evaluate B44 rod / crank

gjr

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I have my brother's '68 B44 over here for recommissioning. The head gasket (copper) was leaking into the pushrod tunnel. The valves don't leak but tips show some wear. There is a ridge in the cylinder. I'm wondering how to check the wear on the crankpin, rollers, and big end bushing. Suggestions ?

If the big end is worn, do you know anyone who can rebuild the crankshaft ? Someone in the US would be preferred but...

Thanks

Greg
 
gjr said:
I have my brother's '68 B44 over here for recommissioning. The head gasket (copper) was leaking into the pushrod tunnel. The valves don't leak but tips show some wear. There is a ridge in the cylinder. I'm wondering how to check the wear on the crankpin, rollers, and big end bushing. Suggestions ?

If the big end is worn, do you know anyone who can rebuild the crankshaft ? Someone in the US would be preferred but...

Thanks

Greg
Click to expand...
Alpha makes crankpin/bearing assys for B44's. Most all British parts suppliers have em or can get em. Same with pistons, valves and most other parts to keep them running. The cranks are easy to rebuild but you need a press to remove and reinstall the rod race.
 
The check for the big end is to have the rod sticking out the crankcase mouth and then you push and pull on it feeling for movement, you have to be careful not to confuse sideways movement with up and down movement so I try to move it to either side first and try at several positions. If you can feel the slightest movement then you will be at 3 thou wear which can be recovered by using 1.5 thou oversize rollers, any more and you need a new big end, best to use EdV in the US for that. Rollers are 1/4 by 1/4 and oversize are available for Harleys. If you get a new big end fitted go for the B50 needle roller version.
 
kommando said:
The check for the big end is to have the rod sticking out the crankcase mouth and then you push and pull on it feeling for movement, you have to be careful not to confuse sideways movement with up and down movement so I try to move it to either side first and try at several positions. If you can feel the slightest movement then you will be at 3 thou wear which can be recovered by using 1.5 thou oversize rollers, any more and you need a new big end, best to use EdV in the US for that. Rollers are 1/4 by 1/4 and oversize are available for Harleys. If you get a new big end fitted go for the B50 needle roller version.
Click to expand...
Alpha makes a B44 bottom end set for the B44 with the B50 bearing.
 
Thanks Guys. I rigged a dial indicator and measured ~0.0005" total top and bottom. The inside of the motor is very clean so hopefully it does not shell out the bearing the first time it hits second gear.
 
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