Bought a basket case, bad crank. Had Vince rebuild and trying to install. How do you get the crank into the left bearing without damaging it. Already got all the new bearings in the cases.

 

What I did, and it sounds odd, but it works for me. Before I put the crankshaft in either case this is what I do.

Put the crankshaft in the freezer for a good long while, maybe even overnight. Then when you are about ready to install. Preheat your oven to bout 240 degrees F. Put the cases in the oven until the cases are about 212. I have one of those temperature laser guns, but if you don't keep it in the oven for about 30 minutes. Take the crank out of the freezer and slide it in. The crank slid right in for me. The toughest thing was putting the gasket sealer on, and don't forget about that little o-ring that goes in there. Not sure if it has to be in there, but better safe then sorry.

Good luck!

 

Thanks for that suggestion, but unfortunately I used that method to install the bearings and while the case was still hot I thought why not go ahead and try to put the crankshaft in the left half. Got it part way in just by it's own weight, but can't get it back out. My Clymer book says take it to a deale because a special tool is needed to pull the crankshaft into the left half. Wish I had read that earlier. Still looking for suggestions.

 

Yea I have been working on these things for a couple of years now. Taking old 230 engines and rebuilding them. Honestly the best tool I have found is patience. The more you push to get em done faster, the more they push back. Hopefully you have a good dealer where you are from. We have Bay Cycle here and they will take it and pop it out while you are standing there, and the ask for $5. Other places though laugh at you and then charge you $75, and keep it for a week.

 

Found great info on http://www.dansmc.com/split_crankpull1.jpg showing the tool that the dealer uses to install the crank in the left case. Built my own using a shortened 1 1/4 PVC conduit coupling from Lowes and a stack of large flat washers. No heating requied and the coupling cost 65 cents. The coupling fits the inner bearing race perfectly. Used the crankshaft nut with threads generously lubed to prevent thread damage.
Thanks to Dan's Motorcycle Repair & Engine Repair Information Guide .

 

Cool I am gonna bookmark that for when I do another rebulid