Rebuilding my 1924 CW 2 ¾ engine

[Alan]

Assembling the gearbox was easy as first the bearings were pressed onto their correct positions at each end of the shaft(s) and then the casings simply positioned, tapped up tight, through bolts tightened, final checks etc...
With the engine however and especially as the crankshaft looks so delicate, can somebody please let me know the correct procedure....are the 2 main bearings located onto the crankshaft first (and what is the best way to do this to avoid bending the crankshaft), followed by pressing the crankcase halves in place ? or should the bearings be placed in the crankcase first ?
Ta Alan....

[cardan]

Hi Alan,

Unfortunately the stuff we play with is old.

Ideally the bearings would be a light interference fit in the cases, and are put in place with the cases warmed first in the oven. To make this work, the inner diameter of the bearing should be size-for-size with the shafts, which should be round and clean.

In the real world... if you have an experience engine builder in your local club, drop in with the bits and have a chat. Oh, and Loctite bearing mount comes in different grades and works well provided the surfaces are properly cleaned. But it won't work miracles!

Cheers

Leon