Line bore???maybe?

[norustscott]

I have a question regarbing my 2.0l case. It is time to assemble the engine, however, while trial fitting the main bearings I noticed that the center saddle maybe a little worn. The bearing half fits without having to "push" it into the saddle. I would not call it loose but then again, not tight. The case has not been bored. Sure, there is wear 100K plus. I guess is we are talking... Marginal? Could this .001 +or - be reflected from manufacturer to manf. ? The forums comments would be appreciated.

So, plan B is under investigation. I am looking for a reputable company to line bore the case. Any thoughts?

Plan C I have another case... but knowing the history believe it maybe no better.

Plan D I would purchase another if I could be garanteed that the case is with in specs.

thanks for your input.

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

I suggest going over to the Shoptalk Forums BBS (if you haven't already) and asking over there. Raby doesn't seem to read this BBS as much as the one there, and if anyone can help you out he can.

Oversize bearings (needed if you align-bore the case) are somewhat hard to find and somewhat expensive. Align-boring is uncommon on Type IV cases, though the need seems to be cropping up more now that the cases have many more miles on them.

--DD

[Bleyseng]

You want someone to also check the rear bearing thrust surface to see if it is in spec.
My 2.0l case had 110k on it but that is where it was out of spec. I had the case align bored and machined to spec nice and straight. Since the cases are aluminum they don't stuffer much from pounded out mains but they still do wear.
Geoff

[Zeke]

You should have checked the bores with a machinists' straight edge in each half before purchasing your bearings. I can tell you what Jake Raby has to say about line boring. He doesn't like it. He has also found some other problems associated with that particular bearing cradle. Rimco does good line boring if you go that route. Expect to pay close to $100 for the bearings.

[Wayne 962]

Competition Engineering (www.competitioneng.com) has a procedure where they resize the case back to std if it's worn. They grind down the case halves, mate them together, and then line bore back to the original size. I believe that they are the only ones in the country with the expertise to perform this.

You should have your case checked before you start (this is standard procedure). Also make sure that you have a copy of the Tom Wilson Type IV rebuilding book. It doesn't sound like you have this book yet, because he mentions the importance of checking the case. You can buy this book here:

http://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/shopcart/9144/por_9144_documt_main.htm

I would not rebuild a Type IV without this book...

-Wayne