Preventing Bearing Failure with Coated Engine Bearings
Today’s high performance engines are exposed to high RPMs and extreme conditions. Friction is an engine’s enemy and can lower performance or lead to expensive internal engine damage. Fortunately, coated bearings are available that will help to improve performance and reduce the chances of bearing failure.
In a perfect world, the crankshaft should never come into contact with the main or rod bearings. The crankshaft should ride on a very thin layer of oil, that protects both the bearings and the crankshaft pins. However, a variety of conditions may cause this very thin layer of oil to become non existent. For example, an engine that is started after not being run for a significant period of time will have little or no oil between the bearings and crankshaft. Continual dry starts can gradually wear the bearing surface and can cause early bearing failure. Another condition that can happen is an oil pump failure from a defective drive belt or failed oil pump. This is very common at race strips and may result in very expensive repair costs. But coated engine bearings offer a thin layer of protection that in can save the vehicle owner from pricey repairs.
Coated engine bearings are manufactured with a very thin layer of dry film on each bearing’s contact surface. The thickness of the dry film is typically around .0003″ and acts as a lubricant in the event the crankshaft pins come into direct contact with the bearing. This is ideal for performance engines that can sit for weeks without being started. Racing engines also may benefit from this added layer of protection, especially in those engines that are pushed to the upper RPM ranges during races.
In the racing industry, coated engine bearings are normally used in conjunction with a high volume front cover and various high performance engine parts. Enhanced oil flow, and the security of coated bearings, are ideal for engines that are run to their full potential – and often even more.
Coated engine bearings are only a little more costly then an uncoated bearing. However, the improved protection is well worth the insurance it provides against early bearing damage and the potential for other related parts getting damaged.
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