unanticipated wear

Production K Models

unanticipated wear

Postby K Daddy » Thu Jan 03, 2019 4:17 pm

While splitting the cases I found nasty wear between the rear side of the compensator sprocket and the main bearing.
Reviewing the parts I had removed thus far, I did not see 24781-52 (sprocket shaft bearing spacer) I think this is the root cause.
Anyone else seen a similar problem?
Here are a couple of pics.

comp sprocket.jpg
comp sprocket.jpg (369.93 KiB) Viewed 12492 times

bearing wear.jpg
bearing wear.jpg (368.39 KiB) Viewed 12492 times
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Re: unanticipated wear

Postby mikeslemmon » Thu Jan 03, 2019 5:03 pm

The spacer is behind the sprocket , but I don't think K's had compensator sprockets if the sprocket nut is not tight it loosens the timken bearing . compensator sprockets were a KH option (I think) check your parts book. when you put the engine back together this needs to be tight on the timken bearing .make sure you have the right sprocket
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Re: unanticipated wear

Postby Ferrous_Head » Thu Jan 03, 2019 6:54 pm

Uhmmm. Pretty sure they had comp sprockets on the 52. different parts for 54 on though.
The spacer is behind the snap ring and seal. It keeps the bearing assembly in the correct position inside the bearing housing.
Somwthing else going on. Perhaps later model 4 on sprocket ?
Original would have had 30 teeth.
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Re: unanticipated wear

Postby mikeslemmon » Thu Jan 03, 2019 7:07 pm

my factory 1953 to 1963 parts book doesn't show a compensator sprocket for K model only KH but it is odd since the primary is big enough for one
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Re: unanticipated wear

Postby Ferrous_Head » Thu Jan 03, 2019 7:59 pm

My 58 parts book shows 40285-52 as the sprocket 40285-52 as the rotating cam. 50287-62 is the sliding cam. Spring is 40302-52. The 54 on has -54 part numbers. So, they have them and they are different in some way.
I can't see well enough to see how much damage you have there so can't guess as to what the problem is. Someone more knowledgable may help here. I'm really a Sportster guy.
The firts K's had some issues which were addressed in later bikes. Chief among them was the gearbox area. Changes to shafts in materials, diameters etc helped. The trap door was a major improvement in my eyes.
You need a puller to get the extension off and you may find you need to replace the Timken bearing. That would require a puller for the inner race. But those tools are readily available and not that expensive.
If you DO split the cases make sure you have all bolts out first. It doesn't require any force at all if the bolts/nuts are all out/off.
You CAn leave the flywheel rotating assembly in the left case half to do gearbox only work. But having gone this far I would do the full job.
People who believe a 70 year old engine that was fragile to begin with is better left alone might be dabbling in wishful thinking.
Once the outside covers have been removed all bets are off as to how clean the inside of an engine really is.
What mechanics do is to clean and measure. The better you can do that the better a mechanic you are.
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Re: unanticipated wear

Postby EKHKHK56 » Thu Jan 03, 2019 8:39 pm

Most definitely had compensator sprockets. Fit 52-53 only. Just sold another one to DevoCycle...my OP #RioBluePaint 52K has all that. Erik
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Re: unanticipated wear

Postby EKHKHK56 » Thu Jan 03, 2019 8:53 pm

The solid sprocket was option. Race, etc...
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Re: unanticipated wear

Postby mikeslemmon » Thu Jan 03, 2019 10:04 pm

the numerical index in the '53-'63 parts book lists the part numbers and it lists the page to be found on, but is nonexistent on that page.
I'm glad to be a rocker arm enthusiast.
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Re: unanticipated wear

Postby thefrenchowl » Fri Jan 04, 2019 1:59 pm

Mike: the numerical index in the '53-'63 parts book lists the part numbers and it lists the page to be found on, but is nonexistent on that page.
I'm glad to be a rocker arm enthusiast.


There're a few glaring errors as well in rocker manuals and spare parts catalogues!!!

It also happen that after sort of 10 years, the stock is sold on and the part is no more on the shelves, it might be shown on the drg but not listed so as not to receive orders for these...

Patrick
Last edited by thefrenchowl on Fri Jan 04, 2019 2:05 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: unanticipated wear

Postby thefrenchowl » Fri Jan 04, 2019 2:02 pm

Erik: Most definitely had compensator sprockets. Fit 52-53 only


Yes, the KH was much beefed up and had a different cam with better ramps that couldn't lock together...

If a brute was kicking a K, he could lock the cam at top travel...

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