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Re: Spitfire Main Bearings

To: "Martin C. Libhart" <mlibhart@feist.com>
Subject: Re: Spitfire Main Bearings
From: Joe Curry <spitlist@gte.net>
Date: Sat, 27 Mar 1999 12:24:40 -0800
Martin, 
Since the .254mm converts to .010 in., I suspect that the crank has been
turned down .010 undersize.  This gives credence to your assumption that
there has been some lower engine work done previously.

Regards,
Joe

"Martin C. Libhart" wrote:
> 
> I finally had time this week to open up the bottom end of my '70
> Spitfire motor (1296cc) so I will know what to expect come rebuild
> time.  I've had the motor on an engine stand since starting my frame-off
> restoration project last year.  When I acquired this project car, the
> motor ran, but was a real dog.  Good compression readings on cylinders 3
> & 4, but very low on 1 & 2; lots of blue smoke.
> 
> To make a long story short, I was pleasantly surprised with my first
> look at the crank and rods, not to mention the fact that both thrust
> washers were still in place, with very little end float.  In fact, this
> motor must have had a bearing job in it's recent past - the shells look
> like new, and the crank journals have no scoring.  I expected much
> worse!!
> 
> Here's my question....the main bearings are Clevite shells, and have the
> following on the back of each shell:
> 
>      Clevite  CL 77
>      MB-2359P
>      0.254mm
> 
> Can anyone tell me if these are standard size bearings, or are they
> oversized due to the crank having been ground previously?
> 
> Martin Libhart
> 1970 Spitfire
> 1972 TR6

-- 
"If you can't excel with talent, triumph with effort."
 -- Dave Weinbaum in National Enquirer


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