Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications 3.0L Duratec Noticed grooved rod bearings during my 3.0 Project

Want to spend lots of money?

I thought not. Just slap in the new bearings and run with it.

Well, depending.
That happens all the time on stock engines and bearings, usually because a piece of carbon or some foreign particle works its way into the oil. The softer metal of the bearing (used to be babbot) would give way and make room for the particle to protect the crank, but scoring occurred often and would in many cases affect nothing on the longevity of the engine.
Ford has gone to the harder aluminum bearing, yet still soft when compared to the crank, so that the bearings last longer before wearing out. The do allow a foreign particle to do more damage to the crank however.

Honestly if it isn't deep then the pressurized oil film will keep the crank suspended off the bearing anyway and you will be fine. Now if it is a serious gash or a burr, that would need some work. Very carefull work to remove the burr with a fine file and then some fine polishing can be done in the vehicle. Check to see if there is any upraised portion in the scoring. If material was just worn away, like a ditch then you'll be fine versus built up like a berm which may harm the new bearing.
Again, if it is a small yet smooth score in the journal then I'd just make sure you size the bearing to the crank journal with the correct clearances and call it a day.