Just tore down a 512" low deck , all rod end clearances measured around .016" , # 7 & 8 rods measure @ .006 , this motor was notorius for slow cranking when hot (coil lead off) , two batteries were used to crank this motor.

The rods don't look too bad appart from a couple of scuff marks but not gone blue with heat , maybe this was part of the issue maybe not , any thoughts?

This is'nt a bearing issue as much as the rods are too tight for the journal.

I doubt this is a problem. If it were me, I would polish (wet sand) the sides of both rods, enough to gain a few thousanths clearance and never worry about it again.

Check and make sure that the bearing inserts are in the correct position,upper goes in the rod,lower goes in the cap.If they are in the wrong position you will lose your side clearence. The stamp is on the back side of the bearings.

These are the narrow bearings & have been installed the right way round "upper/lower" , the tear down is just for a freshen/check up.

This motor had a head gasket problem , maybe that was the reason for hard cranking , clutching @ straws @ the moment.

it's certainly not good the way it is. i'd measure the parts involved to find out where the problem really is and correct it.

If the bearing looked good you might look to the valve springs for coil bind or other issues in the valve train.How is your piston to head clearence?Either way you should have more rod to rod clearence.

Wow ... 006 is a tad tight B U T at least you don't have to worry about toooo much oil up on the cyl walls

I would just do that WET SAND idea suggested earlier.

Thanks , will have another look tommorow before i get the rods turned down.

Talked to "Eagle Rods" tech person about rod side clearance: They're recommendation: .015" to .030".