Joined: Apr 2018 Posts: 507 Threads: 129
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Location: Staffordshire
Car type: Ruby mk 2
Hello
What’s the way to check whether my Ruby has 2 or 3 bearing crank.
Not sure if all Rubies are 2 bearing ?
Regards
Tim
Joined: Aug 2017 Posts: 992 Threads: 6
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Location: Scottish Borders
The 3 bearing engine has a bolt retaining the centre camshaft bearing half way along the side of the crankcase below the manifolds.
Early Rubies had two bearings, later ones three.
Jim
Joined: Aug 2017 Posts: 118 Threads: 8
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Location: NE England
Hi Tiger,
You should be able to tell from the engine number on the top of the crankcase above the starter motor. Look up the design changes for the exact number - but a number bigger than about M250,000 suggests a three bearing engine. Visually the three bearing crankcase has a bolt underneath the centre of the tappet chest that the two bearing doesn't. Cynics might also say that you'll know if it's three bearing by having a problem in a few weeks time! (Not necessarily true)
Dave
Joined: Aug 2017 Posts: 3,425 Threads: 107
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Location: Darkest Bedfordshire
The extra bolt head is a reliable indicator and very easily checked.
3-bearing engines have a poor reputation (I have half a crank hanging on my garage wall) but can be made to run reliably. Some day there will be a 3-bearing Phoenix crank?
Joined: Aug 2017 Posts: 3,425 Threads: 107
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Location: Darkest Bedfordshire
That's really interesting Ruairidh - do you happen to have a contact e-mail?
And yes, good point, just because it was a 3brg doesn't mean it still is!
Joined: Mar 2015 Posts: 5,474 Threads: 231
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Location: Scotchland
I always used to deal with Michael Shegog but I recall he has retired from the spares position.
Tony Press is still a Committee post holder and may be able to advise better.
It is my understanding that spares are sold strictly to members only.
Joined: Apr 2018 Posts: 507 Threads: 129
Reputation:
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Location: Staffordshire
Car type: Ruby mk 2
Many thanks for the quick replies
Tim
Joined: Aug 2017 Posts: 938 Threads: 22
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Location: Near Cambridge, UK
Car type: 1928 tourer (mag type), short chassis Gould Ulster
Vince Leek did a nice job of converting a 3 bearing crankcase for me.
Robert Leigh