Crank removal and crank bearings

[Mike Stephenson]

First off - Happy New Year's to everyone!  

I am rebuilding my 76 250 Cross Country.  Big end of the rod has some play.  I have the cases split, but am stuck now (more correctly...the crank is!)

I see from the manual the crank is press fit into the left side engine case, and it specifies the use of a crank removal tool - which from searching here is a bit of unobtainium.  So how can I safely remove the crank from the left side of the engine case?  I am tempted to heat the bearing a bit, and tap it out (with a nut on the crank end), but am reluctant to do so.

Next up is the main bearing on the right end of the crank. I believe my main bearings are relatively new (Young Ted was prior owner - he had replaced them not long before I got the bike), so would prefer to not have to replace the main bearings.  But I can see no way I can remove that bearing from right end without destroying it?.  And...it appears they are not in stock from Al Buehner.  Is it possible to remove it without damage?  Failing that, anyone know of sources for the main bearings right and left side (may as well do both if I have to anyhow). Are they available from bearing supply houses, or no longer available?

Or should I just send it all off to Chicago Jerry or others here who might be willing to tackle it?

Thanks in advance.

Mike Stephenson



Mike Stephenson
Atlanta, Michigan
Penton Newbie - thanks to Young Ted!

[Mike Stephenson]

I made a quick phone call to Young Ted and got my answer - I was reluctant to risk anything breaking without some other input!  A bit of heat, nut on crank end, and a few hammer whacks and it came out of the left side case easily.  Removing the bearing from right end of crank was even easier - a bit of prying with a screwdriver tip popped the bearing off the crank end no problem.  

Seems odd, but I find myself way more comfortable wrenching on my modern bike - if I mess something up, I know for certain I can buy the parts I need (ignoring cost of course!)...but with this Penton, I guess I worry to much!

Now to track down the shop to do the press work on the crank!



Mike Stephenson
Atlanta, Michigan
Penton Newbie - thanks to Young Ted!

[pklinck]

Mike,

send your crank to Forest Staal in Indiana.  Check with Chicago Jerry too.  good luck.

peter klinck

[Kip Kern]

Measure the width of the crank webs before and after pressing it apart then back together.  If you don't you won't be too happy!

[Rocket]

Mike
Contact Gary Ellis about main bearings and he would probably do the rank for you also.  Shimming the crank on assembly is very tricky and time consuming to get it correct.
Rod G

[Mike Stephenson]

Thanks for the replys.  Rod - I've seen other mentions of shimming the crank - what exactly is this?  I am assuming it is related to Kip's comment about measuring the width of the crank webs.

I had been planning on sending it to a local guy that has done crank work for me in the past.  But as he hasnt replied to my email, looks like I will be contacting Chicago Jerry or the others suggested.



Mike Stephenson
Atlanta, Michigan
Penton Newbie - thanks to Young Ted!

[Rocket]

Mike
The shimming is done during the installation of the crank in the cases.  The manual explains how to do it. Shimming can be a time consuming process.  Do you have a manual?
Rod

[chicagojerry]

hey mike, i replied to your email off-site. to remind anyone else that may need it. jerry birky at penton racing products also does an excellent job on rebuilding cranks and boring cylinders too. he used to do service work and race prep for ktm north america and after the untimely passing of dane, he went over to penton racing products full-time and has expanded their line of service. chi jer

[Mike Stephenson]

Rod - yes - I do have a manual and just read through that section.  I think I will have someone else mess with that!

Jerry, thanks for the email exchange, more questions to come I am sure.

I will end up going with either Jerry Birky or Gary Ellis.  Gary evidently saw this thread and emailed me. I haven't gotten back to him yet  It sure is great having all the real experts around and willing to help out!





Mike Stephenson
Atlanta, Michigan
Penton Newbie - thanks to Young Ted!