Oversized O.D. Main Bearings

[cas3]

where is this ERP stamped on the block, so we can watch out for it when shopping?

 

[Dads41SuperDeluxe]

Bottom of the block. See attached

 

[40 Deluxe]

Thanks Richard - no luck with james, but nice guy. Flathead - I'm finding the same thing. My rebuilder is talking about shimming. Anyone tried that?

I'm trying Chuck now

Was your rebuilder a used car dealer in a previous life?! A .0075" shim sounds pretty iffy. It would have to be hard enough to carry the load without pounding out, plus heat transfer would be affected.
Where are you in Idaho? I just moved to Kuna and the farms around here have a lot of old stuff sitting around. You should be able to find another block.

 

[Bored&Stroked]

I would not consider shimming . . . either find bearings or find another block. Real bummer to find this out AFTER all the other work was done.

I've never had an 'ERP' block and I will for dang sure keep my eyes out when looking at blocks - they won't ever be coming home with me!

 

[Art Newland]

Wow, what a great thread, a little knowledge can go a long way. Just goes to show, the expert you're dealing with might need some schoolin'!

 

[richard crow]

how bad are the bearings you removed it could be posable to reuse them .or have them sized & then line boar have you tryed egge

 

[rotorwrench]

I read somewhere about an outfit that can recast old bearing shells with babbitt and size them. I just can't remember where.
It might be this outfit.
http://gaffreybabbitting.netfirms.com/index.html

They might need the whole block to do it though. Otherwise they would need to make precision mandrels.

 

[J Franklin]

I was going to suggest just that also, maybe leave them unfinished and let your machine shop line bore them.

 

[flatheadmurre]

The machineshop is really going to love that...lol
That´s a 7 setup lineboring operation...3 bearing cuts 2 axial and 2 radius.
Not sure what money it will add up to...

 

[Dads41SuperDeluxe]

Update. I was able to find front and center at .010 under. Rear is reusable and machine guy will set crank to fit each bearing. I was able to find a rear at .020 under for next rebuild. I'm looking for front and center but at least I can button this one up.

I learned way more than I ever wanted. Great information from all.

 

[KDL]

I'm in the process of rebuilding the motor for my avatar and was warned of this. What does the ERP stand for?
As always, lots of great info here.

 

[rotorwrench]

I would guess that is was a repair to a block that didn't pass initial inspection at the factory. ERP may simply be short for "Engine Repair"

 

[Dads41SuperDeluxe]

My machine guy says his dad (Machinist for Ford) told him about the ERP blocks. During the war, Ford would mass repair blocks by over boring because blocks were scarce. He thinks ERP stands for "Engine Repair Production". Sounds possible.

Still looking for front and center main bearings 81A-6333-P (+0.015 OD and -0.020 ID). I'll follow any possible leads - thanks

 

[KDL]

Good luck on your search for oversized bearings. Hope you have success.

I checked my block and could not find any ERP markings. Maybe I lucked out.