Gearbox de-mystifide but one question please.

I just went through my 73 gearbox to check/change the Layshaft bearing. I found a NJ 203 "double lipped" roller bearing that was fairly worn. I replaced it with the FAG 6203 TB C3 bearing I had bought ahead of time. My question is about the shimming for the roller bearing. I did not disasemble the Kickstart shaft as the Pawl was new looking & this was not a "complete" rebuild, just being safe getting redy for a trip. Should I have looked for any shims that were there due to the old Roller bearing and or removed them? I had not thought about it until it was all back togeather, my limited understanding is the shimming was only needed for Roller type not ball type bearings. There is a percievable amount of movement if I pull on the kickstart shaft so I know it's not to tight. Thanks.

Hmm, I may be wrong on what should be factory correct but none of the 3 ball bearings I've replaced with rollers had shims nor did I need shims with new rollers.
Most the shaft slide slack is from the case gaskets, which I've gradually came to see as more than useless as needless slack creators and nothing to do with retaining oil or to space any components to function better. My assemblies worked slick as can be, after I got cam indexed and pawl spring diddled right. Could try adding shims till can't assemble or fails to function smooth then back off a shim till its sweet and tell us what you find out.

hobot

gtsun said:

Should I have looked for any shims that were there due to the old Roller bearing and or removed them? I had not thought about it until it was all back togeather, my limited understanding is the shimming was only needed for Roller type not ball type bearings.

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I doubt the majority of owners or mechanics who have ever replaced the ball bearing with a roller would even know that the end play even needed checking!

gtsun said:

There is a percievable amount of movement if I pull on the kickstart shaft so I know it's not to tight.

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Sounds as if it's just right then, so whether it's got shims or not (probably not) I doubt there's any need to be concerned.

hobot said:

Could try adding shims till can't assemble or fails to function smooth then back off a shim till its sweet and tell us what you find out.

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As it's a ball bearing which has been fitted in this instance, then there's no need to do any further shimming.

Thanks, this is what I thought but wanted to check with you guys. Also thanks for all the info about doing this in the first place. I had never worked on a trans before other then replacing a kickstart pawl years ago. I had ordered the M. Hemmings video but it didn't get here in time so I just followed the great info on Oldbritts web site ( Thanks Fred & Ella your the best!) I was nervouse about pulling all the gears etc out but it was quite simple & straight forward and nothing to be afraid of. I was blessed by the help of my friend Willson Pluck of American Indian Specialties who let me do this in his shop on a lift witch made it much easier & having a pro motorcycle restorer around gave me confidance in case I got in over my head. Some of the gears were showing wear so I'll be going back for a total rebuild eventually but now I know it's nothing to fear. Actually found it fun and now I can ride hard without worrying about the dreaded Layshaft bearing lockup at speed. Thanks for everyones advice. Glenn.