I have around 160K miles on my 1980 Aspen and the engine really runs great, but I do have a rod bearing that 'protests' for a few seconds when started so I plan to change out the main & rod bearings soon. Can you guys suggest which bearings to use? The trimetal F-Mogul/TRW are popular, but I am eyeing the alecular by King. Any success/sob stories?

Mitch

Are you sure this is not a dying hyd lifter or maybe piston slap? How is your compression? Best to eliminate simple things before getting into bearings. I have Michigan 77 and Clevite 77 bearings in my motors. Personally, if it's not blowing smoke, I'd drive it until the bearing spins...

Lou

_________________
Home of Slant6-powered fun machines since 1988

Solid lifters (last year).

I've been around engines a looong time. Relatively sure it's not piston slap.

Compression before rebuilding my head (pocket ported, shaved 0.070) was about 135 to 140 with the factory 8.4:1 compression ratio.

Thanks

Mitch

I ran a 170 and a 225 for a long time that would rattle on a start up. As soon as oil pressure built it was fine. Actually it was worse in the winter than the summer. The 170 had 385,000 on it when it either burned a hole in a piston or cracked the piston cause it lost a cylinder and blew oil all over the place. As far as I know the 225 is still running strong and it was a junk yard motor.

_________________
Former bent 6 owner
Mark