I am rebuilding a 1972 Suzuki 550 GT (two stroke) motorcycle. The engine had 5000 miles on it by the previous owner, then it sat around in his backyard for a REALLY long time. It is now in about 500 parts in my basement and grage. The crank shaft bearings seem fine but should I reaplace them anyhow? It would seem prudent, is it something I can do myself?
Also, any advice on getting the engine case clean and polished would appreciated. There are about one million fins on the engine and cylinders as it is air cooled. I believe these parts are some kind of aluminum alloy. Thanks

Jack, October 2008

Firstly a great bike you are restoring-- As for the bearings i think as its already stripped down you should have the bearings replaced -It wont be cheap and no you cant do it yourself it must be done by an auto engineers or simaler. Being a two stroke these bearings get high revs and not much oil so rarely last past 25 000 miles.

ned smelly, December 2008

main bearings and big end bearings require a 10 ton press to seperate the flywheels to gain access to inner main bearings and all three big end bearings,as they need to be pressed apart.and have see really stubborn cranks,not even move at ten tons

glen, October 2008