What do you think this is?

[Rusty]

Thought I'd give the not so old girl an oil & filter change having done 500 miles since the recall trauma.

The gauze filter was stuffed with what looked like hair and gasket goo. The magnetic drain plugs were covered in the usual swarf and the main one was accompanied by this.

http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp296/Rusty854/C5/IMG_3644.jpg
http://i421.photobucket.com/albums/pp296/Rusty854/C5/IMG_3645.jpg

It looks too roughly finished to be a bearing surface although one side is marked, maybe part of a tab washer?

My engine internals are trying to escape through the oil drain hole, what do you think I should do, leave it or have a word with my dealer?

Edit: The scale is in cm/mm and no the tape measure didn't come out of the engine .

[ace.cafe]

I have no earthly idea what that is.

However, it would cause me some concern, and I think a question to the dealer might be in order.

[Ice]

 That aint right. I would definitely be concerned.

[r80rt]

It don't look good, but it's not neccessarily bad, I'd have it checked out by your dealer as soon as possible to be sure.

[Marrtyn]

Sure is curios.
Is it steel or is it alloy?-- and do  any of the edges look to have a broken finish to them?

[1Blackwolf1]

  Whatever it is I would suspect it to be bad.  I'd call the dealer quick and ask him if he left something behind.  Will.

[t120rbullet]

That's part of the cage on the drive side roller bearing.
Bet ya a buck it's a NBC bearing.
CJ

[ERC]

Looks like CJ is correct. Not good.   ERC

[Rusty]

That's part of the cage on the drive side roller bearing.
Bet ya a buck it's a NBC bearing.
CJ

Blimey, thanks T120. I didn’t expect it to be so readily identifiable but it does look the same as those fragments in your picture.

I think I remember a post about main bearings but could you just give a brief account of the origins of your picture? Was it from a UCE having the gearbox recall work done? I need to make sure I’ve got my facts right.

[t120rbullet]

Blimey, thanks T120. I didn’t expect it to be so readily identifiable but it does look the same as those fragments in your picture.

I think I remember a post about main bearings but could you just give a brief account of the origins of your picture? Was it from a UCE having the gearbox recall work done? I need to make sure I’ve got my facts right.

Yes the pic of the bearing was of of a REcall engine.
One or 2 of those little pieces came out with each oil change before the REcall.
No sounds, ran good, no other damage done.
Replaced both of the drive side bearings and all is well.
CJ

[Rusty]

I’ve given the fragment to my dealer who’ll be passing it on to Watsonian for comment. I’ve also e-mailed both with pics of the fragment and T120’s broken main bearing.

In my opinion there can only be one outcome, even if the origins are inconclusive from the photos (and I think they are pretty conclusive) another engine strip is on the cards to find out where it’s come from.

What say you? Fortunately I have the warranty to fall back on but if it was your bike in three years time would you leave it or investigate?

[ScooterBob]

CJ - You are right on the money with this - To date, I've changed about 25 of the suspected main bearings, but have yet to see, up close and personal, a failed one ..... Fortunately for us, the RE boys designed the drive side of the engine with TWO dump truck wheel bearings, so if one is woogley, you can still get it home! hahaha! Gotta love an Enfield!

[t120rbullet]

CJ - You are right on the money with this - To date, I've changed about 25 of the suspected main bearings, but have yet to see, up close and personal, a failed one .....

Now you have.

And you are right. Other than finding those little "tabs" of metal when changing the oil there were no indications of a problem whatsoever. The ball bearing next to it took the whole load without a whimper.
If it weren't for the REcall the bike would have probably still been on the road and all the tabs would have come out with the oil changes by now.
CJ

P.S. You coming to the Rally on the River next month?








 

[ScooterBob]

CJ - I gots it in mah head that I NEEDS to be there .....  I think there is gonna be a rebellion if a couple of us DON'T get a little break! hahahaha!! After the last little suare' , you know I'm all about a good camp fire, some gREat friends and a little Scotch! I'm told that the little event is an even BETTER time than the last one .... although I can hardly believe it .... 

[REpozer]

If in fact, Rusty,
You are able to ascertain a part number off the foreign debris,
you will be able to positively identify the culprit.