Does anyone know this:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/MODEL-T-FORD-c-1920s-MAIN-BEARING-CAP-section-AFTERMARKE T-adjustable-USED-/130919142261?hash=item1e7b639375&item=130919142261&pt=Vintage _Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr
They sell adjustable aftermarket bearings that are adjustable.
Any information for my knowledge?
Thanks
Michael
www.ford-t.info
It's missing the bearing part. I have one but don't know that I would use it. Neat idea though
I have one of those, somewhere. I agree that they are an interesting idea. However, I doubt that they are a good idea. The bolt pushes up on separate bearing insert that the crank runs on. The problem is that the insert is too thin and soft to support the pounding pressure of the crankshaft on the end of that little bolt. It probably quiets the knock for awhile. But with all the pressure from the crank wearing on that one little spot around the end of the bolt, it will wear out fast. If you tighten it again, it will get quiet again, then wear out again. But if you do this very many times, the bolt will press through the insert bearing and start trying to cut your crankshaft in two.
It would be possible to build something along this idea that could really work. But the one I have definitely would not do the job well. And that one looks just like mine (it is in a box, somewhere).
Drive carefully, and enjoy, W2
Off Topic....What year did Ford start using bearing inserts instead of poured babbit?
About 1935 and 1/2. I have done some carry over blocks in to the very early part of 1936.
I think it was actually meant to be used to take up thrust float. Installed at the front it could be used to pull the crank forward against the rear face of the rear main cap. This would close up the gap in the magneto and make for better crank starting on magneto.
The target market was probably used car lots. The salesman could demonstrate that the car could be easily started on magneto so "obviously" the engine was in good condition. With the bearings all tightened up and a fresh valve job and a little "Bon Ami" in the cylinders, the engine would start and run pretty good for a LITTLE WHILE!!
Les, I agree, looks to be only a floating Babbitt shell arrangement on that eccentric adjuster.
If it was a babbitt lined bronze shell it would work tolerably well. I have made a few babbitt lined bronze shells and they have worked well. It is important to have a few thou of crush (the shell sticking proud of the cap. A solid babbitt shell can also work. I have particular big 1913 4 cylinder (300 cu in) with tubular rods and pressure oiling (original) with cast babbitt shells.
Herm is right as far as main bearings go. They started using shells on the rods in 1932. The shells were actually "full floating" in that they were not locked to the rods (2 rods per throw on the V8's, so 2 rods per pair of shells)
This is probably one of the few times I could write something about Chevrolet on this forum and not be chastised too much for it:
Chevrolet "stovebolt six" engines (which actually were a very successful engine design, actually stuck with babbitt bearings until about 1954! Not sure if that says something good or bad about Che#%@*!%, or good about Ford being years ahead of Chev with their insert bearings!
Correct on the rods being babbitt, not sure about the mains in the Chevrolet.
I also have one that has a bronze insert with Babbitt. The adjustment bolt with jam nut has an eccentric end that fits in a blind hole in the bronze insert. The Babbitt bronze insert has a thrust face. I have taken it to the Bakersfield swap meet....numerous folks looked at it with some interest. There are no wear marks....do not think it was ever used. It looks well made...the bronze insert looks similar to the bronze backed inserts used in 15-28 chev. four cylinders.
Do not know if the Babbitt is bored for a standard main bearing or undersize? Have never tried fitting it to a T crank.
If I had an engine that was good except for too much end play....I would try it.
The Chevy 4 cylinders had a bronze center insert which controlled the thrust.
The front, and centers have full babbitt, or solid babbitt inserts.
all bearings were a different size O.D., and I.D.
The 216's had babbitt inserts though 1953 that were very thin steel shells.
The Chevy 4 cylinder that I had apart was a 15 or 16. That was a "Few Years Ago" .....do not remember full Babbitt inserts....just remembered the bronze insert with Babbitt. I have two 28 chevy 4 cylinder engines. One is complete and not rusty...the other is very rusty including the bore...the head looks to be useable for a low buck OHV T.
Les
http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/80257/116466.html
The chevy sixes used Babbitt till 53 in the stick shift, the 53 powerglide had inserts, from 54 on all were inserts. KB