General TR Main bearing caps

[James A Martin]

I ruined the middle main bearing cap in my 2138 cc TR3B engine. I cant find a price for a new one on any of the usual parts vendors.
Has anyone got a ballpark for used caps? I found some used and the seller wants an offer.
I dont think I want to use this. But it may be OK as no material is missing fron a contact surface either on the thrust bearing or main bearing sufaces.

 

[Geo Hahn]

I think the reason you don't see the caps offered at vendors is because it is not as simple as just replacing a part. I believe the block and caps were lined bored when the engine was built, thus a cap is unique to the engine it was fitted to, a cap from another engine will differ slightly.

 

[CJD]

Geo is exactly right. You will have to find a replacement used cap and then have the entire block line bored. You are looking at $200+ for the machining plus the price of the cap. A used block will likely be cheaper.

Question, though. Is there enough metal left to prevent the thrust bearing from spinning? if so, use what you have. If not...we can think for a while about a way to stabilize the thrust bearing as a way of keeping your engine block.

 

[TR3driver]

Like having the washer pinned to the cap. This is a common racing modification for Spitfire and TR6, and a lot cheaper than line boring.

If not...we can think for a while about a way to stabilize the thrust bearing as a way of keeping your engine block.

 

[James A Martin]

Thanks John, and Randall, Your solution of pinning the tab sounds good. Well worth a shot.

 

[TRopic6]

Sounds like a job for Scott Helms...

https://www.customthrustwashers.com/

 

[James A Martin]

Randall,
I contacted Scott, site looks real nice, no reply yet, I'll let ya know, CNC? $$$.
I'm off to the machine shop with new valves, guides, old crank and block, the head is already there. I'll ask them about pinning the one thrust washer to the cap, and hope their eyes dont glaze over......