Date:         Tue, 19 Dec 2000 09:46:36 -0500
Reply-To:     Robert Donalds <bostneng@FCL-US.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Robert Donalds <bostneng@FCL-US.NET>
Subject:      Re: Why there are no aftermarket oversize bearings
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Stuart MacMillan wrote
I just ran across this article on the pending bankruptcy of
                        Federal-Mogul, one of the largest bearing
manufacturers in the world.

http://www.auto.com/industry/iwirf16_20001216.htm
Certainly part of the reason they aren't making "slow moving" bearings
                        like the over sizes for the water boxer.

Stuart and the list
federal-mogel makes engine bearings and engine parts but they have never
made bearings for the wbx engine.
Kolbenschmidt in Germany is the only manufacturer that I am aware of
that makes main bearings for the 1.9 and 2.1 engines. My suppliers
report that these bearings have been repeatedly back ordered. they also
told me that they do not find out that the bearings are not in the order
until it arrives and the bearings are not included. When It became clear
to me that the supply of bearing was drying up I started buying the ones
I could find.
I have a small supply of std /std main bearings for the 2.1 engines and
no 20case/std main bearings for the 1.9 engines. My remaining supply of
bearings are not for sale but will be used to build my complete
longblocks. I dont know that I will do when my supply runs out. I am
currently tooling up and in the near future will be able to aliegnbore
the 1.9 and 2.1 blocks. There is no shortage of 20 case/std main
bearings for the 2.1 engine
I will post a note to the list when the bearings are availible again.
Bob Donalds
http:/www.bostonengine.com