A few scratches aren't going to hurt anything (so long as the edges aren't protruding) and are pretty much common for old machines with lots of hours and even some that aren't.

What was the additional info from Dr. Nick that you were expecting?

Reggie looks worried. Must be getting near start up time:)
Tell him to relax.

I've had success in the past running engines with crankshafts that look similar to yours.

I think the key is not subjecting them to high (2,000+) rpms.

Just operate it like you own it and are paying the bills and have to do the repairs yourself. It's amazing how much service you can get from something under those terms.

I can almost see the relief in Reggie's expression now. Supervision is not as easy as he makes it look.

The 2.5L that's in my daily driver Sundance had a badly spun #1 rod bearing. The oil pan was all caved in and the last owner was driving to town and thought they had it in Drive but had it in 2. Well 17 miles of 5,000 rpm with 2qts of oil in a 5 qt system.

Anyways I polished it up to a finish like yours, slapped new bearings in it and it's been in there for 40,000 miles. I wouldn't hesitate to drive it anywhere. So don't sweat it.

As for Aluminum bearings, my D4400 replacement NOS CAT bearing from Offroad Equipment were aluminum, and some of the rod bearings that I acquired from here and there were aluminum. And they weren't a polished finish more of a machined surface.

Your doing a fine job, I wouldn't sweat running that engine. Would you have a use for a Cat D315 engine manual?

Thanks 83Jim and jmvmopar.

That’s encouraging. Actually the journals turned out really nice – smooth (with some scratches) - nice and round. I have all the bearings & caps back on now and it turns really smooth & free. You can actually fling it about a ¼ turn. (I’m turning it with a bar on the pump end)

As far as finishing the assembly… well… I won’t have time for it because of the Rough & Tumble event coming up next week. I’ll be taking the D2 and the Allis HD6G to the event.

But after that I’ll be back on the 955.

We should have a “be hold she runs day” soon (I hope).

Note to Old Magnet… no, Dr Nick didn’t have any additional info – but he wasn’t totally against the aluminum bearings..

Bill Glenn

How are the aluminum bearings holding up? I see you have posted this tractor more than just driving it in parades.
Jeff

If I recall right the aluminum bearings did not get used. He was able to obtain a complete set of regular production bearings.

Thanks! I was trying to read it at 6am this morning and got confused a few times. After I hit send, I think I finally realized that they didn't get used.
Jeff

Well, I was very tempted to use that nice Aluminum Bearing I made - but I didn't after all - as I did find the original CAT bearing. The machine is still running well with 35PSI oil pressure cold and a steady 33 PSI when hot – even at idle. It has about 100 hours on it since the tear-down. Are those oil pressures in the correct range?
Bill Glenn

Bill, Great job and I enjoy your year long pictorial, be greatful for that daughter she's a gem! Being retired I miss the comradirie(sp) of all my toolmaker buddies. We had an understanding Tool Room super that actually allowed the apprenticeship class to do all the machine work on a case 310 I restored, it gave them the opportunity to learn machine operations they might not encountered otherwise. In the farming area I live in the "government jobs" were always interesting.

Regards
Dennie