The Ford Barn

41blueoval · 12-31-2023, 01:21 PM

I disassembled the engine on my A and found this broken bearing, front of the rear main cap. Other than this the rest of the bearings look good. I assume there is no repair to this?

Jim Brierley · 12-31-2023, 01:32 PM

There is! Someone makes a thrust for A engines that are easily installed. Maybe Snyders has them?

Gene F · 12-31-2023, 02:28 PM

41blueoval, that babbit look fairly thin. Any shim(s) left? It may be time....

J Franklin · 12-31-2023, 02:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Brierley

There is! Someone makes a thrust for A engines that are easily installed. Maybe Snyders has them?

The bronze thrust part is for the rear of the rear bearing in the block.

Gary WA · 12-31-2023, 03:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 41blueoval

I disassembled the engine on my A and found this broken bearing, front of the rear main cap. Other than this the rest of the bearings look good. I assume there is no repair to this?

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 · 12-31-2023, 04:11 PM

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There were shims in the front cap all others there was none. All of the journals look nice but measure under size.

JayJay · 12-31-2023, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Brierley

There is! Someone makes a thrust for A engines that are easily installed. Maybe Snyders has them?

I think it’s Steve Becker at Burt’s that makes them.

Synchro909 · 12-31-2023, 05:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 41blueoval

There were shims in the front cap all others there was none. All of the journals look nice but measure under size.

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 · 12-31-2023, 06:02 PM

The main journals are .001 out of round. Rear journal is 1.618 and 1.619. Spec is 1.624

nkaminar · 12-31-2023, 06:18 PM

Have the engine rebuilt or look for a replacement or build up a Burtz engine.

Synchro909 · 12-31-2023, 09:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 41blueoval

The main journals are .001 out of round. Rear journal is 1.618 and 1.619. Spec is 1.624

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.

Jim Brierley · 01-02-2024, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 41blueoval

The main journals are .001 out of round. Rear journal is 1.618 and 1.619. Spec is 1.624

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 · 01-02-2024, 09:01 PM

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.

12-31-2023, 01:32 PM	#2
Jim Brierley Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Temecula, CA Posts: 4,091	Re: Damaged Babbitt There is! Someone makes a thrust for A engines that are easily installed. Maybe Snyders has them?

12-31-2023, 02:28 PM	#3
Gene F Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Ohio Posts: 1,975	Re: Damaged Babbitt 41blueoval, that babbit look fairly thin. Any shim(s) left? It may be time....

12-31-2023, 04:11 PM	#6
41blueoval Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2023 Location: Garrison MN Posts: 13	Re: Damaged Babbitt Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) There were shims in the front cap all others there was none. All of the journals look nice but measure under size.

12-31-2023, 06:02 PM	#9
41blueoval Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2023 Location: Garrison MN Posts: 13	Re: Damaged Babbitt The main journals are .001 out of round. Rear journal is 1.618 and 1.619. Spec is 1.624 Last edited by 41blueoval; 12-31-2023 at 06:18 PM.

12-31-2023, 06:18 PM	#10
nkaminar Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Western North Carolina Posts: 3,901	Re: Damaged Babbitt Have the engine rebuilt or look for a replacement or build up a Burtz engine. __________________ A is for apple, green as the sky. Step on the gas, for tomorrow I die. Forget the brakes, they really don't work. The clutch always sticks, and starts with a jerk. My car grows red hair, and flies through the air. Driving's a blast, a blast from the past.

01-02-2024, 09:01 PM	#13
CT Jack Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Hebron, CT Posts: 432	Re: Damaged Babbitt 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.