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If you're going to have an engine rebuilt all the way why would you use babbit instead of insert bearings?
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Well, I for one would not do inserts because usually if you do inserts you would need to pressurize the oiling system, and the Model A engine is a gravity feed system. Also, after just having drilled through a babbit I have found that there is about 1/8" worth of babbit material which for me is more material than an insert.
Now, I am sure others will chime in on this, and just to be clear, I believe a well installed babbit will last longer and take more abuse than an insert.
It's my opinion, and I'm stickin to it!
You wana look waaay far up da road and plan yer route because the brakes are far more of a suggestion than a command! -
Well, Wiz, I have to differ. You actually don't need pressure fed bearings with inserts (thankfully!). Nearly none of the inserted motors out there done by AER, or Bert's, Dave Gerrold, or anyone are pressure fed. The gravity feed system seems primitive but somehow it does work. The hydrodynamic wedge helps us out, too
I have nothing against a really decent babbitt job, except for 2 issues that won't go away:
1. Babbitting is an old school skill and it is harder and harder to find people who really know how to do it correctly. The temperature must be just right, etc.
2. I had a babbitt job on my touring done by a highly skilled babbitt guy, but at 10K the thrust cracked out on the rear main. Oops, now what. Maybe he wasn't that good. Maybe babbitt is the wrong metal for thrust. After all, there is just a tiny amount (LOL) of vibration in an A motor.
It was a shame because the caps O/W looked super. But, off the motor went for inserts, which were not available 30 yrs ago when I first restored the carLast edited by tbirdtbird; 09-12-2017, 10:18 AM.Comment
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Originally posted by DaWizard View PostWell, I for one would not do inserts because usually if you do inserts you would need to pressurize the oiling system, and the Model A engine is a gravity feed system. Also, after just having drilled through a babbit I have found that there is about 1/8" worth of babbit material which for me is more material than an insert.
Now, I am sure others will chime in on this, and just to be clear, I believe a well installed babbit will last longer and take more abuse than an insert.
It's my opinion, and I'm stickin to it!
I respectfully say false!
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I seriously doubt that. Inserts have been proven to be much better.Originally posted by DaWizard View PostWell, I for one would not do inserts because usually if you do inserts you would need to pressurize the oiling system, and the Model A engine is a gravity feed system. Also, after just having drilled through a babbit I have found that there is about 1/8" worth of babbit material which for me is more material than an insert.
Now, I am sure others will chime in on this, and just to be clear, I believe a well installed babbit will last longer and take more abuse than an insert.
It's my opinion, and I'm stickin to it!
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My Ron Kelley engine has inserts.Alaskan A's
Antique Auto Mushers of Alaska
Model A Ford Club of America
Model A Restorers Club
Antique Automobile Club of America
Mullins Owners ClubComment
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I have to disagree I have had both. Good babbitt is good but very hard to find. I have been doing inserts since the 80ts.Originally posted by DaWizard View PostWell, I for one would not do inserts because usually if you do inserts you would need to pressurize the oiling system, and the Model A engine is a gravity feed system. Also, after just having drilled through a babbit I have found that there is about 1/8" worth of babbit material which for me is more material than an insert.
Now, I am sure others will chime in on this, and just to be clear, I believe a well installed babbit will last longer and take more abuse than an insert.
It's my opinion, and I'm stickin to it!
just sold one of my cars with 26,000 trouble free miles of touring. The oiling system will work just fine.
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For those that have not seen the insert engine info thread in the tech section here is the link to it. The first post has a video from AER about his insert motors
https://www.vintagefordforum.com/for...ne-information
I am always adding new tech info to that forum so it may be worthwhile to breeze through the pages there for new content.. We are also adding onto existing threads that have already been there. For instance Tom just added some more thermostat info onto the bottom of the thermostat threadComment
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I am reaching out to members in the US because it is a very different market over there with stuff available that would be very difficult or impossible to find here. First, some background:
One of my cars has a B engine fitted which runs beautifully. It is my favourite and I think the counterweighted crankshaft is a large part of that. The bearings have inserts. I do not see inserts listed for...05-30-2020, 09:53 PM -
Contemplating a new engine build. 7 to 1 compression,late B high lift cam,single downdraft, header,mechanical advance distributor..Dont believe in dynos and horsepower readings but for sake of argument lets say it puts out 80hp. Plan on a lightened flywheel,V8 clutch and counterbalanced crankshaft and want to 'tour' with it..got a mitchell behind an A trans with 3.78 gears,very happy with the combination.I...08-23-2020, 07:39 PM -
I have been doing some research into having my Tudor's main and big end bearings replaced. I came across this web site in the UK. The article explaining babbitts might be of interest to everyone.
http://www.formhalls.com/whitemetal/
Stay safe
Tony03-09-2021, 10:13 AM -
My engine rebuilder will only do inserts vice pouring new Babbit bearing in my engine. Say's Babbit does not hold up using HC heads and Mitchell overdrives. What is your experance? Also, what does it cost for an engine rebuild these day's. I am concerned using inserts without having a drilled crankshaft.07-27-2021, 10:52 PM
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I kind of know this is like a correct oil but I will try:
WHEN should the mains and rods be checked (after how much mileage) OR are there signs (what are they) that will become apparent? I have been considering this for some time as I have over 14,000 on my rebuilt engine and don't want to wait until I don't have enough left of the Babbitt to remove shims and have the proper clearances....10-14-2020, 10:38 PM -
An automotive engine machinist informed me today that he doesn't believe Model As should run insert bearings because they're not pressurized.
Is this true? What are your experiences with insert bearings in a Model A engine?11-12-2018, 04:27 PM -
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I dropped the pan n my 1930 coupe today to check clearances on the main and rod bearings. Started with the rear main and found the Babbitt in the cap is cracked....You do not have permission to view this gallery.
This gallery has 2 photos.11-28-2020, 07:38 PM -
Note the info corrections to this article starting on post # 30
The following topic covers adjusting the Crankshaft Main Bearing and Connecting Rod Bearing for babbit bearings. This should be a part of your routine maintenance on your babbit engine,performed once every ten thousand miles to insure full bearing life.The following will demonstrate the measurement method using both plastigage...01-15-2018, 05:31 PM -
I’m installing a full pressure oil system in my AA engine for use in a Pietenpol airplane. I’m looking for someone to line bore the block (not just the Babbitt) and the cam journals for insert bearings. Anyone know of a good machine shop out west? Vincent Dunn Salem ORegon.12-20-2019, 11:54 AM
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