babbitt bearings
The pouring of babbitt bearings is a subject on which there has been much interest in our Smoke Rings column. In response to this interest, two subscribers have sent these articles-one a written description, the other a set of photographs outlining the procedure. The article on this page was written by Donald V. Goldsby, RR #2, RD 150 South, Crawfordsville, Indiana 47933. The photos on the opposite page were supplied by Ken Law, Prescott, Arizona 86301. Ken took the pictures at his neighbor Richard Allen Eckert's workshop, as Eckert poured the bearings for a Waterloo Boy.
RELATED CONTENT
Witte Engine Works 1923 Catalog
Image of a Type B Witte gas engine from the 1923 Witte Engine Works catalog....
How To Pour Connecting Rod Babbitt Bearings
Bud Motry's tips on how to pour connecting rod babbitt bearings....
25 HP Superior Gas Engine
From A to Z: 1919 25 HP Superior gas engine was used primarily in oil fields and for industrial use...
World's Expo of Antique Farm Equipment Announces 1999 Antique Tractor Show
Antique farm tractor and farm equipment show...
MAYTAG MULTI-MOTOR SPECIFICATIONS
Maytag Multi-Motor...
I have been interested in old gas engines ever since I was a younger fellow, about 40 years ago. Lately, I have really gotten more involved. I have a 1 HP International igniter type, about a 1919 model, and a 1918 6 HP Fairbanks Morris model Z gas engine, which I am reconditioning. I do mechanic and machinist work and also repair bicycles as a sideline. I have a very close friend who has retired as a journeyman machinist. He taught me how to pour babbitt bearings. Hope this will help enthusiasts like me.
This is similar to pouring connecting rod bearings. You will need babbit, torch, pouring ladle, bearing scraper, diamond shape chisel, small piece of newspaper, some thin cardboard, asbestos powder, motor oil (new or used about 30 or 40 wt), coarse file, metal bucket for asbestos powder, screwdriver, rags, drill bit and tap to clean out oil hole in top of bearing. You may also want to use an apron and a face bubble.
It is a must that all the old babbitt be cleaned off the bearing housing and out of the anchor holes.
Now, assume that the bearing housings are clean. Next you should have enough asbestos powder to cover a bearing. Mix asbestos and oil together in bucket. Mix enough oil in the asbestos to make it stick together. The purpose of the asbestos is to help hold the heat in the bearing when it is heated and the babbitt is poured. Mix beforehand so you'll have it ready when needed.
The bottom is poured first. You may pour bearing with flywheels on or off the crank shaft of the engine or even a line shaft bearing. Block up and make sure the shaft is in the center and also that your timing gears are set with clearance enough to be free of binding. Cut cardboard to fit shaft and to go around bottom half and against the bearing housing so the babbitt will not run out the ends. Now heat bottom bearing housing and crank shaft with a torch. Do not hold torch in one spot. Move it around and if an acetylene torch is used, be careful not to get too close to the shaft and spot it. All must be evenly heated to about 120°-125°F, hot enough that you could not hold your hand on it at any length of time. Heat it, then put your cut cardboard around shaft and on ends of bearing housing bottom. Next wrap mixed oil and asbestos around housing and shaft the best you can. This holds the heat. Now take rags and tie them around the asbestos to help hold it on. Making a funnel of asbestos on both sides will serve as pour spouts. Pour one side and then finish pouring other side if needed. Pour to top of lower half of bearing and let cool. After cooling, dress babbitt down to where the cap goes flush. Probably will want to remove shaft so you will not cut or scratch the smooth part of it (the bearing journal).
