Centre or front main bearing shells.

[David Morris]

Hi there,

Does anyone have in their box of 'come in handy' spares a pair of centre or front mail bearing shells in STD size that you could let me have?

We are assembling an engine into a proven sound crankcase pair and have a good oval web crank which is STD throughout. I have purchased a set of STD big end bearings from JCS. However, for the main bearing shells, I have a pair of STD rear main bearing shells and just one pair of STD centre or front shells. Hence I need a pair of STD mains to complete the set. I have tried JCS, but they only have complete sets of shells and it seems a shame to break into a full set.

I would be very grateful for your help. Thanks in anticipation,

David

[Keith Clements]

Chris and I had a look yesterday. I have a full set but not just a pair.

[David Morris]

Hi Keith,

Thanks very much for looking for the shells. You never know, someone might have some? As it is, I have two pairs, so the odd pair must be out there somewhere!

All the best with the rebuild. It looks great!

David

[ian Howell]

David: -

Try a phone call to Ian Roxburgh - Southern Section Secretary. (See Jowetteer for Tel. No.).

He has extensive stocks of 'odd bits'and I am sure would be pleased to help - even if you aren't in the Southern Section!

[Alf Heseltine]

David, did you get the Main Bearings you were looking for, if not I can supply, let me know.

Regards, Alf.

[David Morris]

Hi Alf,

No, I haven't get a pair of shells yet. I was going to try Ian Roxburgh, but if you have a spare set, I would be very grateful.

However, don't break a full set for me, it is only if you have an odd pair of main shells in STD, either the front or centre pair. I already have one pair and the rear main shells to match.

Do let me know what I owe you though?

Many thanks,

David

[Alf Heseltine]

Hi David, it is a complete set of 'Main bearings' STD size, if you don't get fixed up
let me know.
If you plan to come to the N/East I J R we could sort it then.

Talking bearings, I am looking for Main Bearing set for a N/S crankcase, bearing No. L5389/1 +20.
This is for the crankcase line bored by Jowetts & oversize bearings fitted, not much chance
of finding any of these but if you do come across any please let me know.

Regards Alf.

[ian Howell]

I suppose it would be at least bad practice - and possibly not possible, to put a 10thou' shim behind the shells?

When I w as an impoverished student back in the 60's and I was working on my Bradford, (still impoverished - no longer a student!) we did a similar bodge on a 1936 Morris 8 Series 2 tourer.

Actually it finished up with white metal rear mains and thinwalls for the others. There were no apparent problems during the two years I followed the car's adventures.

[Alf Heseltine]

I don't think so Ian, not in a Jowett engine, a bit 'tongue in cheek' maybe.

I could trawl the bearings catalogue of Philip Dingle, using the bearing OD /ID & width.
Must be something out there.

Alf.

[Tony Fearn]

I don't think so Ian, not in a Jowett engine, a bit 'tongue in cheek' maybe.

For one minute I thought Ian was changing into George, who has all manner of bodges that worked, on the earlier cars of course.

Tony.

[ian Howell]

'Bodging', or at least fixing problems with whatever was available, was a way of life for me in the Merchant Navy.

You see, the AA don't make calls to mid-Atlantic breakdowns - so neds must!

It doesn't half create problems though back 'ashore'. You go to a dealer looking for spares parts and they only stock - or can obtain - complete units!

I have 'bodged' any number of water pumps on various domestic applances in preference to buying complete "motor and pump unit mate, you can't get just seals".