Connecting rod bushing material

[bwoltz]

Great site but then we all new that...

Anyway, I've been working on a pumped up HD (oxymoron?) and need to replace the bronze upper rod bushings. Since buying new ones would mean that the bike says down for some time as getting parts from the manufacturer (after market) is a PITA. I figure to go ahead and just make some. What would be a good material? Searching on line I found that Ampco 18 is used by an after market maufacturer. I found some C954 that looks to be close. Would this stuff be OK?

Everyone have a Merry Christmas..

Bruce

 

[macquari]

Gday bwoltz
If you have access to some bearing catalogues you might be able to find an alternative bush from a different make/ manufacturer.Just make sure the bush housing diameter is the same and the bush diam is the same or smaller (if not semi-finished)if too long it can be machined to suit before installing and drill holes if required.
Check material codes as bushes can be steel backed or solid and are either semi finished and pin-bored or honed in-situ.Piston should also be checked for alignment when fitted to rod.
It can be a bit of a wild goose chase but it has solved a few probs over the years where parts are not yet available or obselete,and can be used with mains and conrods and pistons as well.
Good luck with your project and I hope this helps.

 

[bwoltz]

Macquari,

Thanks for the info.. I forgot to mention that I'd bought bushings for a stock rods. Unfortunately they didn't fit the rods I have. I don't have access have any access to std bearing though I did try to find em on line. There were any from standard suppliers though there may be some from automotive suppliers. The pin is 0.027 and the bushing turned out to be 1.0335 for best fit in the rods. I ended up using CDA 954 and reassembled the motor. I guess I'll see how long it lasts... Bruce