The Fordson Tractor Pages Forum

We have a 1964 new major. Water was leaking into the oil which seems to be a common problem. We got a replacement block along with the taps and are in the process of rebuilding the major. We did not get the crank shaft with the new block so we are using our own crank shaft. Here lays the problem! We can’t get new bearings to fit properly.

We then put on the crank shaft and caps on the block and measured to see what size of bearings we need. The bearings that we need seem to be an odd size .015 outside and .010 inner size. Does anyone know where I could get these odd sizes? Or of any ideas on what we can do to get around this?

didn't you try and repair the old block where it was leaking ?

Everyone told us that the block was to far gone and beyond repair. Do you know how to repair damaged blocks or of anyone that repairs blocks?

We had a long chat about this a while back. Your block has been line bored for over-size shells, and an under-size bearing at some point in time. The reason this was done was to keep the timing gears in the correct alinement after a main has spun and the engine was sent out for a rebuild. Others on here have said that the odd shells are no longer available, but you can have the old shells re-babbited if they have not spun. You may get lucky and find some NOS bearings on a shelf somewhere but don't hold your breath while waiting. Dandy Dave!

Hi Liam,
Welcome to the BB.

Here's a link to the topic that Dave mentioned. http://www.fordsontractorpages.nl/phpbb ... f=2&t=2632
It looks like they even found a place to get the oversize bearings.

Thank you Dave and JC for your help. When i seen your posts I rang David Falconer rightaway hoping that my problem was solved but unfortunatly he can no longer source 015 shells! Do you know where i could get the old shells re-babbited?

Look for, or talk to some antique auto restorers in your area, or machine shops that turn cranks. There almost undoubtedly must be someone within a reasonable distance to you that provides the service. Re-Babbiting on early autos is common place. Shells are not done as commonly, but it can, and has been done to save the great classics of years gone by. Dandy Dave!

Thank you for that, i will defo ask around. In the meantime if anyone hears of 015 shells sitting on a shelf somewhere, please let me know.

Here's a link to a thread, that Pat started, about the way that he fixed his.
http://www.fordsontractorpages.nl/phpbb ... 055#p11055