Damaged Babbitt
- Thread starter 41blueoval
- Start date
Jim Brierley
Well-known member
There is! Someone makes a thrust for A engines that are easily installed. Maybe Snyders has them?
J Franklin
Well-known member
The bronze thrust part is for the rear of the rear bearing in the block.
Gary WA
Well-known member
True but you may find one that is still in good shape and attempt to use it, if it can be shimmed to fit. Been there done that maybe just luck!
41blueoval
Junior Member
There were shims in the front cap all others there was none. All of the journals look nice but measure under size.
I think it’s Steve Becker at Burt’s that makes them.
Synchro909
Well-known member
When you measured the journals, did you measure each one twice? The second measurement at right angles to the first to check for wear making it oval.
41blueoval
Junior Member
The main journals are .001 out of round. Rear journal is 1.618 and 1.619. Spec is 1.624
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Synchro909
Well-known member
That is too much ovality. I'm afraid an engine rebuild is in your near future and if I were you, I'd have those bronze thrust rings installed as mentioned earlier at that time and better still, switch to inserted bearings. Now is the time to add counter weights too. The engine will run smoother and last longer. The inserts come in 0.010" undersize increments. You would have the crank shaft reground to 0.010 undersize and go from there. To me, that is a no brainer but I'm sure others will have their own thoughts. Brace yourself!
Another alternative and probably the best one (which will cost you about the same as rebuilding that engine) is to do as nkaminar suggests. I would also strongly suggest you install an oil filter and use an oil lighter than 20W50 (which many use).
By the look of that bearing, to continue driving it, you run a serious risk of causing severe damage to the crank shaft and maybe more.
PS If you decide to go with inserts, I highly recommend cutting a groove in the top one just like you have in the Babbit to get oil tot he back of the bearing. They need this modification to last.
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Jim Brierley
Well-known member
That's only .005" undersize, not much at all. Sure, a complete rebuild is best, but you have a lot of miles still in that engine if the thrust issue is solved. I once used copper tubing to repair the thrust, and it worked just fine.
CT Jack
Well-known member
If you intend to drive your A a few hundred miles a year then patch it. If you plan on driving it a lot more I would go for a rebuild or as suggested a new Burtz. The Babbitt is indicating it's nearing the end of it's life. Not knowing the exact alloy composition, patching could end up being a complete waste of time and money.
December 2024 - I am posting this for others who need this repair. I had the same problem and called dozens of companies that do Babbitt work. They all wanted me to send them my engine and plan for a long wait. I was ultimately referred to Gene French - GFrench at hotmail.com. He can (and will) do this kind of repair for a single bearing cap (or your whole engine). He has some main bearing caps in stock (for exchange) or can re-Babbitt yours. He will need your crankshaft journal diameter and how much change to thrust clearance you will need. He does beautiful work. I was very pleased with his work and highly recommend him.