Self-aligning rear main

[Malcolm Parker]

I have run several engines with the self aligning rear main bearing.  All were built by Andy Hastings and Walt Wheaton who tended to follow Stuart Rolt's advice.  I can't remember the details but I was lead to believe that the s/a bearing had a 20% greater load bearing capacity than the standard roller.  My RL saloon is so fitted and has done over 20 years of arduous motoring without any ill effects (yet!).  I have never had the sump off to inspect the front bearing lip but there has not been any bits of debris in the oil.  The engine has a standard crank.
I think the engine in the Brooklands also had the s/a rear main.