Babbitt bearings work by providing a low coefficient of friction, principally achieved by 2 means. First, there is the fact that the bearing itself has a low coefficient of friction so even without lubrication, a Babbitt bearing will have much less friction than another metal such as steel or cast iron.

What are poured babbitt bearings?

Until the mid-1950s, poured Babbitt bearings were common in automotive applications. The Babbitt was poured into the block or caps using a form. Tin-based Babbitts were used as they could stand up to the impact loads found on the connecting rods and crankshaft. The poured Babbitt bearings were kept thin.

What oil do you use for babbitt bearings?

Most old literature suggest that babbitt bearings be oiled with a "light machine oil". Any kind of light weight spindle oil between ISO-10 to ISO-68 should work fine.