Engine out..engine in...engine out...AGAIN!

[Faceplant]

After a successful final drive bearing replacement and a cursory check of all bearings etc, engine back in frame, fired up and off we go! Then the rumbling started, when the oil warmed up. Nothing I'd heard before the surgery, so WTF? Ride for a while hoping it will clear...stupid I know, I've had loads of bikes, and noises don't go away until whatever is ailing falls off or implodes! So, out with the engine, strip open the side covers, check for loose anything, and...play on the alternator side. Mains! Strip to component parts and find bearing shell is spinning inside the casing. No signs of sieze, no damage to crank, must have just not been located properly as the tab is stripped off.. So new mains and big-ends I think. I live in Tanzania, and moving stuff around the world is not cheap, so, I saw on one of the forums, here or ADV, some kind and patient sole had listed alternatives to OEM. I've searched and can't find the page, can someone help with the list or link please. I'd like to try source as much locally as possible. Another question, when camchain tensioners are beyond the 6mm limit, does that mean replace tensioner or camchain or both? I don't find any wear limit info on the chains to check for stretch. Is the oilpump drivechain always sloppy? Many thanks

[Ericsti]

Replace the chain. I'd only replace the tensioner if it showed signs of wear on the guides.

[AlanH]

...and yes, the oil pump chain is generally sloppy

[Faceplant]

...and yes, the oil pump chain is generally sloppy

Weird that. So a new one will also be sloppy?

[Faceplant]

Replace the chain. I'd only replace the tensioner if it showed signs of wear on the guides.

That's a relief, they're really expensive. Is there any other UK supplier apart from David Silver that stock AT parts do you know?

[AlanH]

Weird that. So a new one will also be sloppy?

Yep. Sloppy from new. It's designed like that on loads of engines.

[Faceplant]

Yep. Sloppy from new. It's designed like that on loads of engines.

Man, this is getting better, you just saved me $103. Cheers

[Faceplant]

I am trying to determine mains bearing sizes. On the crankcase halves is clearly marked "B", which according to the manual should be ID in crankcase of between 53,97mm to 53,98mm Now I can not see any corresponding markings on the outer web of the crank, (maybe it was replaced at some stage), so I assume I need to determine the OD of the crank journals...and what then. The table in the manual @ section 2.57, is a little confusing, I'm not quite sure how to read it can someone help with what the next step should be? I am more electrically minded than mechanical, but not totally without skill. Are the various markings on the crank stamped with letter/number punches or are they raised castings? Thanks

[AlanH]

They are white painted letters. If you can't see them then you'll need to measure the journals. It's probably a good idea to measure the crankcase that had the main spinning in it as that may have opened up a bit.