Originally posted by lil' johnny:
The lubrication on your 216(dipper/squirt/trough) stays the same regardless of machined inserts or poured bearings.
My 1947 235 has babbitt poured.
My 1952 235 has .020 inserts machined into the old babbitt rods.
My 1954 has the first of the Chevy factory inserts.
My 1957 235 has stock inserts.
The lesson I have learned is to look at your CRANK first.
If it is in good condition then either inserts or babbitt is a 50/50 proposition. PRICE is the biggest factor, not material properties of babbitt vs. inserts.
In general babbitt is 'gentler' on the crank but needs occasional adjusting (un-shimming).
Inserts are a bit tougher on the crank (not much) but can't be adjusted and therefore must be replaced. Then the crank may need polishing etc.
As far as heat dissipation. Well heck thats mostly done by the oil anyway and these old Stoveblots aren't the spaceshuttle.
Its more of an issue of cost, workmanship, and potential wear that's very important.
Babbitt will last forever in a restored truck if its treated like an antique, no super loads or super long high speed runs. Use Non-detergent oil, change oil often. Adjust periodically.
Inserts are A-OK too. They are more common cause lots of guys know how to replace them. BUT the machining of the rods is where a lot of guys screw up!
Best advice I can offer is to compare the prices and shop knowledge. The machine shops in my area "said" they knew how to "insert" into the rods but I found out they didn't even have the tools, or the measurements, for the trough/squirt/dipper settings. GET a QUALITY shop to do the work. Someone who knows the procedure. It is not as simple as it looks and a shop has to understand HOW your 216 works not just HOW to machine-out a rod. Beware shops that want to alter your oiling system, it takes a super pro Stovebolt-lover to do it right!!
Bob Adler recommneded a place to me called:
Paul's Rod Bearing (antique bearing specialist)
6212 NW Bell Rd
Parkville, MO 64152-0398
tele; 816-587-4747
I haven't tried them, but heard only good referals so far. Maybe another Stovebolter has a referal for babbitt pouring to get ya a ballpark price for your 216. Then you can compare the prices.
FOR MORE INFORMATION REGISTER AT THIS VCCA SITES CHAT FORUM TO GET MORE INFORMATION:
VCCA CHEVY SITE 
