Well I need some help from Subaru EA82 engine experts.

I'm rebuilding the engine from my 1989 XTGL.

I ordered new connecting rod bearings (along with lots of other parts) and was surprised to discover that they are narrower than the originals.

 

Original rod bearings measure 14.5mm and new ones measure 13.5mm.

Hmmmmm this doesn't look right to me. Diameter seems to be correct though.

 

The Bearings are BeckArnley 014-6441.

Label on the "blister pack" inside the box says Subaru EA62,63,64,71,81.

I thought aha! they have the wrong bearings in the box!

Went to their web site and looked up each of these engines and they all list the same bearing part number (including EA82 & turbo).

 

Can anybody shed some light on this? Are the narrower bearings an OK replacement? Does anybody have an old set lying around to measure and compare with what I've got? Anybody run into this sort of thing before?

 

Seems to me that less load bearing surface on the rod bearing wouldn't be a good thing..

Heeeeellllllp!

..............David

I would say you have the wrong bearings for sure, I rebuilt my EA82-T with all OEM Internals and STD Bearings. The new ones measured slightly THICKER than the 103,000mile ones I replaced, as they should.

 

 

I would check into some other brands of aftermarket bearings for your application.

 

Also you need to plastagadge the old bearings to find out if you need oversized bearings or not. If you skip this step there is a chance it will knock. Good luck.

That's common with aftermarket bearings. They are correct, but they are made to fit the older engines also, and hence the narrower bearing - get the Sealed Power (Federal Mogul) bearings or OEM.

 

Rockauto has the SP's:

www.rockauto.com

 

GD

This goes back 2.5 years!

http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/showthread.php?t=7032

 

I found a similar situation while rebuilding an 88 EA-82T motor. I hope this helps.

 

Keith

Thanks for the suggestions.

I'm returning the Beck/Arnley bearings and ordering the Sealed Power bearings.

 

Thanks again!

..........David

Clevite sells the true OEM NDC bearings repackaged under their name.

They are the best choice.

 

Emily

http://www.ccrengines.com

Here's an update to this ongoing saga.

Shipped the narrow bearings back and ordered the Sealed Power bearings from RockAuto.

Got an email from them indicating that this bearing has been discontinued and they cancled my order.

Ordered from PartsAmerica and they indicate they are still in stock.

I'll cross my fingers and see what happens.

............David