DennisWaller

Have any of the readers experienced problems with defective ACL bearings in Hondas? I purchased a complete set of standard dimension ACL bearings for a 91 Civic-mains, connecting road and thrust- and experienced two problems. First, one of the original con rod bearings was sprung open and packed that way at the factory.(The shrink wrap plastic was tight around the 8 bearings) ACLs US distributor willingly replaced the set . However, when I installed the con rod bearings recently one was too small and seized the crankshaft even before the cap bolts were tightened to the correct torque. I removed the bearing and discovered two bright bars where the thin, top surface layer of the bearing was worn off merely by turning over the crankshaft by hand. These bars appeared across the bearing opposite the tang, about 1/2 inch from the parting line. The lines appeared at the same place on both the top and bottom bearing shells. The bearing that was too small was coded in exactly the same way as the other six bearings which fit correctly. I had previously measured the journals with a micrometer and all were within factory specs. The original bearing that was removed from that journal after 240K miles appeared pristine. Consequently I am confident that journal does not differ from the other three.
I have always been leery of aftermarket parts but I was told that ACL was an OEM supplier to Toyota's Australian factory and incorrectly assumed their aftermarket bearings were of comparable quality.
Is my experience unique or have other Honda techs had similar experiences with ACL bearings?
PS I purchased replacement bearings made by Taiho, an OES Honda supplier.
Dennis Waller

mar778c

iTrader: (1)

I have not used a lot of ACL bearings only 6 to 7 sets. I've only rebuilt my own engines and a few for some friends, but I've never experienced the problem you are describing. Also, I can only speak to the b-series bearings.

On question, did you have the crank journals and big rod bearing races checked? Also, did you check the bearings to be sure you were getting the right size?