rear main cap oil groove

[rkatk]

I dropped the pan to fix a small oil leak and also the rear main cap today. When I took off the rear main cap there is no oil groove in the babbit????
- What is the best way to cut the groove?
- how far from each end of the cap do I start the groove?
- how deep is the groove?
Now I guess I need to check the other caps and maybe even drop the crank far enough to see if the upper babbit has an oil groove.
Randy

[rkatk]

Any opinions?

[JoeWay]

Randy, most of the guys who KNOW the answer are at work--give 'em a little time.

Joe

[pat in Santa Cruz]

your best answer will probably come from James and Herm when they break for lunch or after work or search their posts on babbit bearings.

[ford1]

Randy sent you a p/m email me

[James Rogers]

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Very controversial question. Some builders believe that no groove is needed in the caps and others will be ready to fight if you mention not grooving them. I have seen old motors with lots of miles both ways so I don't think I will make a recommendation there but, I bet you the block babbitt is grooved. If it is running and not giving any problems I wouldn't mess with it. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

[rkatk]

I guess that is the question, as expensive as engine rebuilding has become and since this is a rebuilt engine in a ground up restoration that I have spent the last year on. I hate going backwards but really dont want to take chances at this point. I did drop the front main cap and also no groove. If it needs it I would rather do it now. At this point I just want it right.
Unfortunatley the engine is in the car, had it running two days ago, body on and no more than a week from being complete.

[JoeWay]

If this is a new rebuild, can you ask the rebuilder?

Joe

[Kohnke Rebabbitting]

Front, and center cap oil groove left front of cap, to right rear, 1/8 inch wide, and not over the babbitt thickness deep in any of the groves.

Front, and center block, groove, right front to left rear.

Rear Block. Left front, to right rear for the groove.

Rear cap groove, Right front, to left rear. Don't for get the oil wells.

Rear main oil wells are .250 from the Radius.

Front and center cap, and block, oil well are .225 from Radius.

[rkatk]

When you say 'oil wells' are you talking about the chamfers down the sides of the babbitt?

[Kohnke Rebabbitting]

Yes.