Clevitte77 Coated Bearings - Contamination?

[Ben Kallies]

I just purchased a set of Clevitte 77 Coated H-series main and rod bearings for my Big Block Chevy Stocker. The main bearings look great, but all of the rod bearings seem to have some kind of particulates imbedded in the coating. I can feel it when I run my finger across the bearing surface, and some of it can even be seen. Has anyone else experienced this? Is this normal? Should I be concerned? I emailed Clevitte's tech line, but got no response. Thank you in advance for your help.

-Ben Kallies
3869 B/S

[RockyJ]

Ben: Is the coating black or that ugly burnt orange color.
Rockyj
pres.of 21tek.com

[Alan Roehrich]

Ben, Mahle (now owns Clevite) had several problems with their coated bearings. They now have H.M. Elliott coating their bearings. I've dealt with H.M. Elliott direct, and been very happy. You might want to call them.

[Ben Kallies]

Rocky J - the coating is grey in color.

Alan - Thank you for the advise. I'll try giving them a call. It's interesting, the main bearings, which look great, came in unmarked boxes, but the rod bearings, which I'm having the problems with came in Clevitte marked boxes. I wonder if the main bearings were coated by H.M Elliott, and the rod bearings by Clevitte?
Thanks again.

-Ben

[Ben Kallies]

Update:

I've been informed that the particulates are most likely nothing to worry about, and that if desired, the bearings can be lightly scuffed to remove them.

Alan,

Thanks again for the recommendation to call H.M.Elliott.

-Ben