Honda 200 crank bearing issues???

[cr480r]

I have my 200s apart waiting for some new clutch plates to come in the mail.. with the centrifugal clutch off I noticed some play in the crankshaft.. My initial thought was the crank main bearings were smoked.. I later had a friend wiggle the crank while i took a closer peek.. the whole main bearing is moving in the cases.. I figure there is about 1/16" endplay because of this. I cant see it being made this way, and I have been feeling some mild yet peculiar vibrations lately.. I would sure hate to buy some different cases as mine seem very nice otherwise. Some new bearings & loctite bearing retainer maybe??? Anybody have any input on this? This is my favorite toy lately, so i need to make it right again..

[shortline10]

Is it back and forth or up and down play . The crank should have a little play in the case but def no play in the bearings .

[Dirtcrasher]

Cylindrical Loctite as long as the bearings are good............. Thatb crap will take up .020 like nothing......

4 strokes seem to always seem to have "slip fit" main bearings.

[cr480r]

Is it back and forth or up and down play . The crank should have a little play in the case but def no play in the bearings .

I didnt notice any obvious up and down movement. I need to look at it a lil closer.


Cylindrical Loctite as long as the bearings are good............. Thatb crap will take up .020 like nothing......

4 strokes seem to always seem to have "slip fit" main bearings.

i was kinda wondering that after I saw nothing in the shop manual implying any difficulty removing the crank or spitting cases.. no mention of pullers, rubber mallets, presses, etc.. But with the bearing floating in the case freely, it'll probably be difficult to get a true indication of the bearing condition. Maybe i should just pretend i never noticed it and let it ride.. i am probably just too used to 2-strokes

[cr480r]

Bearings dont have any obvious radial play, but I havent ruled out the possibilty of needing crank bearings. I believe the vibration actually may be due to issues with my clutch basket.. the rivots are loose and allow some movement between the basket and drive gear..

[Yamaha_Rules69]

Check very closely where the bearring sits in the aluminum case, if there are a lot of miles on the eigine, or the main bearrings were installed incorrectly at one point, the alumimum case can crack all the way around the bearring. Look for a hairline crack around the bearring. Just an idea I came up with after splitting cases on my 81 Yamaha IT 175, and seeing this on both sides. I know its a different engine, but just a thought. ---- Jon.