Author Topic: Lower end appart  (Read 373 times)

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jbenjamin

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Lower end appart
« on: March 08, 2024, 09:51:38 AM »
Hi All,

I have finally got around to splitting the lower end of my 1978 Intruder 440. I have attached photos,and am going to bring the crank and lower end into a machine shop to have the bearings replaced. Just asking if you all think this is the way to go as I know at this point that one cylinder got very hot and looks like it was run for a while. (just not total meltdown)

Thanks

JB
1978 Kawasaki 440 Intruder

Interceptor398

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Re: Lower end appart
« Reply #1 on: March 08, 2024, 10:28:41 AM »
That is an impressive melt down!   If the crank roles free and smooth I would use it as is.  If you can feel or hear anything other than smooth and quiet it would be time for new bearings.  I do think those bearings are very dependable if not abused.

mswyka

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Re: Lower end appart
« Reply #2 on: March 08, 2024, 06:26:55 PM »
From what I can see in the photos the crank looks nice.  And like Interceptor says, if the bearings roll smooth they are probably fine.  There is quite a bit of bearing chatter evident making me wonder if something was out of balance.  If everything else checks out fine some gasket material on the outside of the races during re-assembly might be in order.
Intruders:  1978, 1979, 1981 Custom (Pink)
Invaders:   1980 440
Projects:    1981 Invader 440

jbenjamin

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Re: Lower end appart
« Reply #3 on: March 09, 2024, 11:43:50 AM »
Thanks Guys for your response,

I think I might bring it into a re builder to have them look at it. Not only am I worried about the bearing chatter but the connecting rod bearing on the pto side looks very dry and seems a little loose. I'll let you know what they respond with.

Thanks again.

JB
1978 Kawasaki 440 Intruder

mswyka

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Re: Lower end appart
« Reply #4 on: March 10, 2024, 06:57:20 AM »
Do you know how many miles are on this engine?
Intruders:  1978, 1979, 1981 Custom (Pink)
Invaders:   1980 440
Projects:    1981 Invader 440

jbenjamin

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Re: Lower end appart
« Reply #5 on: March 10, 2024, 10:29:10 AM »
Hi mswyka,

I bought the sled in January of this year with just over 1800.0 miles on it for $400.00. I was told by the previous owner that he was riding it and it lost spark. I thought, well no problem I can fix that, but when I got it into my shop it had spark so I decided to  do a compression test and found 80 psi pto, and 110 on mag side. Obviously at that point it meant tear down.

Thanks for all of your experienced help, I have read a lot of good posts by you and others on this site.

JB
1978 Kawasaki 440 Intruder

mswyka

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Re: Lower end appart
« Reply #6 on: March 10, 2024, 11:06:20 AM »
Just as a rule of thumb I would not normally expect crank issues at 1,800 miles.  None of our sleds came to us running.  We have had sleds come in with as few as 150 miles and with over 5,000 miles.  Generally, anything less than 2,500 miles was in good condition to rehabilitate.  And even then it was mostly the top end that needed help - and occasionally we would change a crank end bearing.  There are, of course, always exceptions.
Intruders:  1978, 1979, 1981 Custom (Pink)
Invaders:   1980 440
Projects:    1981 Invader 440

jbenjamin

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Re: Lower end appart
« Reply #7 on: March 16, 2024, 09:13:49 AM »
One more question about the oil pump gear on the crankshaft. Is this gear supposed to be press fitted to the crankshaft? For how loose this gear is (spins freely) I can't see how this would drive the oil pump.

Thanks in advance.

JB
1978 Kawasaki 440 Intruder

mswyka

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Re: Lower end appart
« Reply #8 on: March 16, 2024, 11:29:34 AM »
The gear on the crank should be tight to the crank.  If the one you have spins likey you will need a new gear.  I should have one if you need it.
Intruders:  1978, 1979, 1981 Custom (Pink)
Invaders:   1980 440
Projects:    1981 Invader 440