Hepolite Bearings

[Nourish]

Are the Hepolite bearings any good and are they really made in the UK?

<img src="https://www.classicmotorcyclespares.com/media/catalog/product/cache/bd8e67d49a1f7f471ea1936aaebadffd/t/u/tumbnail_b7dda7cb-5c21-44ec-b209-469446c794e5.jpg" alt="Main Bearing, Timing Side, BSA, Triumph, C3, Imperial 70-1591, 67-1240"/>

[berger]

good question the bearings are made here i think but with chinesium metals    so say no more nudge nudge wink say no more.

[chaterlea25]

Hi Nourish,
It should not be difficult to find a local engineering shop/ bearing supplier where you can buy real manufacturer branded bearings.
If that's too difficult look up Simply-bearings or " the bearing boys" (?) Where you can choose the brand / quality of the bearings

John

[RDfella]

Hepolite was a major quality piston manufacturer. Today they're a Wassell brand covering a wider range. Even bearings by SKF and FAG are now manufactured around the world, but what really matters is quality control.
I'm advised regarding Chinese manufacture, you get what you ask for and if firms stipulate design & quality, apparently it will be good.
For reliable quality, I'd go for Japanese - theirs is the best in the world.

[Swarfcut]

Long stroke crank uses the same big end shells as the later small journal crank. NOS Glacier and Vandervell bearings turn up from time to time on eBay. These were the OE brands back in the day. New  Hepolite in the greasy finger packaging are no connection with any old established company, but at least Wassells are helping keep old bikes on the road. 

 Long stroke main bearing ball race is Imperial size      1 1/8" x 2 13/16" x 13/16"  according to Roy Bacon. Later roller bearing  is metric with OD of 62 mm. C3 internal clearance specified. Dimensions quoted will help decide if an oil seal modification is feasible. As to source, any bearing supplier should be able to help rather than the usual bike shops. Simply Byearings and Bearing Boys have good online choice, from Scratchy Nattchi plain box brands to the more acceptable branded trusted offerings.

Swarfy.

[Nourish]

Looks like I'll give them a miss then and look out for some N.O.S along with some shells. Thanks

[Swarfcut]

 This may help in your search.

  Glacier Big End Bearings for the small journal crank. Ref B2024 LC

  Vandervell ref is VP 60.

 Back in the day 40 thou undersize was the max regrind. Internet search may find a further smaller undersize to save cranks already on the limit.

 Urban Myth.... Early BMC Morris Minor were the same size journals, and used the same shells....but without a 1952 catalogue I cannot confirm this!

 The centre crank oil way "Sludge Trap" Is narrow on these early engines....a well known problem and must be cleaned out, no if's or buts......plenty on the forum and YouTube.*

 That Hepolite/Wassell bearing pack is a dead ringer for good old RHP.

 Swarfy   

 *Comment added for the casual reader.  Nourish knows this all too well.

[berger]

evilbay has crank shells of different undersize.