Large piece of metal from drain hole???

[desertgasser300]

This was attached to the magnet on my drain plug. Bike still runs great and no strange noises. It's about 3/4 of an inch in length, can anyone identify this??

[einsteingarage]

I can tell you exactly what that is. It's the outer race of a bearing. Now my guess is that it is from your water pump. The bearing that sits in the case. Did you drop the bike on the right side? This also means that the rest of the bearing is still in the motor. I would pull it apart before you do some serious damage.


I know this because I had this happen at the end of last season.

[nambo-trev]

I agree, it looks like the bearing that is pressed into the case. I highly recommend you do not ride it again until you check the water pump, this happened to me last year. Not sure if it was the bearing or shaft that let go but it wrecked my case and had to have my motor completely replaced( thanks again Dave fair!! ) for a ten minute peak inside and a cheap gasket I would not try and kick the bike over again until you investigate.

[GMP]

+1, park it and pull the side cover. It will be obvious.

[desertgasser300]

Found the culprit bearing! But, it looks as though i gotta go from the other side.....that means I gotta split the cases, I was hoping to avoid that! I have rebuilt numerous jap engines, but this will be my first Euro and my first with a counter-balancer! Looks like my summer rebuild is just starting sooner then I had planned.
It's gonna have to wait until after July, all my funds are set aside to pick up a newer EC300.

[HuskyDude]

I think I'd run out and buy a lotto ticket...Man you're a lucky guy.

[nambo-trev]

Originally Posted by HuskyDude

I think I'd run out and buy a lotto ticket...Man you're a lucky guy.

Lol no doubt, I wish I had that kind of luck with mine. It looked like a grenade went off inside my case!

[GMP]

Yeah, and if that mainshaft bearing went it could cause a lot more damage on the trans side too.

[desertgasser300]

Very very lucky, considering I did over 200 miles since the last oil change and have no idea when it starting coming apart.

[GMP]

If thats an original lower end and bearings it doesn't owe you anything. How many '97s of any brand are still running around? Good news is the GG lower end is stout with thick cases and is easy to work on. Nothing unusual. Just use good Euro/Japaneese bearing replacements, not the cheaper junk from China.