OK.
I've split the cases of my soon to be rebuilt 550 engine mainly to inspect the internals and change the chains.
This is an engine that I purchased and did not hear it run, but the internals look to be in great condition.
Mileage is unknown.
I've got the crankshaft out and visually inspected the main journals and bearings.
As expected there is some visual wear on the lower bearing shells. They have shinny areas and still plenty of satin luster areas. Nice even silver color to the bearing surfaces. No grooves or gouging.
The lower shells obviously show more wear than the upper shells. Upper shells just have some shinny spotty marks. The crankshaft journals look smooth and clean. No grooves, gouges or hot spots.
So my intention is to continue to clean up the internals and reassemble the bottom end using the existing bearings.
Would it be a good idea to swap upper shells for lower shells ensuring that the exact match of bearings to journals is maintained? My thought is that the upper shells have less wear and would extend the life of the bearings if orientated to the bottom and the lower shells put up top where there is less load.
Thanks for your comments.
FJ
