gnx547

I found this bearing with a haze or stain on it and it won't come off. I'm not sure how that happened? The bearing has never been used and I kept it in a plastic bag and it was coated with oil. All the other bearings are fine except for this one. Is this bearing ok to use? Or no longer good?

Duncan_GT

Can you feel anything with your fingernail? Looks to be just dirt that got trapped in the oil when you put it on, I've had it happen. Take acetone on a lint-free rag and clean it up. A lot of those bearings have a coating on them that wears off during the initial break-in period. You'll be fine.

Edit: Is it just that one side of the shell?

gnx547

It is all smooth and I can't feel anything with my finger nail. Is brake cleaner about the same as acetone? I tried brake cleaner and the stain won't come off. Yes it is just on one side of the shell as you can see in the pic of the stain on the left side of the bearing.

Duncan_GT

If its just a stain then you're fine. You can try brake cleaner or mineral spirits. Just use a really fine rag and don't scratch up the bearing. Be sure to check clearances while you're in there

gnx547

I checked the bearing clearance and it is .002 is that in specs?

Duncan_GT

Are you racing? Performance clearances should be .001" for every 1 inch of journal diameter. To my knowledge, 302's have a 2.249" main, so yes you're in spec unless you want to polish off the other .0002" of clearance

gnx547

The car is just a weekend street cruiser and it will have a Crane cam, Edlebrock heads, Cobra intake and a Vortech pushing 6lb.

For the main cap bolts do I install them dry? Or do I coat the threads with rtv or oil?

Duncan_GT

Use motor oil. Even better if you have any ARP moly lube

tinman

I'd say clean that bearing and your good to good, the clearnace is fine INO.
I'd opt to use the ARP lube stuff on the main bearing bolts as well as the rod bolts.........

Duncan_GT

Your clearance is fine