There's a set of insert-type rod bearings that require boring and honing the rods that eliminate the shims. Then the crankshaft is precision ground to fit the bearings with the correct clearance. The problem with that is that the conversion bearings are getting scarce and expensive. A friend who runs a specialty machine shop claims that .020" undersize bearings are impossible to find, and 10 and 30 under are getting outrageously costly. IMHO, I don't remember ever seeing a standard diameter conversion bearing. Egge Machine will sell you conversion rods and bearings but your checkbook will need CPR after dealing with those folks!
I use a different procedure to eliminate the Babbit bearings in the spray oiler rods. The rods can be machined to accept a very inexpensive bearing for a Perkins 3 cylinder Diesel engine that's used in several small Massey-Ferguson tractors and similar pieces of equipment. The bearings are less than $10.00 apiece. Then regrind the crankshaft .060" undersize to fit the standard size Perkins bearing. Since the crankshaft is solid with no drilled oil passages, regrinding that small doesn't hurt a thing. Any automotive machinist worthy of the name should be able to do that. There are plenty of main bearings and adjusting shims available, so there's no need to line bore the block. I also machine the back of the block for a full circle lip seal to eliminate the leaky and troublesome rope seal. A spray-oiler engine isn't some sort of boogeyman- - - -remember that we won WW II with untold thousands of trucks equipped with them!
A "fake" foot starter can be made by mounting a push button starter switch for a Farmall cub tractor to the floor and attaching an original pedal button and rubber accordion boot to it. Use that switch to energize the 292 starter solenoid. Also- - - -brand new 292 combine engines can be purchased form a supplier who gets them from a factory in Mexico!
Jerry
