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Old 11-18-2018, 11:09 AM   #1
Canuk40
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Default Unique bearing install

My ‘47 59AB is out for a rebuild and I received some photos of the bottom end. My engine builder has never seen this type of bearing use.

Looks like main bearings used as rod bearings. Ha anyone seen this type of install before?
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Old 11-18-2018, 11:16 AM   #2
V12Bill
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Default Re: Unique bearing install

Looks like floating bearings used by Ford. Look for a new flathead rebuilder.
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Old 11-18-2018, 11:32 AM   #3
Bob C
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Default Re: Unique bearing install

Not the person I would want working on my flathead.


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Old 11-18-2018, 11:37 AM   #4
RalphM
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Default Re: Unique bearing install

I would definitely look for a builder familiar with flatheads. There is a lot of useful information on setting up these bearings in Ron(AKA Ol Ron on the Barn) Holleran’s book Nostalgia.
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Old 11-18-2018, 11:41 AM   #5
51 MERC-CT
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Default Re: Unique bearing install

Sure look like all the ones I've seen for '39-'48 Fords.
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Old 11-18-2018, 11:45 AM   #6
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Your working with the wrong guy. They are called floaters present in all pre 49 flatheads.
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Old 11-18-2018, 11:54 AM   #7
Flathead Fever
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Default Re: Unique bearing install

Your bearing install is not unique your engine builder is. That's flathead basics 101. Did he ask why you didn't bring the valve covers in too? I agree with the others. If he don't know this I doubt he has the flathead pilot to grind the valve seats.

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Old 11-18-2018, 12:51 PM   #8
Ronnie
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Default Re: Unique bearing install

Quote:
Originally Posted by Canuk40 View Post
My ‘47 59AB is out for a rebuild and I received some photos of the bottom end. My engine builder has never seen this type of bearing use.

Looks like main bearings used as rod bearings. Ha anyone seen this type of install before?

Have you spoken to anyone in Parry Sound


R
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Old 11-18-2018, 01:54 PM   #9
leon bee
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Default Re: Unique bearing install

I wouldn't want to disrespect the engine guy without knowing more, but this means he has no internet access, no books about Ford flatheads, and hasn't ever seen a pre 48 one. Or maybe it was just a momentary lapse.
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Old 11-18-2018, 02:28 PM   #10
Ggmac
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Default Re: Unique bearing install

Please do not trust any machine shop , or mechanic that isn't well versed in common flathead parts .
I just enlarged the photo . I'd be more interested in the rod being peened over . It looks like it could of only happened at disassembly .
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Old 11-18-2018, 02:41 PM   #11
Ol' Ron
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These bearings must be fit to the crank and rods. You just can't take them out of the box and install them. I have a chapter in my book on this.
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Old 11-18-2018, 10:32 PM   #12
Dave/Green Bay
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Default Re: Unique bearing install

Buy Ol' Ron's book and you will understand how the bearings are fitted. I think Mac Van Pelt Sales http://www.vanpeltsales.com/ has the book. I would agree time for a new re-builder. Fitting full floating bearing is an art. Dave/Green Bay
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Old 11-20-2018, 08:10 AM   #13
Bored&Stroked
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Default Re: Unique bearing install

Hopefully you get the right information and the right builder to handle full-floating bearings. As Ron noted - it is imperative that they are correctly sized to float when they are replaced. Another alternative (depending on the crankshaft size) and if it has dual oil holes in the rod journals - is to switch to later 49-53 rods with tanged insert bearings (like modern engines).

While you may get through this issue, one has to wonder how much he knows about doing a flathead valve job correctly? Does he have the correct pilots to pickup the valve guide bore (not just a OHV pilot thrown into a loose-fitting flathead guide). Does he understand that valve angles and associated valve-to-deck dimensions are different side to side, etc.

Does he know how to correctly balance flathead rods? You don't just grind on the bottoms of the caps like they do with modern rods with 'balance pads' on them.

If he does not know these sorts of things and doesn't have the correct tools - you'd better find another builder or you stand to have issues (not guaranteed, but surely likely). I'm not trying to pick on your builder - but in the end, you probably don't want to be his "first" flathead build.
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Old 11-20-2018, 12:52 PM   #14
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RUN!! It may not be too late to save this project!
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Old 11-20-2018, 06:47 PM   #15
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Default Re: Unique bearing install

Mmm I lost a crank from a shop that didnt know what they were doing. They were given instructions but they didnt understand [ said they'd done them before ...??] the floating bearings were stamped 30 / 10 . they just cut .040 off the crank..aghh..
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