When I searched, I found that thread Here is the answer to my question to SKF on the difference in the new bearing: "Two different formulations of ExxonMobil Unirex N3 grease"
Looks like they forgot to mention the seals - they are Viton (2RS2) instead of Buna-N (2RS1) of the earlier bearing. So the "VT113" is the bearing to go for.
The earlier "HT22" bearing has 2RS1 seals and the later "VT113" has 2RS2 seals. According to the SKF catalogue, the difference is: Image Unavailable, Please Login
Another option would be, if SKF 3208A-2RS1 TN9/C3 HT22 or SKF 3208A-2RS2 TN9/C3 VT113 are not available in bearing shops, to get SKF 3208A-2RS1 TN9/C3 MT33 which seems to be easier to find (~USD 60) and is exactly the same as the original (HT22) except for the grease (MT33) which is for 120C, and replace the grease with a higher specs one. Here's my new MT33 bearing and SKF grease good for 150C: Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Looks like HT22 vs VT113 is the grease just as the engineer replied. http://www.skf.com/us/products/bearings-units-housings/ball-bearings/deep-groove-ball-bearings/designation-system/index.html
Sorry, you are right. I must have made a typing error when I, some time ago, recorded that the correct SKF bearing is 2RS1 (I have corrected my "database").
In that case, my idea of using SKF 3208A-2RS1 TN9/C3 MT33 and replacing the grease is no good. This bearing has RS1 seals (Nitrile rubber, NBR) which is good for only up to 110C (120C for short periods of time) so there is no point putting a 150C grease in it. As somebody earlier said, just go for the correct bearing.
So it's fair to say except seals and high temp grease the bearing and it's construction is the same. Realistically you would only need 1 of the high temp seals and the highest temp grease but just easier to buy from MD clutchs!!!! At least we got it sorted out thanks for everyone's input
There are two more factors: NTN 5208S has a speed limit of 5,600 rpm if in grease (7,100 rpm if in oil, open), not really adequate (the SKF is 8,000 rpm in grease). You did not mention what clearance your NTN has. If it does not have a C3 suffix, then it has normal clearance i.e. tighter than C3 which could be a risk. But, hopefully, you will have no trouble with it.
So, Dave, I think everybody is now waiting for the info as to whether SKF 3208A-2RS2 TN9/C3 VT113 can be purchased through bearing shops or ordered directly from SKF (in quantities less than a 1000). It might be the case that these special application bearings are only supplied to industries and as higher quantity orders.
I'll send a request to a bearing supplier I deal with and find out. If the bearing is stock at SKF, no minimum should be required. It's only if they need to run production which I highly doubt.
I saw, in the thread #16 that you mentioned C3 but you said "This bearing says C3?" like you were asking a question not saying that the NTN bearing is C3. I now understand that you typed the question mark accidentally (or is it something to do with this website?).
MD Clutches did a total rebuild on my pumpkin and clutch. Andrew is a great guy and knows his stuff. I had removed the pumpkin to replace a ruptured clutch release slave cylinder which has now been replaced with the uprated Hill Engineering one.
