The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Chipped pilot bushing

Hi All,

I bought a clutch set at my local flaps for my 52 3100. The pilot bushing was "steel" and not brass/bronze like the one we removed. I figured if I used a brass hammer to tap it in I would be ok. This junk actually chipped on the outer edge and looks more like pot metal than steel. To help me avoid the sincere desire to shove this thing up the rear end of the innocent person who happens to greet me at the door I thought I'd ask if my actions when installing this thing were inappropriate or not. I have installed many bearings and oils seals in this manner and do not recall ever seeing anything like this before. I was actually surprised to see the steel bushing but thought perhaps someone had decided that it was sufficient as opposed to the bronze or brass.

In case you were wondering, I was not tapping all that hard and was really careful to make sure the thing was going in evenly. And I didn't do the freezer trick - dang thing might not have survived one whack. Also, the side of the box said "made in china".....

Please lend me your thoughts.

When it came time to place the pilot bushing on the 235 for my '50 COE, my mechanic friend who was advising me told me to take a magnet with me to the parts store. The pilot bushings used to be sintered brass (or bronze?)impregnated with lubricant, but that as a cost cutting measure the parts manufactures began using a combination of brass and steel. He said if the magnet was attracted to the bushing, don't buy it. Sure enough, the first bushing brought to me was attracted to the magnet. The parts person was puzzled by what I was doing, went back to get several bushings. I was able to find one that did not attract the magnet. That part had the same number, but had "HD" as a suffix. One would guess that meant "heavy duty"??. That is the one I came home with.

My mechanic insists that the original way of making a pilot bushing is superior. I have no way of verifying this opinion but I thought I would share. I don't even know if you can get the old style still. I bought a NOS pilot bushing in the box recently on Ebay and it does not attract the magnet. My mechanic advised against using a 60 year old bushing because the lubricant may not be adequate anymore.

Perhaps the bushing you were sold is sintered steel, with no bronze. That might explain why it chipped so easily.


Kent

Thanks LD, that was our conclusion as well. After the magnet I put it to the grinder and the sparks were enough to convince me that it was steel.

When I kindly took the item back to the store they were very apologetic. We were able to find an actual needle bearing that size (.002 smaller - outside diameter) which is a much better fix IMO. They sold it to me for 1/2 off which was fair to me.

Thanks