1. Registration trouble? Please use the "Contact Us" link at the bottom right corner of the page and your issue will be resolved.
    Dismiss Notice

304 Engine Rebuild

Discussion in 'Intermediate CJ-5/6/7/8' started by Ol Fogie, Mar 23, 2020.

  1. Mar 23, 2020
    Ol Fogie

    Ol Fogie 74 cj5 304, 1943 mb

    Southern...
    Joined:
    Nov 24, 2019
    Messages:
    1,765
    After reading and researching all the prior post about poor quality workmanship from supposedly reputable engine shops I have been considering at least doing the tear down and assembly phase of rebuilding my 304. I have the tools and experience to do the assembly myself. Although I would hire out the machining, reboring , cam brg install, valve reconditioning ect. In years past my go to parts were clevite crank brgs., sealed power pistons and rings, fel-pro gaskets and seals, napa timing sets and so on. However it has been a long long time. My question is who (brand) makes the best quality parts available now? With the quality of after market parts what they are I am completely clueless now. Thanks in advance for your help. Fogie
     
  2. Mar 25, 2020
    Ohiowrangler

    Ohiowrangler Member 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Newark, Ohio
    Joined:
    May 29, 2019
    Messages:
    270
    The last 4 engines I rebuilt I let my machinist supply the bearings. I don't recall the bearing brand, but they were aluminum instead of babbit, rings were still hastings. The 350 in my YJ has about 13k on it now with no problems, I'm not very nice to it on occasion. Felpro gaskets on all engines, Pistons I used a hyper-eutectic(sp) with coated skirts. I'll try to get the brand on the bearings, Good luck, Ron
     
  3. Mar 25, 2020
    Ol Fogie

    Ol Fogie 74 cj5 304, 1943 mb

    Southern...
    Joined:
    Nov 24, 2019
    Messages:
    1,765
    Ron, Thanks for the reply, I have heard also that some crank brg manufactures were using aluminum alloy now instead of babbit. I wonder if the aluminum alloy is better or just cheaper to manufacture.
     
  4. Mar 25, 2020
    Ohiowrangler

    Ohiowrangler Member 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Newark, Ohio
    Joined:
    May 29, 2019
    Messages:
    270
    The bearings were King. I questioned my machinist about the material change, he said he does use babbit any more. I'm slow not stupid. I don't tell people smarter than I how to do their job. If anything is unusable I have a 304 I'm not going to use, unknown condition. I was told it ran, but smoked, Ron
     
    Ol Fogie likes this.
New Posts