Technical Looking for bearing info

I am getting ready to start rebuilding another one of my ALF 12 cylinder engines. Unfortunately I have not been able to find replacement rod bearings. So far I have only spoken with people that can find bearings by "application".

Am I crazy to think that there is a list/catalog/ place that simply goes by dimensions?
Maybe one of you guys can point me in the right direction? Thanks.

 

Well, there used to be. Automotive Industrial Supplies in San Jose, CA. Lasted until '68 or so, the proprietor was Harry Duncan? Can't recall, Harry was always there with good info.
I recall him looking up con rod bearings for my 454 Chrysler Hemi, by dimension. Pontiac con rod bearings fit, but the lock tabs were on opposite sides.
Harry then came up with a generic part# that was on the shelf.

On the flathead '31 Plymouth PA four banger, valve guides were no longer listed in 1959.
Harry checked a book of dimensions, and supplied a set from a Waukesha industrial, miracle fit!
Sure wish Harry would have willed me those books...
I'm watching this thread, in hopes the info will surface...

 

You might try Egge Machine. They have a website.

 

I'd contact the bearing manufactures like Clevite or Seal Power and ask if they do have a chart that list the inserts by size.

 

I spoke to a helpful guy at Mahle, he found a similar one, but not exactly a direct replacement.

 

I would think the ACD museum, or tow truck museum in Chattanogga could help.
I got a bunch of pages like this.

 

The old McQuay-Norris catalogs used to list just about any engine part by size as well as application. Pistons were listed by diameter, ring groove number/ location and thickness, compression height, wrist pin size. skirt length and type, etc. I'm pretty sure that bearings were listed by OD, ID, lock location, material type and so forth. It's been 50 years so don't take as gospel but maybe you could run down an old catalog or info on McQuay Norris.

 

Federal Mogul Shop Specifications Manual would have what you want,, I have one from 1963, 12th edition.
Does not list ALF, but an older one should.
This book has all dimensions and other info.

 

Can you find a place to re-babbitt the bearing shells? I have heard of this being done when people cannot find new replacement bearings for older non standard engines.

There is a place in NY called the Babbitt Pot and he's been doing Babbitt for a long time.
Here's what a quick search found. http://www.yellowpages.com/fort-edward-ny/mip/babbitt-pot-10682351

 

Babbitt Bearing in San Jose was our one stop service in 1960. Was still in business in the late '70s, finally closed its doors when our Calif. 'Moonbeam' stepped in to protect us all.

 

Thanks for the info guys! Gives me a few more places to look.