Replacing rocker arm needle bearings with bushings?

[Adger Smith]

I have never had one of the 912's fail since I started using them except 2 that I put in backwards. (opposite thrust)
They pushed the end of the shell out, just like the original Jesel's do.
I got mixed up on which way the originals were pushing out.
I also pack the bearings with a transmission assy grease when I assemble them.
I don't start the engine dry, either.
I also pull the rockers off when the car sits between races. (saves springs, too)
I will watch for what you said happened to yours, Thanks.
The current cam profile has a .986 net intake lift and .872 net ex lift.
I used to have about 2 times the failure rate on just the intake side even though the ex rocker has more offset.

[PRH]

The way it appears in the pic posted of the bearing, it doesn’t look like the needles are contained within the end cap.

[gregsdart]

The needles aren't captured. Notice in the bearing picture there is a thicker side on the bearing to help resist thrust though. Maybe my stuff is so old that was instituted after my purchase.

[fullpull]

The Jesel's needles are not capatured, but the Timken b912's are. Needle bearings are not designed for side thrusts. I believe the one thick side has more to do with manufacturing than anything else. Just my opinion.

[Runit]

I always thought the heavy side was there to press against during installation.

[fullpull]

Could be. I have seen them with and without thick side. All I know is that I keep cracking them and it has nothing to do with side thrust ,in my application. Talked to Larry at T & D along time ago and he said that the needles scoot/seperate under load and shaft hits the shell,thus cracking it. He said that is why they use a cage for the needles....keeps them parallel and in location.