New mains

[roadster31]

I want to build a couple of Model A engines, I have the KR Wilson main set-up ands have done many engines with good results. It takes me 9 hours to do a babbitt job from start to finish, I have always thought about doing inserts to save time with the reliability and convenience of having the bearings on a shelf. I want to have the blocks machined to accept shop made inserts in standard sizes; .010, 020, 030, the inserts made on a lathe of some type of good bronze, then add a thin coating of babbitt. The rear main out of a 1 piece bar-stock with thrust surface to be cut as needed. Do you see any problens with the idea? what thickness should the babbitt be? I am sure someone has tried it before -- why isn't it being done now, or is it? Thank you for any help; I don't see why this won't work, E LaBrash

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

Elmer, in a way you would be reinventing the proverbial wheel as there is already someone manufacturing the insert shells specifically for the Model A engine application. I will also let you know that the time needed to machine for inserts is WAY longer than the time needed for pouring babbitt. That is why there is a cost differential between babbitt and inserts with the majority of the tiome involved in align borning.

[MikeK]

Look here: INSERTS
A decent toolmaker could make new arbors and cutter sets for your KRW setup to do the two required steps- alignboring the iron (instead of babbitt), and counterboring the iron faces of the rear main/cap.

[Bill Stipe]

Joke!
Do you know the difference between a Tool & Die Maker and a Machinist?

A Tool & Die Maker is just a SLOW Machinist !!! LOL

[Kurt in NJ]

This is easier than making them --
http://www.antiqueenginerebuilding.com/INSERTTECH.html

[roadster31]

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Thanks for all of the info guys, I think when I re-retire I'll try to do an inserted engine making the mains myself. There is a good auto machine shop that finishes the babbitt for me (the last .010) and the thrust surface. I think we could do about anything necessary to do the job, I'll keeep you posted -- if I ever get to it. Regards, E LaBrash