Reply to "engine cam bearing oil restrictor install,yes or no"

I have never heard or read of any engine, since the 1970s, ever having a valve train or bearing under-lubrication problem stemming from the installation of tappet bore bushings or cam bearing restrictors. Regardless if those bushings and/or restrictors were installed by the owner, by me, or by anyone else. PERIOD. This includes the engine in my daily driver Mach 1 Mustang which had over 300,000 miles on the engine when my teenage son took it for its last drive (i.e. a disastrous joy ride). I am not logged onto the internet under a pseudonym, I use my actual name. I put my reputation on the line with every recommendation I make. My reputation is important to me. If there were a problem, I would not continue to advocate the use of bushings or restrictors.

Here's a statement from a gentleman who was a Ford dealership mechanic in the 1970s:

quote:

I worked as a Ford dealership mechanic for 14 years, starting back in 1970. I replaced many main and rod bearings in the 351C and 400M engines. Those cars and pickup trucks were driven on the street and probably by older drivers. They didn't even have high miles and the engines were lucky to see 4000 RPM's. The mains and rods would become so worn, the oil pressure warning light would flicker on when the engine was hot, during idle and low RPM's. These engines were known for their oiling problems.

This mechanic's experience with 351C bearing wear was my experience too. We're not talking about high rpm race engines, we're talking about poor lubrication system performance and excessive bearing wear of street engines used for typical transportation. High rpm racing just made things worse.

Everyone notices a marked improvement in lubrication system performance when the bushings are installed, most comment they would never build another 351C without them. Keep in mind that a lot of oil passes through a 0.060" orifice. Also keep in mind that in the mid to late 1970s Ford sold a bushing installation kit (under the table) very similar to Denny's kit. By doing so they were acknowledging the 351C lubrication system had a problem, and they considered the tappet bore bushings the best method to correct it. If all that was required was drilling out a couple of passages we would have known about it.