Honda CB400four crankcase roller bearing wear

[eem46]

Dear All, I want to build up a new cb400f engine but checking the crankcases after washing them, I see and feel with my nail that the gearbox rollerbearing made markings in the crankcase. Is this bad? Did the bearings spin around, because of not enough pre tension? Can I use the crankcase? Shall I glue the bearings in with Loctite? Please advise. Kind regards Emiel

[Nurse Julie]

Yes, it shows the bearing was spinning at some stage.

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

As Julie says they certainly look like rotation marks a lot might depend on how bad they are as to whether you can use the casing again using something like Hondabond on assembly.

Personally I would be looking for some replacement casings - others here might have experience of this issue and be able to tell you the outcome that worked for them.

[Bryanj]

Very rare occurance, what does the outside of the bearing look like and does it rotate smoothly?

2nd Q is is this going to be a low mileage occasional ride or a thrash it everywhere daily driver?

[eem46]

Hi, I bought the empty crankcases with some spare parts. So sadly I have not the ‘matching’ bearings. It will be a low mileage bike, but all new engine parts. So if it is not worth it, or a big risk I will trash them. Loctite has nice versions to glue bearings, and fill gaps. Worst case I need a new set, which is a shame.

[Bryanj]

If it is not going to be a high mileage thrasher, i would bolt up the crankcases with the shaft and bearings you are going to use and see if there is any play.
Loctite will take up quite a clearance safely and is a good solution as long as there is no actual play in the bearing to case

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

Looking at the second photo I do not recognise the shot of the alloy bar across the casing base is it a early 400 engine or have I already forgotten what they look like inside?

[Nurse Julie]

Looking at the second photo I do not recognise the shot of the alloy bar across the casing base is it a early 400 engine or have I already forgotten what they look like inside?

The view in pic 2 is showing this area as highlighted in my photo Ted

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[K2-K6]

Worth cleaning the joint faces of the cases then assembling with both those and the bearings completely dry, then you can at least judge what you've got there and if it's practical to use it.

Does it clamp the bearings, or do they just fall out ?

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

Nurse Julie I clearly have the memory of a Goldfish - the Castle is a surprise every time! lol Ted

Credit to Ani DiFranco lyrics.

[eem46]

Thnx All, will dry build this weekend to see if they clamp.

[K2-K6]

Take particular care to remove the sealant that appears to be around the bolt holes in some of the pictures as that will change the dimensions if left there when you assemble it.

[Bryanj]

Castle? what castle

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

Just thinking outside the box for a moment are the same corresponding marks on the upper casing as well?

Not sure from your comments if you definitely have a matched pair of casings when you bought them.

[Bryanj]

There are only 1 set of markings for mains size