[Adrian Worman]

I just got a new set of Clevite rod bearings (CB527P40)for my 440 and I noticed when I took 'em out of the packet that they don't have little notches for the oil spurt hole in the rod cap. Is this normal? I think I could carefully file the bearing if need be. The old bearing halves were both notched. The rods are six pack type. Took me bloody ages to get these oversizes so I hope and prey I can use 'em!
Ta mates, Adrian.

[Eddie]

Yes, Adrian you can use them! Dont put that little notch back in the new bearing inserts. The reason that was installed at the factory was to lube the cylinder walls during LOW SPEED operation with plain cast iron rings. The rods side clearance will also throw some oil on the cylinder walls. If you are using Moly filled/coated piston rings you wont need that much oil 'thrown' on the cylinders. The moly is porous and retains much of the oil it comes in contact with. Having BOTH the Con Rods side clearance and oil squirters is TOO MUCH oil on the cylinder walls and the 2nd ring will have a heck of a time keeping it swiped off the walls! If you look carefully at your 2nd ring it's backcut to act as a swiper to clean the excess oil from the cylinder walls. This might cause some oil to migrate to the combustion chamber especially if you use full groove mains and the rods are now getting full time oiling, add in the fact that if the rods side clearance exceeds .020 and will throw more oil around. So the short answer is NO, check the bearings crush, oil clearance, clean the backside and throw em in there with some lube and tighten those babies down!

[Adrian Worman]

I'm on it now pal, thanks for the usual comprehensive advice. This site rules!!
Adrian