Close, Mr. L'Smart, very close...
"Plain" (shell-insert type) engine bearings.
You know, like the ones in just about every other engine on the planet.
Which would require: A horizontally split crank-case -not a vertical split case like we have now
(the above picture shows no parting line/fasteners to facilitate a horizontal split)
Which, of course, would require a new design high-pressure oil system...
You'd toast bearings very quickly with the oil delivered the current system provides.
(roller main bearings can run with oil delivery "interuptions" -plain bearings start to go up in smoke almost instantly)
Roller bearings are used on the crankshaft mains now.
Very low rolling friction once set up correctly -a nice benefit.
But: They can withstand only "so much" hammering before failure.
They are heavy. They cost (much) more.
The machine work required to use them is
hugely more complicated than plain bearings.
And you have to shim the crank for proper preload precisely to make them work...
That takes time, which equals money. $$$
We'll save:
Time. Money. Weight.
Oh and we'll get better oil delivery too!
Yes i heard that too about horizontial split cases which will save a lot of money in labor...
