Re: alfa-digest V7 #1213 - Alfa Main Bearings

[AlfaNeely@domain.elided]

In a message dated 12/10/1999 10:09:32 PM Central Standard Time, 
owner-alfa-digest@domain.elided writes:

<< 
 Date: Fri, 10 Dec 1999 20:34:56 -0600
 From: Mark Dubovick <mutant1@domain.elided>
 Subject: 1600 engine main bearings
 
 I have a quick question fo rthose of you who have engine rebuilding
 experience with the1600cc engines. I just received a set of .10 over
 bearings for an engine which I am rebuilding and have found the the oil
 journals on two of the mains do not line up with the oil journals cut in
 the bearing shells. All of the shells have holes at about 1/3 from
 either end of the shell while only one of the journals is drilled this
 way. Two of the other mains have the holes at the center of the
 journals. I'm talking end to end here not from edge to edge of the
 bearings. Any help would be appreciated.
     Thanks,
     Mark >>

    The groove in the block under the bearing feeds oil along the back side 
to where ever the holes are that allow it to get to the crankshaft side.  
Only the first third and fifth or rear mains have oil supplied to them.  A 
trick to improve oiling on any Alfa four cylinder is to have the block 
drilled to provide oiling to mains number 2 and 4.  Any Alfa I have seen with 
a spun bearing was either number 2 or number 4.  I fact, I have a 1600 block 
in my garage with number 4 main in quite bad shape.
    If the lack of alignment of the holes really bothers you, drill some that 
do align.  You normally have to do this when you convert to full pressure 
oiling to 2 and 4 mains.  However, it sounds as if all your bearings are 
drilled.  Normally, the two narrow bearings that fit 2 and 4 are not drilled.
    I am also confused when you say one of the mains in your engine has two 
oil holes spaced about 1/3 of the way in.  The rear main may be drilled that 
way, but I do not think so.  I would have to go look to make sure.
    Good Luck.
Ciao,
Russ Neely
Oklahoma City

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