Usage:
All Caterpillar Built Engines
- SUPPLEMENT: 11/21/83
SERVICE MAGAZINE, MAY 16, 1983, PAGE 9. The information in the article "Reuse Of Engine Bearings" is not complete. For complete information see the article with the same title in this publication.
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"Guideline For Reusable Parts - Main And Connecting Rod Bearings," Form SEBF8009-01, has complete information on the reusability of these bearings. It also has Caterpillar's recommendation for the reuse of those bearings when a major overhaul is done. That recommendation is as follows:
"It is Caterpillar's recommendation that new engine bearings be installed when an engine is given a major overhaul (reconditioning)." If all the pistons are removed, the recommendation is to install all new connecting rod bearings. If the crankshaft is removed, the recommendation is to install all new connecting rod and main bearings.
Our recommendation is to reuse main and connecting rod bearings only when they are inspected as part of other service work on the engine. An example of this is when the bearings are inspected to see if they were damaged by some other failure. There are times when only some of the bearings will be worn or damaged; the remainder of the bearings can be used again if there is no other reason to do a major overhaul.
Use the Guideline For Reusable Parts as a guide when bearings are inspected as part of other service work. If the pistons or crankshaft are removed, always install new bearings. Remember it is very important to inspect the connecting rods and caps, the crankshaft, and the bearing bores in the cylinder block before either new or used bearings are installed.