Your thoughts on sleeve retainer for bearings

[atvcrazy]

Putting new main bearings in a motor and unfortunately one side has loose bearings in the cases.  It goes against my better judgement but I used sleeve retainer to lock the bearing into the case.  It's solid now what are your thoughts?  I'm running it worse case it lets to and I but some ESR cases

[jfwyatt1]

ive done it before with good and bad luck i wouldnt do it if you can push the bearings all the way in by hand easily. the ones ive had good luck with still had to be tapped into position with a punch. worst case is like you said

[rsss396]

I have done it on slightly loose bearings without issue, not sure if it was needed but I also used a little gas tank sealer (since I had some) on the outer edge of the bearing and case to try and keep the methanol from attacking the loctite

[Pumashine]

Different mechanics have different opinions on this. I have been told that since your crank is pressed onto the inner race the balls are most likely pivot than have the outer race turn. Once the case halves are pressed together the crank spins with the inner race of the bearings as one unit. Some builders say it is not a good idea if you are running a large cylinder but a 250 will last awhile.

[atvcrazy]

The main bearing in this case was loose but wouldn't come all the way out by hand.  I used loctite sleeve retainer with its spray on cleaner activator and they are locked in solid now.  This is a gas 310 so it should be okay.  I have a brand new chain side case bearings are tight, and a used clutch side case that has the problem.  Thanks for the replies

[bkstoffe]

Heat softens the retaing compound, but it takes quite a bit of heat. Another thing that I've done to salvage a set of cases one last time (when I was a kid with no money) was I used a carbidizer on the outer bearing race to build it up a little then froze in sub-0 freezer to install. They still went in tight, that engine ran for years until I broke the cases at the back.

[Jerry Hall]

The main bearing in this case was loose but wouldn't come all the way out by hand.  I used loctite sleeve retainer with its spray on cleaner activator and they are locked in solid now.  This is a gas 310 so it should be okay.  I have a brand new chain side case bearings are tight, and a used clutch side case that has the problem.  Thanks for the replies

How much clearance is there between the bearing OD and the bearing pocket ID?  You will need a bore gage to make this measurement.  Dial or digital calipers will not accurately make this measurement.  

It is not uncommon for a loose bearing to need pressing into the case.  There is usually a thin rib of unworn bearing pocket material that the bearing must pass by as the bearing is pressed out of and into the bearing pocket.

[2ndmoto]

I have seen people save cases by machining them to accept a bronze insert. The insert gets to cases back to the correct size for a press fit. Very common issue with the lt500. Once the bearing gets loose the crank will tear up the main seal, create and air leak and if not caught it will cause a seizure.

I think LED can install the inserts. Might be worth a call.

Best regards
-Jason

[Jerry Hall]

I have seen people save cases by machining them to accept a bronze insert. The insert gets to cases back to the correct size for a press fit. Very common issue with the lt500. Once the bearing gets loose the crank will tear up the main seal, create and air leak and if not caught it will cause a seizure.

I think LED can install the inserts. Might be worth a call.

Best regards
-Jason

Loose bearings pockets also cause excessive vibration and can cause a lean condition due to foaming the fuel in the float bowl before the looseness causes a air leak around the crank seals.  We use different materials when we re-sleeve bearing pockets.  The choice of material depends upon the type of engine.  The reason bearing pockets get loose varies due to different design flaws and types different types of engine operation.

[atvcrazy]

Well have another set of worn out stock 250r cases.  Considering getting a set of ESR cases, how well does the the stock 250r side covers fit on the esr cases?  Has anyone used esr cases and stock side covers yet?

[Hawaiiysr]

I have not used ESR cases myself. But Arlan has mentioned many times the ESR cases are top notch.