Surely, using the incorrect/superceeded/non approved bearings in an engine would mean that the engine no longer conformed to the manufacturers specs which would mean that the only way it could be legally flown would be with an NTO (no technical objection) from the manufacturer. Without this the said engine would be illegal, the certifying engineer shouldn't sign for it and even if he did, as it did not meet specs without authority, its' C of A would be invalid.
I have a feeling this is another aviation myth.
