Inserted Bearings

Cape Codder

Cape Codder

Well-known member
What are the options for buying inserted bearings other than Brattons, Snyders etc? Is this a good plan or should they be bought elsewhere? What would an average cost for the bearings and also installation by a machineist be?
Thanks for your time.
Joe Grobleski
 
The easy way is to have Rich Falluca do the work for you. He just "inserted" an engine for my Pietenpol Aircamper and I have been very pleased.

I believe he is the supplier for the insert shells advertised elsewhere.

His work also includes all new insert rods that he is having made.

The crank, when being ground, must be matched to the inserts which have a different nominal dimension on main and rod journals than cranks ground for babbit.

Ask him for prices. "Antique Engine Rebuilders". http://antiqueenginerebuilding.com/

Gar Williams
 
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Find the machinist before you go out and buy the bearings. There may be a special type he likes to use. Also, if he buys the bearings he is responsible for the whole job and there is no place to point fingers.

Charlie Stephens
 
Cape Codder said:
What are the options for buying inserted bearings other than Brattons, Snyders etc? Is this a good plan or should they be bought elsewhere? What would an average cost for the bearings and also installation by a machineist be?
Thanks for your time.
Joe Grobleski
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You are better off buying the new bearings that are made for Model A's. In the old days we used, MG bearings for the mains and 1660cp bearings for the rods. Two sets in the mains and rods. The rods need to be built up on the sides for thrust, the cost would be more than the new rods. The new rods that I have used are very good quality .

Boring the block for mains and thrust takes a little time. Not sure how much they charge, but would say $400-500
 
Why not waite and see what Terry Burtz has to offer. I understand he finally has a good casting and it should not be to long before he has some for sale. 5 Mains sure sounds like a winner. Iceman
 
I agree with Gar & Mark, Rich Falluca would be a great choice. Great guy who really knows the Model A Engine. You will be very satisfied...
 
Ice man said:
Why not waite and see what Terry Burtz has to offer. I understand he finally has a good casting and it should not be to long before he has some for sale. 5 Mains sure sounds like a winner. Iceman
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I agree. A new block with five main bearings from a small block Chevy. A counter balanced five main crank with full pressure oiling. "H" beam rods with small block Chevy bearings. All this and from the outside you can't tell it is not a genuine Ford block. Cheaper than having you old block inserted with pressure oiling and counterbalancing your undersized, fatigued crank. I am impatiently waiting for Terry to put them on the market. ;-)
 
Ice man said:
Why not waite and see what Terry Burtz has to offer. I understand he finally has a good casting and it should not be to long before he has some for sale. 5 Mains sure sounds like a winner. Iceman
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Could be a long wait. I have been watching for years. That would be the loss of a lot of good driving time.
 
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