Coated bearings?
 

My 'old' bearings are shiny, the new Clevite bearings look like they've been painted gray. What's up? Is this just a coating that will rub off or break clean off?

"Do not touch the coating". I was told this years ago by the REAL (original) Clevite guys. Wipe them clean with a DRY lint free cloth.:drink:

Btw, I have another theory why your friends spun bearings a few months after new piston/ ring install.

Looking at the bearings, when there is no longer crush on them, and then are only sitting in the rod/ cap. It seems to me that oil might sneak into that gap while they're sitting. I plan to take all of them off, brake clean the back and the rod/ cap, install them dry, then do a light coating of oil on the bearing surface.

Any other bearing install tips before I start today?

Actually you are pretty close. Ever thought about being a lawyer?:judge:

I use moly grease to coat bearings or assembly lube. Basic oil is ok, but doesn't have the film strenght to hold up under no pressure start up.


Also make sure all the bearing shells SNAP into place--you have to push it down to "lock" the bearing on the rod and rod cap.

I bought some moly assembly lube, would you recommend using that on the bearing surface instead of oil?

How about the cylinder walls/ pistons rings? Use that stuff too in lieu of oil?

Use the Moly assembly lube on the bearings.
Wash the the cylinder walls with ATF and then oil the cylinder walls with regular motor oil. Use motor oil on the rings and piston skirts.

Also get as much oil as possible on the wrist pins as you can. This is real important.:bigthumbsup:

Should I just dunk the pistons in oil then?

Yea, that is a good way.:thumbs_up:

Should I brake clean the ATF off before coating with oil?

Yes, you should. ATF has very little film strenght.