Super A rod bearings

[BackBay]

I am restoring a 1950 Super A. The main bearings I received from TISCO match the IH bearings removed from the engine, but the rod bearings were 1/4inch narrower. The IH rod bearings were 1-1/4 inch wide and the TISCO bearings are only 1 inch wide. I verified that they sent me the correct part number. They match in all other dimensions. Any ideas?

 

[Red Dave]

I noticed the same thing with some Clevite bearings. The set I took out was Clevite and were dated in the 1960"s. The set I was putting in were Clevite and were narrower, just as you found, I went back to NAPA and had the machinist verify that what he sold me was the right thing. They were right and all I ever found out was that the newer ones were narrower. They seem to work OK though.

 

[BackBay]

Thanks for the reply. The bearings are also Clevite and I verified the correct part number so I will install them and hope for the best.

 

[Bob]

What you are seeing is NOT uncommon. They will be just fine.

 

[Janicholson]

Interesting topic. The narrower bearings have enough surface area to hold all the forces from this engine and then some. The materials used in new bearings are so superior to the plain metal in the original that the thinner bearing will provide much less viscous friction, and drag, while being stronger. High performance engines have narrow bearings and few failures. JimN