32 model B engine rebuild

C

custom oak

Junior Member
I'm restoring a 32 4 door sedan and have taken the engine to an area expert (only works on early model fords). Since I'm not a mechanic, I could use some suggestions. He is planning on replacing the babbit on the crankshaft with bearings and to install a balanced crank. When I asked him if he replaced the babbit on the connecting rods, he said it wasn't cost effective. My goal is to keep the car mostly stock and just want to end up with a nice driver for the family and grandkids.

I realize there could be a hundred different answers to this question but I was looking to find the consensus.

Thanks
Tim
 
For what reason did you take the engine to this shop? What was your expectations on its return? If you want to keep it stock then babbit is the way to go, if it is even needed. What else are you having done to the engine?
 
My 30 coupe runs a 33 B engine with the counter balanced crank.I rebored it,replaced timing gears but it still runs the original babbit.Been running great for 14,000 miles & dont leak oil between 1,000 mile changes.It also runs a 5.9 head.Check block carefully for cracks between ex valve seats & cyls.
 
Using a balanced crank is a definite improvement, but changing the main bearings from the original babbit type to the insert type (with the attendant serious machine work necessary to do so) doesn't strike me as cost effective given your intended use.
 
DavidG said:
Using a balanced crank is a definite improvement, but changing the main bearings from the original babbit type to the insert type (with the attendant serious machine work necessary to do so) doesn't strike me as cost effective given your intended use.
Click to expand...
I wouild say Right On DavidG. I just built a Model A, welded on counter weights, inserts rods, everything balanced, removed 10# flange off flywheel and redrilled for 9in. V8 clutch and PP. rebabbited main, insert main not cost effective up here in Me. Customer didn't want it soupped up, just wanted it to run smooth and maybe last longer. Walt
 
Lucky Mike, You didn't ask me, but... See post #5. I'm a fan.

Our 'spare bullet' was built by Mark Moriarty in upstate NY.

-VT/Jeff
 
1937pickup said:
Isn't the material on an insert bearing the same or very similar to babit?
Click to expand...

Being the same material isn't the problem. It's very thin, so if you get a "knock" you be into the hard back shell and damage your crank. A poured Babbitt bearing can take a lot of abuse with out crank damage.
 
The only enemy of babbitt is dirty oil. I sold babbitt bearing repair to many industries when I was a rep for Pioneer Motor Bearing. There are still many applications where babbitt is the preferred bearing material. Even the big dams use babbitt on their generators. Don't be afraid of babbitt as a bearing material.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top