I was telling Scott how to do this procedure at the field. I thought about doing a demo at a meeting or writing this up for the web site, but then I found this video online that explains it all:
Part 1:
<![CDATA[<a href="http://www.youtube.com/v/TuzEco3EDUM" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/v/TuzEco3EDUM</a>]]>At the end of part 1, it's shows tapping the front bearing in. I don't do this, I heat the front of the crankcase as previously shown, and then insert the crankshaft into the crankcase. This will act as a guide to be sure the front bearing will go in straight and true. It should slip right in easily.
Part 2:
<![CDATA[<a href="http://www.youtube.com/v/OLSoXPLGzOI" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/v/OLSoXPLGzOI</a>]]>I use the same procedure, but skip the oven heating, I use the torch as show in these videos. A toaster oven will also work, if you don't want to use your kitchen oven.
It's easy to replace your own bearings. If you need bearings right away, I've found that R/C Buyer's usually has bearings in stock. If you need to order bearings, any local shop can probably order OEM bearings for you, or your can order them online from
www.bocabearings.com.
Boca Bearings even has better quality bearings available if you want to 'upgrade' your engine. For example, a replacement set of beraings for an OS .46 AX engine from Boca Bearings can run from $12 a pair, up to about $77 a pair! Standard bearings (similar to the OEM bearings) cost about $32 a pair. It looks like there is no sales tax and free shipping and handling. I've had great luck with Boca Bearings.
Let me know if you need some help, or if you would like to see a live demo of this at a meeting. I'll be glad to help.
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