The dealer that just rebuilt my brothers crank for his 96 SLS and earlier his 97 F-III 600 replaced the plastic type bearings with normal all metal type bearings.He claims even if they are well oiled they will get brittle with age and the plastic race will fail.The only purpose that I have heard for the plastic bearings is that they're quieter and they aren't as likely to rust if not fogged in the spring(although thats what happened to the SLS).Sounds dumb to me.Who cares if the engine is slightly more noisy?Am I missing something here?Does anybody know why bombi uses plastic bearings on the crank?This machine shop (Iantomossi Racing) recommends that you never reuse the factory style bearings when you rebuild.

You're talking about the bearing retainers (cages) right?

Originally posted by oldyeller@Feb 11 2004, 12:02 PM
Does anybody know why bombi uses plastic bearings on the crank?This machine shop (Iantomossi Racing) recommends that you never reuse the factory style bearings when you rebuild.
the bearings themselves are all metal but the ball retainers are plastic in a new engine. as for Iantomossi Track & Trail they are knowledgeable enough that i wouldn't doubt them but i think the wording of never reuse factory style bearings in a rebuild is a little off because what else can you use ?

So that was the disgusting burning smeel i was getting before my crank went.

Awfull Awfull smell

They have an all metal bearing(no plastic cages).That is what they used on my brother's sleds.In fact I think Doo is the only manufacturer that uses the plastic type.With the amount of crank bearing failures posted on here I wanted people to know that there may be a better way than a factory rebuild.

i have a little formula s 380(great little sled) and the bearings went. i wish i had of read this earlier. i just put the bearings with the plastic seals back in. oh well.

Originally posted by oldyeller@Feb 11 2004, 12:52 PM
With the amount of crank bearing failures posted on here I wanted people to know that there may be a better way than a factory rebuild.
yeller,
keep your ear to the ground, the others have the same problem just the doo'ers seem to be the only people griping.

I would rather melt plastic instead of having a gacked up case. It is a little cheaper to replace bearings than the case.