Got a 1931 Dodge crankshaft bearing question....

[keiser31]

Years ago I was in the process of installing the pistons in my 1931 Dodge Brothers DH6 coupe engine and chipped a babbitted rod bearing. It is a small chip about 1/8" at the most in width. I gave up finishing the engine rebuild as I did not want to put a chipped bearing in. Was I wrong in worrying about it? I just had three guys who drive Model A Fords tell me to just finish the engine as the chip would only act as a pool for oil to sit in. I REALLY want to finish my original 1931 coupe that I have had since I was 15, but am worried about the chip. What say you guys about this?

Edited July 31, 2021 by keiser31 (see edit history)

[Rusty_OToole]

Depends what you mean by a "chip" but some high performance engines come with a groove in the middle of the bearing and they work just fine. A photo would help. If it is gouged up you might need to get some bluing and scrape it down.

[Oldtech]

We need a picture of the bearing.   If the mains were re-babbitted be sure they cut the oil grooves around the center of the bearing. If they are flat the rods won't get enough oil. 

[keiser31]

1 hour ago, Rusty_OToole said:

Depends what you mean by a "chip" but some high performance engines come with a groove in the middle of the bearing and they work just fine. A photo would help. If it is gouged up you might need to get some bluing and scrape it down.

I will try to get the piston back out and get a photo or two. Thanks for the replies, folks.

[DFeeney]

I was worried with the same problem with a Plymouth engine and had the Rod  rebabbitted.   This  was several years ago and a local Babbitt guy did it for $115. as I remember.