No notches in Clevite rod bearings?

[Brandon_K]

So while assembling the rotating assembly last night, it dawned on me that the Clevite rod bearings don't have a notch in the center edge of the bearing like the OE bearings do. The rods have a notch on one side, like it squirts oil on something or is maybe a relief?

I don't have the bearings in front of me but I believe they were CB-960's in .010.

Has anyone run into this and more so, is it going to be an issue?

[TurboTom]

They lube the cam.
I notched mine with a die grinder and small bit.
I hear Federal Mogul bearings still have the notch.

[dragginwagon406]

I was e-mailed the tech bulletin dated 5/12/04 that Clevite sent out when they ceased putting the notches in the bearings. It was explained to me that they are trying to reduce the amount of oil on the bottom of the cylinders.

[Cheromaniac]

I was e-mailed the tech bulletin dated 5/12/04 that Clevite sent out when they ceased putting the notches in the bearings. It was explained to me that they are trying to reduce the amount of oil on the bottom of the cylinders.

But this also prevents oil being squirted from the rod caps onto the cam lobes. Since the cam is also splash lubricated by oil draining back from the head, I'm not sure whether this would shorten camshaft life but I think I'd notch the bearings anyway to be on the safe side.

[Busey]

King rod bearings have the oil hole also.

[dragginwagon406]

I didn't notch. We'll see how it goes.

Here is what I received from them minus the tables and photos.

Publication
Number Page
Number Block/Line
Number Change
Type
2-200-03 Revision

Date: 05/12/2004 Bulletin Number: 20.2.171


Subject: Connecting Rod Bearing Parting Line Oil Hole Has Been Removed.
Product Line Part Number(s) Engine Manufacturer Engine Size
Bearings

Action:
As of 9/17/2003 the following part numbers and all undersizes will no longer be manufactured with a parting line oil hole. Originally these bearings were designed with a half circle type notch on the parting line (see picture below). When the bearings are installed into the connecting rod this created an oil hole at the bearing parting line. Our engineers have determined that this oil hole is no longer necessary and removing it will not effect the performance of these bearings.

Part numbers involved:


If you have any further questions, please contact your local MAHLE Clevite Inc. Representative, a customer service representative at 800-223-9152 or Jeff Schaerer, Product Manager, Bearing Product Team at 800-338-8786. In Canada, please contact your local MAHLE Clevite Canada Account Manager or an Inside Sales expert at 800-531-4847.

Sincerely,
MAHLE Clevite Inc.



*The vehicle and engine manufacturers’ make, model names, and part numbers are used for the purpose of identification only. It is neither inferred nor implied that any item offered by MAHLE Clevite is a product of, authorized by, or in any way connected to the vehicle or engine manufacturer.

[BADASYJ]

I left mine as they came. I think it would increase the oil pressure between the crank and bearing.