With extra clearance bearings, I know you can use only one if only half a thou is needed. I believe I remember it being said it's best to use the extra clearance bearing in either the top or bottom... but cannot remember which.
So, do I put the looser bearing shell in the top or bottom... or does it really matter?
Thanks!
Extra Clearance Bearings, Use One half, Top or Bottom?
Moderator: Team
-
- Guru
- Posts: 1264
- Joined: Fri Feb 26, 2010 11:15 am
- Location: Gold Canyon, AZ
Re: Extra Clearance Bearings, Use One half, Top or Bottom?
Bearing manufacturers recommend installing the thicker bearing shell in the lower position for main bearings and the upper position for rod bearings. However, I and many others have installed the thicker shells in the upper position main bearing location and the lower position of the connecting rod with no problems.
In summary, I recommend going by the bearing manufacturer's recommendations . . . . . . .
In summary, I recommend going by the bearing manufacturer's recommendations . . . . . . .
Bill
Perfect Circle Doctor of Motors certification
SAE Member (30 years)
ASE Master Certified Engine Machinist (+ two otherASE Master Certifications)
AERA Certified Professional Engine Machinist
Perfect Circle Doctor of Motors certification
SAE Member (30 years)
ASE Master Certified Engine Machinist (+ two otherASE Master Certifications)
AERA Certified Professional Engine Machinist
Re: Extra Clearance Bearings, Use One half, Top or Bottom?
Thanks for the reply, Bill. I appreciate it!engineguyBill wrote: ↑Thu Feb 06, 2020 11:41 am Bearing manufacturers recommend installing the thicker bearing shell in the lower position for main bearings and the upper position for rod bearings. However, I and many others have installed the thicker shells in the upper position main bearing location and the lower position of the connecting rod with no problems.
In summary, I recommend going by the bearing manufacturer's recommendations . . . . . . .
Re: Extra Clearance Bearings, Use One half, Top or Bottom?
I have used them both ways myself, never saw an issue either way on disassembly. I guess like Bill said go with the bearing mfg suggestion, I always saved the extra bearings to use rather than use half a set then throw away the rest
- needforspeed66gt
- Guru
- Posts: 2069
- Joined: Sat May 06, 2006 6:18 pm
- Location: California
Re: Extra Clearance Bearings, Use One half, Top or Bottom?
Yep - I've done this too many times to count, never a problem and they look exactly the same on teardown.
Nate @steeldustmachine
Engine Machinist
Engine Machinist
Re: Extra Clearance Bearings, Use One half, Top or Bottom?
I was taught to use the thinner shell in the cap.
I can imagine some situations where the reverse would work better, tho it would be a rare case.
I can imagine some situations where the reverse would work better, tho it would be a rare case.
Re: Extra Clearance Bearings, Use One half, Top or Bottom?
We have used the thinner halves in either location in several hundred race engines with no issues.
Carlquist Competition Engines
Re: Extra Clearance Bearings, Use One half, Top or Bottom?
Maybe the bearing companies recommend only using certain halves in certain locations so you'll waste more bearing/thus they sell more. Just a thought. I regularly use them both ways w/o issue.
Pullin' for Christ
Re: Extra Clearance Bearings, Use One half, Top or Bottom?
Would it really make a difference?
As long as the "thick" shells were installed on one side and the "thin" on the opposite, how would the crank/block know?
We're talking a .0005" delta?
As long as the "thick" shells were installed on one side and the "thin" on the opposite, how would the crank/block know?
We're talking a .0005" delta?
"Quality" is like buying oats. You can pay a fair price for it and get some good quality oats,
or you can get it a hell of a lot cheaper, when it's already been through the horse.
Nil Satis Nisi Optimum
Ed Curtis - www.FlowTechInduction.com
or you can get it a hell of a lot cheaper, when it's already been through the horse.
Nil Satis Nisi Optimum
Ed Curtis - www.FlowTechInduction.com