<<The ubiquitous 'B' series engine had a three
bearing crank and because it caused so much trouble in the early MGBs, went
five bearing in 1965ish. Thereafter, the problems were cured.>>
Not quite.
The 3 main B had early problems because they didn't foresee the problems with
heat build up in climates warmer than old Blighty, and didn't realize that the
3 main 1800 ran a bit hotter than the 1622. The first Bs had no oil coolers,
and soon no bearings. Once they started fitting coolers as standard issue,
there were no significant oiling problems.
The 5 main 1800 was not developed specifically for the B, but was first
intended for the transverse engined Austin 1800 - the use of the engine in the
B just made sense to rationalize the production line.
I actually prefer the 3 main version, as it has a touch more power than the 5
main, and turns more freely. Granted, it will break if used above 6500
regularly without a proper crank, but then the 5 main can't be used at all in
that range without crossdrilling it's crank.
Bill S.
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