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[Riggers]

Robin I've just been thinking about this and I believe an easier way to check if all is ok is to put the two halves of the crankcases together (leave the crankshaft out) and check that the two halves of the crankshaft mouth are perfectly aligned and that the cylinder barrel sits perfectly flat upon the mouth. If it does all should be ok. Cheers mate and good luck!

[Les H]

Hi Riggers. Even though the crankcase mouths are flush and the barrel sits nicely on top, it appears from what Norm is saying is that one main bearing (left or right)is higher (or lower)than the other. So after measuring, Norm mills the crank mouth to finish parallel with the centre line of the bearings so in effect the barrel is tilted over to match the tilt of the crankshaft centre line. However the barrel studs are still left in the old vertical position and must be quite a long way over to one side at the cylinder head holes at the top. Seems like this must be OK, but if I discovered I had an engine like this I'd be too depressed to ride it, and would get rid of the bike and buy a real Redditch machine....not chancing another Indian one....ignorance is bliss and cheaper I think.

[Robin]

Well, the bike did 22000 miles before cracking up, and the bearing cage which disintegrated does look rather flimsy and made of sub standard steel. Maybe I'll do Riggers quick test, and whack some of Mr. H's better quality bits in, regardless. Will also check for gouging of the bearing housing once the old bearings are out, Taper. Thanks everyone!

[Riggers]

Hi Les and Robin. I take in what you're saying Les. My 'quick check' simply shows up one of the symptoms of the problem, and if the test is passed reduces the chances of misalignment by another 25%. So if ok there's a 75% chance that the alignment is fine - and along with what Rbin has said about the last set of mains lasting lasting 22,000 miles I'd go ahead and rebuild it. Incidentally Les this phenominon (sp) is unique to the Electra X - older Indian Classics are fine.

[Les H]

Thanks Riggers...that's good news about the Classic engine, and very odd that some of the Electra's have this problem, and it seems Robin's engine having survived 20,000 miles is OK too and just suffered due to a bad quality bearing....ATB...Les

[rog]

Robin, I don't think you can buy just a RE made Electra conrod and big end - you have to buy a whole crank and rod assembly. Our hosts offer a modified rod/big end which you can fit if you can find someone to split the crank, but note that this costs about the same as an RE crank/rod assembly.

[Norm]

Remember Rog, if you fit a replacement RE crank you are only replacing something that has already failed because it was poorly made/assembled, why bother

[Robin]

Hi Rog & Norm - I've just ordered the modified roller big end and rod, new bearings, spacers and circlips. This stuff had better be worth two weeks of my wages.

[Norm]

Robin,
Sorry to hear that, probably should have bought a Honda instead

[Robin]

Yes, perhaps you're right, Norm. Keeping this bike on the road is turning into an expensive exercise.