Big end Bearing shell scratches?

[interloper]

I have a bit a of a fun job going with my daily driver, its an Alfa 156 with a rattly bottom end. The diagnosis is con rod bearing shells. So I have been busily stripping the sump and rods and found some weird marks on the old shells.

I then ordered new shells from my local Alfa main dealer, I was rather taken aback by the state they arrived in...



The shell on the right is the new one, its covered in scratches (the one on the left has done 93k miles and is one of the better ones out of my bottom end (oooh errr!).

Gut instinct says take them back as they should be completely smooth, shouldn't that? I am not going mad am I?

[Boosted LS1]

I've come across new shells with some scratching on them and felt the way you do. That said, didn't cause any problems using them. If you want peace of mind take them back but in reality they're quite usable.

[finlo]

The white metal coating is very soft like lead and will mark like that with your nails etc.

[AdamIndy]

Check your crank. If it's a t-spark motor then it's likely fked. Mine did this. Chanced a set of new she'll in it, it lasted 20 miles.

A visit to the local Alfa dealer shows its common, even the mechanic that came to speak to me said they are junk. Crap builds up in the galleries and blocks the oil ways to the bearings.

On the upside though, I stuck it in an auction with the knocking engine and it made more than I paid for it originally!

[interloper]

It is a T spark, I have looked at the crank it appears to be in decent condition.

To be totally honest I have done about 1700 miles with the thing rattling, I thought it was possibly the variator or a dodgy drive belt pulley or the alternator as it was a light tapping noise and the engine pulls really well. But after having a specialist listened to it, he confirmed it was a bit more serious than I thought!

I am just surprised by the state of the brand new shells compared to the old ones.

[Tony427]

I would be sending those shells back.

As you take them out of the packaging they should be pristine.

Why take the chance?

Cheers,

Tony

[DVandrews]

They have been mishandled, send them back, the matt grey coating should be undisturbed. They should be supplied in a protective wrapping or bubble pack wrapped.

Dave

[steveo3002]

take em back , ive only bought 2 sets ever but both were packed very carefully so they couldnt be rattled about in storage and all were unmarked and spotless

[E-bmw]

I fairness, they would probably be ok, as above the metal surface is EXTREMELY soft, having said that, I would take them back.