Hey All, getting an old Shovel going again and rebuilt carb and replaced starter, solenoid, starter relay, and wiring harness. I also had primary cover off, removed starter arm assembly, etc. Got everything put back together and started it up and it runs great. It's still in the air on the bike lift and I was getting ready to haul it off and try going for a ride when I noticed a half dozen or so ball bearings on the ground (see attached pic). I don't remember encountering ANY ball bearings during the work I did. It's possible they are from another bike I had on the lift but the Shovelhead has been on the lift for a month or so and I think I would have noticed them before. I checked both wheel hubs and they look tight and completely sealed. Does anyone have any ideas where these could have come from? While running it on the lift could something have rattled free due to the vibration? I'm hesitant to take it out for a ride if there's a possibility something that requires ball bearings is missing six of them or so.

 

Can't judge size by that pic...
Are they of a Size used in old Neck Bearings???? [Not yer FX]

Only place I can currently picture Ball bearings is the Primary bearing [on the tranny shaft] and the other end of the main shaft... in the right side of tranny...
Otherwise??? Note that tranny/primary bearings are rather larger than the Neck Bearings ...even on an Old Ironhead..

 

Maybe someone snuck in and put them there to mess you up

When I was a mechanic at a dealer if another tech did an engine repair I would sneak over and pour some oil on the floor under the engine as a prank! The look on their face was priceless.

 

or they can be from the crank shaft they are sealed but if they are worn and bust a loose
they resemble what you have there

 

Inner primary mainshaft bearing took a dump.

 

Bulldog1085... I saw those bearings and my first inclination was the same as Twizted Biker...the inner primary bearing has failed.



Dont believe it is your left crankcasse bearing. That uses a Timken bearing and those look way too large for that

 

I caught a guy throwing a rist pin clip onto a engine drip pan at 99 percent of a completed engine at a dealer I worked at way back - I was fired for hitting him with a hammer apparently your supposed to rat him out - that idea never cane to mind with me

 

They should have given you a pay raise and fired the other guy.

 

Sorry.... No Way
Timkens are Rollers... Not *****!!!
Besides... the Rotor would Grab and Hold them!!!!

 

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