Insert-type bearings in splashers

Jon B
Jon B Administrator
edited November -1 in HUDSON
Has anyone had experience with replacing the babbitted rod bearings in 6-cylinder splasher engines, with modern insert-type bearings (such as Federal Mogul 9955-SB)? Have you driven the car any distance with the new bearings?

Comments

  • Unknown
    Unknown
    hi jon, i would like to know also. our 37 engines, mine is 212 splashers run great i am sure, but this would be great to find the bearing when replacement comes. dermott.
  • Huddy42
    Huddy42 Senior Contributor
    Jon,

    Many years ago we inserted slipper bearings into a motor, but never saw any results from that. I believe a chap here in NSW races a Terraplane with slipper bearings and does not have any problems.
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    Jon,

    The cost-benefit analysis would be questionable. Modern insert bearings are babbitt just like a babbitt pour job is, only the inserts are steel-backed. I don't know about the availability of modern inserts for your '37, but for the earlier cars as far as I know they don't exist, and machining the rod to accept a satisfactory insert would run you into more time and money than practical. I have poured quite a bit of babbitt and believe in it wholeheartedly as long as it is done correctly, and the motor is set up correctly. If there is a readily available insert bearing to go in yours, you might want to try it, but if it's going to require a lot of modifying, just go for a good pour job. Inserts only show advantages as far as ease of installation and the ability to handle higher RPMs, which you're not going to be subjecting a 212 to anyway.
  • KEL 39
    KEL 39 Member
    I believe that bearings from around 1950s Jeep engines will fit into a 212

    engine without too much trouble.
  • Geoff
    Geoff Senior Contributor
    It depends on what you term "too much trouble". The rods have to be machined out, and there is so little leeway that the bolts are cut into. So after boring you have to throw the bolts away, and then relieve the sides of the insert accordingly, and cut oil grooves, and fit new bolts. I know it has been done, but I have not heard positively from anyone who has done any mileage with them. I converted two Essex motors to modern inserts 20 years ago, and the crank shaft journals were worn .006" after 2000 miles, as the bearing material was too hard. so until someone comes up with the definite proof that it is worthwhile and reliable, I go along with Ron - stick to a good babbit job. By the way, most modern shells are no longer soft babbit, but are much harder material like aluminium/tin, which is a very unforgiving material when it comes to any sort of foreign materials in the oil. That's why all modern engines are full-flow filtered, and have hardened cranks. Also you have to set them up at looser clearances to cope with splash lubrication, and they tend t o be noiser. Any binding at all will cause the metal to pick up on the shaft and tear out, whereas the softer abbbit will give slightly and transfer a small amount of metal around the bearing. One of our members converted his '30 Essex to shells, and has had the engine down three times since, each time with scored and worn shaft. So come on you people who have done it - where are the results?

    Geoff.
  • Uncle Josh
    Uncle Josh Senior Contributor
    "Nothing Is Impossible For The Person Who Doesn't Have To Do It Himself"
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