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SOHC.co.uk Forums => CB750 => Topic started by: r1_pete on March 02, 2014, 01:26:48 PM

Title: Main Bearing identification
Post by: r1_pete on March 02, 2014, 01:26:48 PM
Is there a way to measure and identify main bearings once the colour has worn away? I know the outers are B, but I didn't het the crank with the cases.

I have a set of perfect bearings, which I'd like to identify...
Title: Re: Main Bearing identification
Post by: AshimotoK0 on March 02, 2014, 02:03:45 PM
I guess Plastigauge on crank. Assemble and check compressed width of Plastigauge after dis-assembly again to determine crank/shell clearance.
Cheers ....  AshD
Title: Re: Main Bearing identification
Post by: Bryanj on March 02, 2014, 06:25:48 PM
If I can find it there was a table of figures once that included shell thicknes, but that only really workred when new and you had to be able to measure accurately to 0.001mm
Title: Re: Main Bearing identification
Post by: r1_pete on March 02, 2014, 06:43:40 PM
Thanks, yes I'd not thought of plastigauge....

Bryan, that's the sort of thing I had in mind...

I have 2 complete bottom ends, cases are As and Bs, and a set of empty cases which I've prepared for use, which are all Bs with perfect bearings, I'm hoping to get a set of bearings without resorting to buying new sets at £9 +VAT a shell.

I've internal and external mics so I guess I could bolt the empty cases together and measure the bearing ids.
Title: Re: Main Bearing identification
Post by: archmill on March 02, 2014, 06:45:51 PM
Definately Plastigauge. Did an article for Practical Sportsbikes magazine last year which explains how it works so from that, you could measure the crank diameter, add the Plastigauge clearance and therefore determine the shell sizes. Its a word document just short of 5Mb so give me your E-mail address and I will send. And anyone else who want it.

Archmill
Title: Re: Main Bearing identification
Post by: Bitsa (Ralph Wright - RIP) on March 02, 2014, 06:57:26 PM
Hi Guys.
A while ago when I could not match the crankcases with the crank, the etching on the crank was not visable I thought what the hell and rang Haynes.They were very nice and put me through to a Honda racing mechanic who told me after 30 or 40 years or so just buy the biggest shell fit them and re run it in gently.I have to say it shook me a bit and did just that.Fitted them the crank span after torquing down and so far touch wood no problems.As always leave it to you, in the past had good advice but also some shit advice.
Cheers
Bitsa
Title: Re: Main Bearing identification
Post by: philward on March 02, 2014, 08:19:01 PM
I had the same problem but after checking under different lights, I saw the marks on the crank - really looked like a 2 year olds writing, almost a scribble! Having a real look might save you a some work with the plastiguage - took me ages to spot the marks on my crank
Phil
Title: Re: Main Bearing identification
Post by: Trigger on March 02, 2014, 08:57:39 PM
Bitsa is right on this one. Between the smallest which off the top of my head is Yellow, to the largest which is Black. The difference is 0.0015 off the top of my head. I always use black but, do apply some running-in compound.  And as Bitsa says: Take it slowly.
Title: Re: Main Bearing identification
Post by: AshimotoK0 on March 02, 2014, 10:20:58 PM
I had the same problem but after checking under different lights, I saw the marks on the crank - really looked like a 2 year olds writing, almost a scribble! Having a real look might save you a some work with the plastiguage - took me ages to spot the marks on my crank
Phil


+1 those marks are hard to read and you need the right light level as there is very little contrast between the marks and the crank. They look like they were done with a wax crayon or lipstick!! obviously not, must be some kind of special marker pen the Japanese had.  I have convinced myself in the past that they had worn off but after a mug of tea and a re-examination they have always been there!

Link to Service bulletin #14 is useful (prices for the shells are a bit out of date though  ;D).

 http://manuals.sohc4.net/CB750SB/750_14.pdf

Cheers..... AshD
Title: Re: Main Bearing identification
Post by: Trigger on March 02, 2014, 10:51:42 PM
60p a shell, trade price. The ones i got last week were coming up near a tenner.
Title: Re: Main Bearing identification
Post by: Bryanj on March 03, 2014, 07:07:17 AM
You need a mic with rounded anvils to measur a shell, and accuracy to 0.001mm is not asily done---its normaly done using air gauges.

I also have fitted all black shells and just run them in for about 1,000 never had a problem yet
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