TR2/3/3A where to buy oversize thrust washers for TR3B?

[Bruce100]

Hi all, I just measured the end float on my newly acquired TR3B. 8 thousands. Went looking for oversize thrust washers, and Moss is NA, didn't see any at roadster factory, Victoria british only had standard size, customthrustwashers doesn't list for TR3. Can anyone point me in the right direction? thx

 

[DNK]

Scott helm make those?

 

[Gliderman8]

Scott helm make those?

YES, he will be able to take care of them as he does custom sizes. Used him for my thrust washers and he is a pleasure to deal with.
customthrustwashers.com

 

[TR3driver]

TRF has them on sale at the moment. P/N AEW2004/SA005

 

[Bruce100]

ah, I didn't think to look in the tr4 catalog assume since I have a B they are the same. Scott's prices reasonable for custom? I like the idea of solid brass,

 

[Gliderman8]

Scott's pricing will be more than the catalog guys but I think the material he uses is better. Obviously that is open for everyone's personal opinion.

Note: I don't think he uses solid brass... it's a different alloy; check his site for exact material or just give him a call.

I just checked Scott's website and it looks like he uses a bronze alloy

 

[Bruce100]

I had an email exchange with Scott - he doesn't do TR3 yet, as they require a different manufacturing process, and he isn't tooled for it. Assumption is that there is a tab as opposed to that of a TR6. He is interested, and would like a picture. Anyone have a photo of TR3B/TR4 thrust washers I can send him? TR3A as well, while we are at it?

 

[TR3driver]

Yes, there is a locating tab, but only on one half. The other half cannot have the tab. Washers are the same for all TR2-TR4A. Sorry I don't have a good photo, but here is part of the diagram from the parts cataloge.

Personally, I have a hard time seeing a bronze alloy as being better in this application. The stock thrust washers are the same tri-metal design as used for rod and main bearings. That design has been around for a very long time and is still in use today (although most makers have gone to cheaper materials that aren't as good but "good enough"). The TR6 motor does have a problem with thrust washers, apparently a combination of lack of thrust surface (the wet liner 4s have twice as much thrust surface) and a crankshaft that flexes a good deal at high rpm. Kas Kastner once measured something like 5/8" deflection at the flywheel!
But the TR3 motor does not seem to suffer the same issues, and in fact the thrust washers normally outlast the other bearings by a large margin as long as the oil is kept clean. I always change them when doing the main bearings, but they generally are not worn out even when the mains are worn into the copper backing.

 

[Bruce100]

I have 8 thousandths end float. A couple of people have said that is not to worry on a TR3B. I bought it single owner, the odometer reads 89k (though I do not know if that is accurate, PO has alzheimers). If all else checks out ok - compression, oil pressure, etc., I'd like to just monitor for a few years till I rebuild. Don't put a lot of miles on my TRs - a few thou a year. What do you think?

 

[TR3driver]

Maybe I don't understand the problem, Bruce. .008" is well within the factory allowance for end float ... why are you worrying about it?

 

[Tim Tucker]

Crankshaft end float 0·004 - 0·006" (desirable)
Mfg... 0·0048 - 0·0117"
Wear limit .. 0 ·015"

From the Bentley.
Couldn't agree more. if it runs/drive good then enjoy the car! I think 8 mils is a long way from getting into trouble. IMO.
I have several sets. If Scott just needs a template to start making them, I would be willing to send him a set. Get me an address. Mine came from TRF.

Best of luck on your new car. Enjoy! It's spring here in the south...cold and spitting snow... Go figure?
Tim

 

[Bruce100]

According to the TR3 service manual, "The float specified for the crankshaft is .004 - .006 when new." Is it different for the TR4/TR3B?

 

[Bruce100]

I guess I need the Bentley manual!

 

[Bruce100]

I am reading the Bentley manual for TR3 53-61. Says "Should the end float determined be greater than .006, thick thrust washers can be fitted." I don't see what you are referring to.

 

[Bruce100]

Ok, found it... silly me

 

[TR3driver]

All clear now? "The Bentley" is just a reprint of the factory workshop manual plus an early version of the owner's manual; so it has the same information. For your car, you'll want the 6th edition of the owner's manual (titled Practical Hints for the Maintenance of the Triumph T.R.3) which you can download from
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B2H...M2U2LWJhYWUtMjEyZDgxMzUyNzUw/edit?usp=sharing

Used to be TRF sold reprints at a very reasonable price, but apparently they don't have them any more.

 

[Tim Tucker]

Bruce,
I actually copied that from the TR4-4A manual. Glad to know they agree... The TRactor motor sure is tough. I bought my current TR4 in 1981. The crankpin-big end rod clearance was so great you could EASILY see it and feel it. But it had stayed together. That was 30+ years ago. I would have hated to have known the end float number. I agree with others: monitor you crank end play and enjoy your car. Pictures of the car?
Tim