Reply To: Restoration update and cool accessories

[Gregory Long]

Oh, a big concern: I hope that the engine rebuilders are going to re-babbitt the connecting rod bearings and the main bearings REGARDLESS of how nice they might look or how good they measure.

The babbitt is a soft metal, and acts much like Potmetal does as it ages: it starts to develope internal cracks and stresses. The bearing material might look good, but WILL FAIL soon after being put back into service.

So: it’s great news that the cylinders are in good shape and won’t require any reboring, but the rod and main bearings MUST be re-babbitted, even if back to the same size as they are now. DON”T RISK IT !!

Greg Long”