Coated main and rod bearings

[TomMull]

I'm putting a new chassis under my Lotus it and since the engine was out what started as a bit of a refresh turned out to be a substantial rebuild, bored, reground, new valves, seats etc.

When I thought I was reaching the end I found that the engine was tight. It took 15 to 20 ft lbs to start it turning. I tore it down (several times) to see if I could find the cause. Everything I measured was spot on. I finally went to the machinist who bored the block. He said it was dirt (from my many tear downs) and suggested I get new bearings (second set mind you) and have them coated, which I did. He installed them for me and when I got the block I found I could turn the engine by hand easily at mid stroke just by grabbing the 4 inch crankshaft pulley with my hand (head off at this point).

So the question is, if there is one, what is the deal with coated bearings? I'm an old shade tree guy and this is all news to me.

 

[bobhustead]

I coat them with STP. This is the first I've heard of a factory coating on the bearings. Sounds like a good idea, but I am too old to change.
Bob

 

[TomMull]

My machinist did mine so I don't know where he got them. Here's an ad on similar topic: coated bearings

I've always done it the same way you did but I've never had an engine with all new parts as slippery as this one.
We'll see if it lasts.

T

 

[GregW]

Check out this link to the Healey Forum

 

[TomMull]

Thanks for the link. Somewhat assuring that no one said anything bad about them.