Usage:
All 5.4"
Bore 60°
Vee Engines And 3400 Series Engines
Reference: The Engine News, April 27, 1983 article "New Connecting Rod Bearings Used" told of the use of new connecting rod bearings for 3400 Series Engines. This new article has some of the information from the earlier article plus some additional information. Make a reference in the earlier article to this new article.
Description of Change: New connecting rod and crankshaft main bearings are now used in the rod and piston groups and crankshaft groups on 5.4" Bore 60° Vee Engines. Also, new crankshaft main bearings are now used in the crankshaft groups on all 3400 Series Engines.
The new bearings have a different design, which uses a copper material to bond (fasten) the lead-tin overlay to the aluminum bearing material. After the lead-tin overlay is worn away, this copper bond will decrease scuffing during lack of lubrication conditions. Cold starts, failure to prelube after oil changes, and low oil levels will all result in a lack of lubrication condition. Remember that during normal engine operation the lead-tin overlay will be worn away in some areas before the overhaul time.
Formerly, a nickel material was used to bond the overlay to the aluminum bearing material.
Adaptable As: The new bearings are a direct replacement for the former bearings as shown in the chart.
