Std main bearings unobtanium? Options

[MajorMojo]

I'm looking for a set of std size main bearings for my '72 1.7. Mahle part 021 198 481 A. Every single parts supplier I've found online (and my local machine shop) says they are out of stock. Are they NLA or something? There has to be some sitting in a warehouse somewhere...

Anyone have any insight into this situation or potential source for me? Thx

[porschetub]

I'm looking for a set of std size main bearings for my '72 1.7. Mahle part 021 198 481 A. Every single parts supplier I've found online (and my local machine shop) says they are out of stock. Are they NLA or something? There has to be some sitting in a warehouse somewhere...

Anyone have any insight into this situation or potential source for me? Thx

I just sold a set that I've had for a fair while ,from memory they were made in Brazil ,appears they stopped production there and Silverline are all there is now .
Best to search for NLA Mahle on ebay or theSamba.com ,or contact the likes of PMB or EMW and find out what they use ,engine builders always use the best parts ,good luck .

[pfreiburger]

Hello - After some searching, I found that LN engineering is listing STD sets from Mahle. but their website says 0 on hand. They have a large Type-4 program so you might want to give them a call. If something is going on, they would know for sure.

There is only one STD set on eBay - a NOS VW OEM set for $425. Pricey, but the only others I see are under-size/oversize (case), mostly Silverline. Let us know what you find out, this could be a major deal. Good luck!

[cgnj]

Silverline is out of business. Last set I bought the nose bearing was oval.
You really should have your case checked before you order bearings. I'm hanging on the sets that I have.

AA website says they do have bearings. Here is a link.AA type 4 main bearings

[914Sixer]

I have a set of standard main bearing made by ITM.

[VaccaRabite]

This happens from time to time. There was a bearing shortage about 15 years ago that lasted about a year IIRC. The tariffs won’t help matters. But these engines are still popular around the world, more popular then they are here. We will see bearings come back into stock again when someone tools up for a huge run of them.

Zach

[MajorMojo]

Thanks for the info. I made some more calls and 1) confirmed that no suppliers have them right now (EMW has some OE VW ones on hand). 2) It will probably be some months before they are in the channel again. That said, my local shop did find some (Mahle) and should have them for me today. I wasn't able to confirm that Mahle no longer manufactures them, but it seems that way. Stock everywhere disappeared when Silverline collapsed. I've never used Silverline, always Mahle, but I haven't read much good about them anyway.

Cheers

[neyen14]

Seems like main bearings are still not available anywhere.

I'm looking for STD-Case, .025-Crank...... Someone mentioned Silverline being out of business but I see on AA website for type 4 914 engine STD-case and either .010, .020, 0.30.... whereas usually I see .025, .050?

The way I understood was that the first working of a crank was .025 and the second would be .050. Can anyone help clarify .010, .020, .030 and would that be compatible?

[ChrisFoley]

Seems like main bearings are still not available anywhere.

I'm looking for STD-Case, .025-Crank...... Someone mentioned Silverline being out of business but I see on AA website for type 4 914 engine STD-case and either .010, .020, 0.30.... whereas usually I see .025, .050?

The way I understood was that the first working of a crank was .025 and the second would be .050. Can anyone help clarify .010, .020, .030 and would that be compatible?

They are in .010" increments, which is pretty much the same as .25mm

[Jack Standz]

Seems like main bearings are still not available anywhere.

I'm looking for STD-Case, .025-Crank...... Someone mentioned Silverline being out of business but I see on AA website for type 4 914 engine STD-case and either .010, .020, 0.30.... whereas usually I see .025, .050?

The way I understood was that the first working of a crank was .025 and the second would be .050. Can anyone help clarify .010, .020, .030 and would that be compatible?

Generally, crankshafts are turned to the next smaller size that cleans up the journals. You don't want grooves and you do want round journals and consistency for all journals. Standard undersized crankshaft main journals are -.010, -.020, inches, etc.

It'd be best to measure your crankshaft to ensure what size the main and rod journals are. This is something you should do for brand new crankshafts and especially refurbished ones. Careful measurement will lead you in the direction you need to go, including if the crankshaft needs more work to clean it up.

Best wishes for your project! And with finding bearings. We had the same problem months ago and we got "lucky" and found the proper sized bearings for two motors we are working on.

[Jack Standz]

You can measure the case and crankshaft with a micrometer if you have one or get one. Also, this tool works too:

https://thedubshop.com/vw-type-4-case-and-c...-gauging-tools/



One other option is to cut the crankshaft and/or case to fit the bearings that are available. Not a great option, but it may allow you to finish your motor.

[Montreal914]

They are in .010" increments, which is pretty much the same as .25mm

With these being metric, why are they in 0.010" increments? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wacko.gif)
Or, are they actually in .25mm increments, but things are converted back/labeled as 0.010" for the US market? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/idea.gif)