NEEDLE BEARING IN A MILLION PIECES!

[seabass]

O.K., I was riding and my bike backfired a few times. I noticed the spark plug cap on the left cylinder wasn't fitting tightly any longer.(possibly a factor?) I took the bike home and put it away. The next day I tried starting it. It tried to turn over once then it locked up. I took the top end off and the needle bearing is in a million pieces. The cylinders look fine but the left dome and piston show major signs of detonation. Does this sound like it could have been caused by the bearing falling apart or did the bearing fall apart do to detonation? As far as I know, detonation can be caused by a lean condition at or near full throttle, correct? I run 93 octane at 32:1 and my mods are not that much that I'd need race gas. Also, since I was only starting it when this happened, does it sound like the bottom end just needs to be cleaned out to free the kickstarter? Obviously I know I need to take it apart to see the whole story but I'm just trying to find a starting point, since I've never done a bottom end before. Sorry this is so long but I WILL have MANY more questions as I go along. Thanks in advance for taking the time to read this and for any info. you guys can give. I know I'm in the right place to help me get this done.

Edited September 8, 2007 by seabass

[FasterThanU90]

detonation probably would cause that its like hitting ur piston with a hammer, detonation can happen at any rpm yes by a lean mixture, carbon, timing, and squish

[Hilarious]

Taking the bottom end apart and putting it back together isnt

as scary as it sounds. I would definately take it apart and get

the rest of that bearing out. Get some three bond and a seal

kit. Now would be a good time to take the crank out and get

it welded.

You may have had an air leak on that cylinder somewheres.

That cylinder most likely got really hot and disintegrated the

wrist pin bearing. Its a good possibility.

How does the rod look on that side?

Post up your mods.

[seabass]

The crank looks good as do the cylinders. I only have FMF Fattys, 280 mains, K&N with the air box modified. That's pretty much it for the engine. It's also stock bore. As I said I wasn't riding when it locked up, so I'm HOPING damage is minimal. Thanks for the replies guys.

[JKJK]

Brian If your not comfortable doing it yourself,I'd help you pull it apart,douche it+put it back together.Take out the motor+bring it over some weekend. John

[BellicoseBanshee]

Taking the bottom end apart and putting it back together isnt

as scary as it sounds. I would definately take it apart and get

the rest of that bearing out.

I concur, it is not that bad and I would also tear it down for inspection. If you do it on a Saturday night, don't drink the oil and put beer in the engine! :ohmy:

[dantheman7502]

Exactly the same thing that happend to my banshee, im were you are at except i split the cases, its not that bad, mine wasent even running lean, i think i had a crank shaft seal leak on the left side. the entire lower neddle bearing is gone and i have some damage to the case, but not where the bearings sit so i think im ok. if i were you split the cases and get as most of the possable metal shaving out of your oil transfer ports and inspect your crank and get it trued and welded.