Bert's inserted engines

Maclab58

Maclab58

Well-known member
I am thinking about buying a new inserted engine from Bert's. Anyone out there running one? Comments???
 
Yep, But mine was done years ago. I trust Berts a lot, if they say it's good, I would not hesitate.
 
If Bert's is selling it I don't know how you would go wrong. His machine shop does great work. Rod
 
I have an antique engine rebuilding inserted touring engine in my sport coupe and it's awesome! I'm considering one for my Victoria as it has developed a oil leak coming from the rear crank area as well as a rod rattle on deceleration. I have recently purchased 2 of Bert's rebuilt Zenith cards and I couldn't be happier with them. All of my carb issues have gone away! Just lookin for some opinions before I pull the trigger.
 
I like doing business with a re-builder who I can visit and talk to if a problem should arise, without having to get involved with shipping crates and shipping expense. I'm sure there must be a qualified re-builder closer to you in Texas. MHO
 
Mikeinnj said:
I like doing business with a re-builder who I can visit and talk to if a problem should arise, without having to get involved with shipping crates and shipping expense. I'm sure there must be a qualified re-builder closer to you in Texas. MHO
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Ron Kelley :) just put one of his engines in my car.
 
Second post #5 ; Lot to be said for having the work done close to where you live especially if you have problems .
 
garyaodell said:
Piranios Antique Automotive is in Texas, look at www. modelaparts.
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One of my favorite comments that he made one time was "we'll 10,000 miles is a lot of miles to have on an engine".... This was after the 3 set of babbit mains had failed on one of his blocks in one of my friends Tudors within a matter of 3 or 4 years. I'm no babbit expert, but he isn't doing something right if 10,000 miles is a lot of miles.
 
I really don't see the advantage of inserts on a model A engine. Babbit is VERY forgiving and adjustable for clearance, not so with insert bearings. Modern cars have used inserts for the past 60 years but they run full pressure oiling with seals that work and a full flow oil filter. When the thin layer of babbit wears off the inserts it will require a major rebuild and the crankshaft will have to be ground to an undersize, providing that there is enough meat left on the crankshaft.

I have run the original babbit bearings on my september 29 for the 53 years that I have owned it and I have run the hell out of it, especially when I was young. After all the shims were removed in the first overhaul in 71 , I've sanded the caps twice to take up clearance. Anybody that says that sanding the caps won't work is full of you know what!!!! I would think that most model A engines have had the caps filed or sanded, probably more than once over the past 80 years . The model A was made simple so that the common man could make most of his own repairs. I overhaul my own engines and my september 29 hasn't leaked a drop of oil out the rear main in the past seven years.I don't drive them every day as they are only fun cars but if they break , I can fix them myself.
 
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