One inch wide insert bearings

[Mongo]

Pulled and engine apart. Two observations.

1) It has insert bearing on the rods. The inserts were centered in the rod journal but were only one inch wide, not the usual width of the rod.
2) There is machined welds on each side of the rods and rod caps to replace the babitted side thrust portion of the babitted bearing.

Has any one seen this before?

 

[MikeK]

Yes, common before the AER and other replacement insert rods were made.

 

[Mongo]

Thx Mike ---and no kidding

 

[Jim Brierley]

Yep, commonly done. The bearings could be Volvo?

 

[J and M Machine]

pulled and engine apart. Two observations.

1) it has insert bearing on the rods. The inserts were centered in the rod journal but were only one inch wide, not the usual width of the rod.
2) there is machined welds on each side of the rods and rod caps to replace the babitted side thrust portion of the babitted bearing.

Has any one seen this before?

These were from an H&H engine

 

[MrBruce]

Yes, there were a number of different bearings during my years with Clevite Engine Bearings I sent hundreds of bearings out to independent guys who were inserting Model A and B blocks. I remember REM was a big one. Now Rich had bearings manufactured that fit and will bring the Model A engine into the 21st century. Any machine shop will be able to install the inserts which are available from most of our Model A supply houses. They also come with new rods made for the inserts. I can't wait to send Rich my engine with over 30 years on it for inserts.

 

[Benson]

,,.

 

[Jim Brierley]

I chose Volvo because they are thinner than most bearings so less material was removed from the B rods. They have held up well, 167 mph on the salt, bearings still look good.