That is what happens when the nonstcok thrust bearing is used. They have about 50% surface area of the stock , mulitpiece , thrust bearing. The high performance pressure plate ,and a driver that starts the car with his foot on the clutch pedal also hurt the thrust surfaces. The small thrust bearings , like you show have not been rebuildable , due tothe wear on the crank.[/b]
This is strange, because I don't think the engine has been rebuilt. The guy who gave it to me said it only had 117K miles on it when he pulled it to install a 16V engine.

That bearing looks exactly like the one shown in the Haynes manual. Did some engines come with that type of #3 main bearing?

Thanks,
Tom.