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51 Commodore 8 Main Bearings
  • bmcgill
    Posts: 77Senior Contributor
    Does anybody out there have any new main bearings for a 51, 8 cylinder.

    I rebuilt a 51 Commodore 8 and I can't seem to get the main bearings to seat in right. I have had to use used bearings. I have shimmed them the way I was told by an expert but it still has a main bearing knock when I first start it. Just as soon as the oil gets to the bearings it stops knocking. I have the oil pan back off of it. Anybody got any suggestions?
  • ralpie
    Posts: 1,066Platinum Member
    Sent you an email...

  • hudson8hudson8
    Posts: 353Platinum Member
    bmcgill wrote:
    Does anybody out there have any new main bearings for a 51, 8 cylinder.

    I rebuilt a 51 Commodore 8 and I can't seem to get the main bearings to seat in right. I have had to use used bearings. I have shimmed them the way I was told by an expert but it still has a main bearing knock when I first start it. Just as soon as the oil gets to the bearings it stops knocking. I have the oil pan back off of it. Anybody got any suggestions?
    Hi---These old 8 main bearings need to be repoured & line bored to be correct. If you are lucky & do find some new ones, they still have to be line bored. When done right your engine will be smooth & quiet. There is a machine shop in the Baltimore, Md. area who still does this kind of work. What part of the country are you from? Cliff Minard.
  • bmcgill
    Posts: 77Senior Contributor
    Hi there Hudson 8. I live in southern Indiana. It would probably cost a fortune to ship the engine that far away. I guess there are not any new bearings to be found anywhere. One guy on here said to use feathered shim stock. I'm not sure what that is. Can you tell me?
  • ScottScott
    Posts: 371Platinum Member
    Try Effingham Ill. Regrinding at 217-342-4186, they poured my Hudson engine bearings and aligned bored it. They have done several Hudson engines and will do you a good job.
  • 37 Terraplane#237 Terraplane#2
    Posts: 1,659Platinum Member
    BUCK Try Lester Harris in Minden Nevada for new bearings ---1-775-267-2559 . Got some for my 37 6 cyl from him and they work just fine. Good prices also --- Might want to email or call me for more info on what / where on this situation .BUD
  • maasfh
    Posts: 318Gold Member
    If you want to take a trip up to central Il. I can pour and align bore your mains.

    Randy Maas

    309-267-6158
  • bmcgill
    Posts: 77Senior Contributor
    Hi Bud,



    I called the number you posted and left a message. I'm about to pull my hair out with this one. I noticed a guy on here from Illinois that does those main bearings. That is not too far from where I am now. Might end up having to do that. Have you talked to Barry Lately?
  • bmcgill
    Posts: 77Senior Contributor
    Well everybody, thanks for the help and information but this car is about to become a Commodore 6 instead of an 8. If anybody wants to buy this 8 cylinder engine for a reasonable price just let me know. It has new pistons, rings,wrist pins and has been bored 20 over. The block has been cleaned at a machine shop and the crankshaft polished. Also has new hardened valve seats in it and new valve guides. Just can't get the knock out of it when it first starts. After that it runs great as soon as the oil gets to the bearings the knock stops. Also have two aluminum heads for it, a spare block and crankshaft. Call me at 812 378-0884 or 812 764-5991.



    tHANKS.
  • Park_WPark_W
    Posts: 2,055Platinum Member
    bmcgill wrote:
    ...it runs great as soon as the oil gets to the bearings the knock stops.



    If it quits knocking right after starting, it's likely not because of oil just getting to the bearings. On the splashers there's an oil reservoir above each main and cam bearing, so there's oil there all the time, running or not, unless you've got a really loose one that the oil can "drain through."



    I'd check with "Clutch Guy" Doug there in Hoosierland and see who line bores splasher mains for him.
  • bmcgill
    Posts: 77Senior Contributor
    Hi there Park W. Yes I don't live far from clutchguy but I think I have bothered him a little too much. He has given me advice and I thought I did everything he advised me to do but I did'nt catch something. You might be the same guy that called me this morning. I have talked to so many people that I can't remember all of the names of who I have talked to.



    People on this forum have really been good about trying to help out. I have gotten e-mails and phone calls from several different people willing to help out how ever they can. I really appreciate that.