Success, Converted 4 Stroke Belt Drive To Bearings

[Deleted Member 4613]

Well, this was easier than I thought. I used six MR2015 bearings I purchased from China,
and packed them with Lucas Red N Tacky grease. These bearings are made to exact
specs, so they easily slipped into the clutch cover, and over the motor shaft with ever so
little light sanding of the shaft. I had to use three spacer washers so the center
bolt tightens down against the shaft and not the bearings, leaving about 1/8
inch free space. The Oilite bushing I had previously modded looked in great condition,
but I wanted a bearing drive. This is so simple to do. I had to buy 100 bearings,
so I have 94 extra. I think I'll sell a complete set of six for the conversion for
$10. If anyone seriously wants to make this conversion, let me know. I think this
is a lifetime mod. I'll leave it for two years. The bearings have an open side, and
the other side is almost closed.

 

[Wrench]

with open bearings, time will tell if grease gets on the clutch shoes

 

[GW's Motorized]

That's awesome. I'd be willing to bet that will last alot longer than the bushings

 

[Wrench]

Others have done that mod before but I don't think any used an open bearing

 

[Deleted Member 4613]

I should explain I installed the bearings with the closed side facing the
clutch to reduce the possibility of grease migrating to the clutch.

 

[Wrench]

I should explain I installed the bearings with the closed side facing the
clutch to reduce the possibility of grease migrating to the clutch.

Ya mind posting pics of both sides of the bearing"? I'm curious of what the "closed side" looks like

Yeah, you said one side was closed more than the other, but it's not sealed
I hope grease don't fling out, you'll find out soon enough

BTW what was wrong with the Oilite bearing, It was good for the life of that clutch drum

 

[robe]

That is sure a nice looking set up. I have no experience with the 4 stroke stationary motors on bikes.

One thing with grease I would like to mention is to test it yourself. Put a little on a spoon, heat it up and see how long/hot it gets before it comes apart.

I bought some Valvoline 100% synthetic high heat grease with lithium and moly. You can heat that up until it is smoking and it doesn't come apart.
Also high temp brake grease is good stuff too. Haven't tried heating it to breakdown but if it can withstand disc brakes should be ok. It is expensive.

 

[Wrench]

That is sure a nice looking set up. I have no experience with the 4 stroke stationary motors on bikes.

One thing with grease I would like to mention is to test it yourself. Put a little on a spoon, heat it up and see how long/hot it gets before it comes apart.

I bought some Valvoline 100% synthetic high heat grease with lithium and moly. You can heat that up until it is smoking and it doesn't come apart.
Also high temp brake grease is good stuff too. Haven't tried heating it to breakdown but if it can withstand disc brakes should be ok. It is expensive.

I mix Molly with Red-n-Tacky

 

[Deleted Member 4613]

Well the grease I chose is supposed to have resistance to flow at high
temp. These bearings are so small, the amount of grease in the
clutch cover is far less than how the tranny is supplied by the
manufacturer, which is a greased brass bushing. Eventually all
this grease flows out and the clutch sticks as the bushing
binds. Constant regreasing is required with the brass
bushing approach. It's a headache. It's so simple to
convert the drive to oilite bushings and bearings
that the manufacturer really should do it.

 

[Deleted Member 4613]

It's difficult to see in the bearing pic because the bearings are so small and
it's difficult to photograph, but the three bearings on the right show the
open side, and the three on the left show the closed side.