Connecting rod question

[G-Man]

Tim

The feed to the big ends is via a feed from the Center mains. There is oil flowing down the cam tunnel and a pressure feed from the oil filter. The mains have small jets to meter the oil to the big ends and if those jets get blocked (sludge, bits of tensioner roller, etc.) then the feed to the big ends (and small end / piston) will suffer.

It really is a good investment in the health of the entire engine to have a good clean crankshaft.

You're never going to thrash it like you did as a kid but who wouldn't want to give their crank the best chance of survival?

G

Thanks. I'm enjoying learning some of the subtleties of the design of these bikes.

I too have been wondering why one side would be so much worse than the other and did a little hunting for a shop with experience with old bikes. I have found a place about an hour away and had a chat with them about my crank. They told me to bring it in, which I will do.

Thanks again.

[Tim Allman]

Yes, I'm convinced. I have no intention to run this bike like I used to (drag racing, high rev shifts, trails, winter etc) but I do want it to be pretty and reliable.

The loss of lubrication on the downstream rod suggests that there is something blocking oil flow. However, it must be a partial block because it would have been a disaster for the big end otherwise.

I'll see if I can hang around when the crank is pulled apart and take some photos to post.