Topic: Engine rebuild quandry

[DRam]

I have a '79  CB650 which needs rebuildiing.  Everything is going well except for rod and main bearings, which my local dealer tells me are no longer available.  Those in the bike appear to be okay, but I'm more than a lilttle reluctant to just stick rings in and do a valve job without replacing bearings.  Has anyone run into a similar problem, have advice, or maybe know where bearings might be available?  I've searched the web with no luck so far.  Thanks  in advance for any help you can give.

DRam  (formely Dean W - changed my moniker to match that of other sites.  I got tired of trying to remember who I was when logging in.)

[Gordon]

Check out the FAQ for parts suppliers:

http://www.sohc4.us/forums/index.php?topic=263.0

[Bob Wessner]

Have you checked to see if everything is within service limits? They may be OK, or since you are in there do you just want to replace them?

[Dennis]

I would measure them carefully and if they are well within service limits reuse the existing pieces.
Those bearings can last a very long time in a well maintained machine and since yours do not appear damaged I would hesitate to replace them.

[Kevin D]

Once upon a time I checked my main and rod bearings using a Plastigage - a little piece of plastic string that you put under the bearing cap, torque down to spec, then remove the cap and measure the width of the string, which tells you the bearing clearance. I don't know if thats modern practice or not. But if your oil and oil pump have been good you shouldn't have a problem. I didn't see your mileage but my bearings were well within limits at 30000 miles.

[DRam]

Thanks for the advce all.  I've decided to measure the bearings and if they are within tolerances, use them.  If not, well, the search goes on.  There are many more places to look in the FAQ list.

DRam

[bryanj]

If they aint marked dont worry, If you must replace try www.davidsilverspares.co.uk If he aint got or cant get they dont exist

[Ibsen]

If they aint marked dont worry, If you must replace try www.davidsilverspares.co.uk If he aint got or cant get they dont exist

You are right. David Silver have got at least the main bearing shells.
 
Go to Genuine Spares on their website and find the 1979 650Z.

[DRam]

Thanks again.  I'll give David Silver a look.  The bearings look fine though. I'm going to go ahead and use them.

DRam