Main bearings, rings

[firebat45]

So I just got my crate block today and I'm hoping to start an engine build soon. All I got was a bare block, evan had to pay extra for the main caps

Main bearings are nearly impossible to find, and I don't have a new set laying around. What are my options? Is it possible to find a new set still, or is using a good old set the best we can do now? If that's the case, is there a decent method for checking used bearings besides a visual check?

Also, I need to get piston rings. Looking for low-tension rings to reduce rotating friction. Is there a preferred vendor? Sealed Power looks like the best choice right now but I'm wondering if anyone has had good or bad experiences with them.

 

[Phoenix]

No.

Hastings , got 2 sets running , so far so good.

 

[firebat45]

No to what? No, don't reuse used bearings; or no, you've got no chance of finding new ones?

 

[SHOtimer]

He probably meant 'no' to sealed power. I'm also running Hastings rings (premium chrome faced top ring), 70k on my motor since the rebuild when they were installed and I still love them.

In regards to the crank bearings ect...see the below thread.

http://www.shoforum.com/showthread.php?t=121012

Doug

 

[Phoenix]

Its NO to find new main bearings. They are discontinued. There might be a few sets around but they are thicker and work only with reground cranks.

I think the only option is to find used ones.

 

[ShadetreeSHOguy]

FPS might have a set laying on the shelf..

 

[SHOtimer]

Its NO to find new main bearings. They are discontinued. There might be a few sets around but they are thicker and work only with reground cranks.

I think the only option is to find used ones.

...the reground cranks at rockauto come with them, and thrust bearings.

Doug

 

[jayro]

...the reground cranks at rockauto come with them, and thrust bearings.

Doug

These cranks are a great find. Was it ever verified if they were surface hardened agian? I've always read that turning a SHO crank down is a bad idea because it removes the hardened surface.

If not, I wonder what the cost would be to have it done.

 

[SHOtimer]

These cranks are a great find. Was it ever verified if they were surface hardened agian? I've always read that turning a SHO crank down is a bad idea because it removes the hardened surface.

If not, I wonder what the cost would be to have it done.

When I rebuilt my 3.2, they had to go .10 over on my mains with .10 over new main bearings.

I've got 70k in with no problems.

Doug

 

[zak]

No.

Hastings , got 2 sets running , so far so good.

Did you use the moly coated ones (2M preffix) or the standard (hard chrome topring IIRC)?

 

[jayro]

When I rebuilt my 3.2, they had to go .10 over on my mains with .10 over new main bearings.

I've got 70k in with no problems.

Doug

Good to hear. I just remember reading debates about it. How thick is the surface hardening any way? Is it possibe to turn the crank and still leave it?

 

[firebat45]

...the reground cranks at rockauto come with them, and thrust bearings.

Doug

That's good to know, now I'm considering a reman crank instead of pulling one from another motor. Do you know if they'll take a snapped crank as a core?

Looking at the picture on Rockauto, looks like it comes with rod bearings too?

 

[zach44102]

That's good to know, now I'm considering a reman crank instead of pulling one from another motor. Do you know if they'll take a snapped crank as a core?

Looking at the picture on Rockauto, looks like it comes with rod bearings too?

Yes they do

 

[rubydist]

Good to hear. I just remember reading debates about it. How thick is the surface hardening any way? Is it possibe to turn the crank and still leave it?

the carborizing is typically deep enough that if they grind the crank only 1 step (smallest amount of undersize) then you still have the harder wear surface. however, each batch of cranks will have a slightly different depth of the case hardening, so you just don't know for sure.

 

[chrism3784]

I bought the reman crank from rockauto. Very nice and well done. They cut .25" into it because thats what the main bearings and rod bearings are. Also the seal surfaces were resurfaced very nice. Came with Clevite main bearings, rod bearings, and thrust bearings also. All for 230 something plus a small core which isn't worth me paying to ship it back. If you really need a crank cheap, I'll give you my old on, just pay for shipping. No bearings including. Everythings perfect on it, crank and main jornals are great, just a scratch where crank seal goes that could be machined out.

 

[Off Road SHO]

I hope that was a typo on how much they cut it down.

Tom

 

[Phoenix]

Did you use the moly coated ones (2M preffix) or the standard (hard chrome topring IIRC)?

Good question , I used the ones RCM sells.

 

[mgreen1872]

Good question , I used the ones RCM sells.

I am running the hastings as well... currently got every drop of 37 miles and unknown idling time on them.. LOL so far so good..