Reply To: Discovery in oil pan

Hoo boy. . .

Ever hear of a product called “Time Saver”?

This is allegedly for fitting main and rod bearings if you don’t have the patience to scrape in thick babbitt, like when you don’t grind the crankshaft journals.

I had a 1912 Model T several years ago, the engine of which I took to a Boston-area re-builder who seemed to be reputable. Got the engine back, and with just one trip around the block heard quite a severe knocking in the engine. Finally I pulled the engine and took it all apart. The photo is what I found.

The guy used this “Time Saver” lapping compound to fit the bearings but never removed it. He left it in there as a thick, gritty, goo like toothpaste. So when I ran the engine, it continued to lap away at the bearings like throwing a handful of sand into the crankcase. In this case, it wore away the third main which, in a Model T, sets the longitudinal clearance of the crankshaft, so the magnets were hitting the field coils.

I was really pissed and posted the photos all over the Model T forum.

Come to find out, he screwed several people.

He’s no longer in business.

I do all of my own work now unless I really know the guy I farm stuff out to.

— Luke