevin - Illinois

Senior Member
Was doing a clutch and decided to pull the engine so I could also inspect the ****** and engine. Found the rear main cap was loose and the babbitt on the block side is failing. Looks like new babbitt is in order. Anyone in the Chicago area pour babbitt? Any suggestions on where to go from here?
 

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Tony, Kevin was asking about Chicago area, not NE. I'd give Rich Falluca at Antique Engine Rebuilding (847-674-6716) a call, he only does inserts, but I'm sure he would know who pours babbitt in your area.
 
What's up with the notched shims from the main cap bolts? I haven't seen that before, and it looks like a real oil leak maker. The oil can flow through the notch and out the side of the bolt.

Herm in Iowa is the closest I can think of. There's also Metalcrafter's in Steven's point, WI, and I'm not sure which is closer.
 
In the photos I can not see too much babbitt damage. You may get many more miles by removing the shims and driving it for a while longer.
 
Effingham Regrinding, Effingham, Illinois 217-342-4186 is your best bet for babbit work. They have been in business since the early forties. Gar Williams
 
J Franklin said:
In the photos I can not see too much babbitt damage. You may get many more miles by removing the shims and driving it for a while longer.
Click to expand...

Actually if you look in the photos you can see a debris trail out of the oil hole, the engine was assembled "dirty", those embedded debris will wear the crankshaft, yes, it would run if it was tightened, but the service life of the babbit --it's ability to capture and swallow debris and keep them from damaging the shaft has been used.
 
It's toast. Don't even think of running it. Look at the thrust surfaces; they are almost gone!
 
Kurt in NJ said:
Actually if you look in the photos you can see a debris trail out of the oil hole, the engine was assembled "dirty", those embedded debris will wear the crankshaft, yes, it would run if it was tightened, but the service life of the babbit --it's ability to capture and swallow debris and keep them from damaging the shaft has been used.
Click to expand...

Right on Kurt, and the light colored particles are Aluminum from the pistons. Herm.
 
Thanks for the replies everyone. I think I'll try to get in touch with Rich Falluca as Al suggests. I have no plans to put it back together as is, I'm going to fix the motor. I want to look at the modern rear main seal as well, do it right...
 
If it is done right, you dont need the modern seal. Also be sure the oil groove fully intersects to feed hole.
 
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