046 locked up

5555555 · Dec 24, 2005

I bought an 046 that was locked up. It was in good shape and I bought it for parts. when I got it hope and opened up the top end, the piston has about four little round marks that looked like a ball bearing was in the chamber for a few revolutions. I held the saw upside down and jiggled it around and one ball dropped out of the crankcase. THe saw then turned freely and ther is no sign of other balls, cages, parts or pieces. There is no play or roughness in the crankshaft.

I've got a new top end that I could put on, but I dont want to ruin it if there is a bearing shedding balls. Is there any way to check the bearings out better without cracking the crankcase? Would you take a chance? THe saw liiks like it nearly new and has seen very little service.

Thanks,

Jim

thompson1600 · Dec 24, 2005

Was it a regular round ball bearing? If so that means one of the crankshaft bearings is gone. It if was a spherical bearing or chunk of metal, that could mean either the needle cage for the wrist pin, or the main crankshaft bearing went out.

I would not attempt to rebuild that saw without a complete dismantling. The bearings can feel like they turn freely and be still be bad.

Tom

Allan.K · Dec 24, 2005

I know you don't want too split the case.. But too be on the safe side I would..If it was me yes I would spilt the case..Don't even give it second thought not to.. (Just do it) .. I would rather be safe then sorry..

Allan.K

5555555 · Dec 24, 2005

It was a round ball bearing, smilar in size to a crank ball. I'm going to go out to the garage and see if there's any round holes in the air filter that are that size.....

Lakeside53 · Dec 24, 2005

You have a ball missing from one of your main bearings. It can be very difficult to see. I don't beleive you have any choice but to split the case... You are going to need at least one new bearing (I'd do both), seals, gasket kits etc etc..

turnkey4099 · Dec 24, 2005

Even if you are sure that it came in externally, you still need to open it. You already can see damage on the top, there may be (surely is) damage on the lower end also.

Harry K

rupedoggy · Dec 24, 2005

Take the top end off of it. Remove the piston. Now crank it around so that the counter weights are in a position to expose the crank shaft bearings. Use a dental pick or something similar and rotate the bearings by turning the cage (the part that holds the round balls). Rotate it completly around and look at all the bearings. If both sides are good then check the inside of the case for damage. Check the rod and wrist pin bearings for play in the up/down direction. There should be none. If this all checks out just put it together and run it like you stole it (which you did). Mike