I just finished tearing down my motor (it was the topic of a thread in classifieds "292 in oregon"or some such B.S." a few months ago. Anyway, there were a few bets on what it would really turn out to be, 239, 272 etc. So it's a '55 272, with 5257-113 heads and a weird two barrel tea pot/governed carb, with a 4 speed of some sort...Anyway, to the point. Upon removal, all of the mains have wear only near the clamping point where the two halfs meet. It seems odd to me, how about you?...

rev.johnchoppermohamedjerryleejames

Do all five of the main bearing sets show this particular wear pattern or is it just one or two?  You did say 'all' but just verifying.  Is the wear pattern evident on just one side of the bearing or on both sides?  Got any pictures?

Lorena, Texas (South of Waco)

My first thought is that the main caps are installed backwards.  The bearing lock tangs should both be on the same side of the bearing bore.

John - "The Hoosier Hurricane"

there we are! it is very similar on both sides of the caps

rev.johnchoppermohamedjerryleejames

Looks to me like you have wear everywhere BUT where the two halfs meet? Which looks pretty normal to me. It's worn all the way threw the bearing material down to the copper. Got your money out of those Bad Dogs.

Just call me 'Dick'

Looks normal to me.Same as mine were when I disassembled.Interestingly my crank was STILL within specs and needed a light polish only and new standard size bearings to reuse as is.My motor was just a stock rebuild.

  

I've been found out! this is my 1st rebuild... Here is my plan, I'm putting together a new drivetrain for my one and only, a '57 f100 with a 223/fordomatic.   The block is being mag'd as I write... ]Question: Is a sonic test essential prior to boring a 272 block to 292 dimensions?

rev.johnchoppermohamedjerryleejames

Dont hesitate to ask questions.No question is dumb if you dont know the answer.Lots of experience available.Just ask!

  

Thanks, I just don't want to waste anybodys time. So, I am planning on the 292 bore, if the block is sound. Then, have the 113 heads that came on it mag'd, next will be the crankshaft tolerences. Then, if everything is cool I think a "hot rod y in a box" is about the best way to go, for what I hope to achieve, and my wallet! . This is where I'm starting...I've got a 3" axle from sid's under it, and I still need to flip the rear end and put the monoleaf springs on the 4 corners

rev.johnchoppermohamedjerryleejames

You can always get good information here. Ask away. Like everyone mentioned, it looks like normal wear on the mains. The way my old man explained to me the force of the engine running would put the wear on the bottom half of the main bearings. Uppers would always look like your in most cases. Nice truck!

Dan      Kingman Az.      86409