A65 '66 Spitfire Gearbox main bearing

[Spitfighter]

I am stripping the engine and replacing various bits and bearings in my '66 Spitfire.

The parts list specifies part number as 68-0023 for gearbox main drive shaft bearing. I have now ordered two replacements from reputable people who list them as 68 0023s but neither match the one removed. (The casing is numbered as coming out of the factory in 1966 and both halves have matched numbers).

The one removed (labelled Hoffman England N241 V2) and has an id of 1.250 and od of 2.5"
The first "replacement' (marked RL59 2RS) has an id of 1.120" and 2.5" od.
The next one (marked 1654RS) and has an id of 1.25" and od 2.56".

Is there something I should know before I ask someone to replace the bearing with one according to measurements and not just a part number (or to correct their listings)?

The other question I have is about the fact that the two replacements are sealed and the "original" open.

Given it would be in the gearbox and hopefully in some oil, is the sealing a help, hinderance, or just irrelevant in this environment?

Thanks

Alastair

[Bess]

Hi,

Gearbox
Main Shaft Drive side:   

1962 - 1972   1 1/4" x 2 1/2" x 5/8"   ball journal
   Hoffman   9554/V4
   Skefco   RLS.9 1 1/4
      1654-2RS
(remove inner rubber shield)

Timing side:
      
1962 - 1972   3/4" x 1 7/8" x 9/16"   ball journal
   Hoffman   L.38
   Skefco   RLS.6
   R & M   LJ 3/4
              RLS6-2RS
(remove inner rubber shield)


Best wishes...

[Spitfighter]

Thank you for this. Sounds like a couple of returns are in order. (It was the drive side one at this point but the timing side one is also going to be done so thanks for details on both).

BTW Where do you get these figures from? Haven't found this kind of detail in the sources I have and clearly sometimes this info is useful if suppliers are not so careful.

Thanks again.

Alastair

[ChrisG]

I had a problem with obtaining the drive side bearing many years ago! From memory, the standard RLS9 bearing has a 1.1/8" bore and the shaft is 1.1/4". SRM sold the correct one but at that time cost £42. In the end there was no discernible noise coming from this bearing when I spun it in my fingers so I refitted it. However, if you find one the correct size from a bearing supplier, let me know the price as I will probably replace all the bearings on my Royal Star when I have the gearbox out this winter. (It does tend to sing to me in second and third gear).
Chris

[JulianS]

I get a lot of my bearings from Simply Bearings. They list the RLS9 1 1/4 bore;

https://simplybearings.co.uk/shop/advanced_search_result.php?keywords1=1-1%2F4&keywords2=2-1%2F2&keywords3=5%2F8

[Bess]

Hi,
    I have built a number of A65/A50's and kept lots of references over the years, putting together detailed manuals for each bike.

Best wishes...

[ChrisG]

Thanks Julian and a good price too. I'll order one for the A50
Regards
Chris

[A10 JWO]

I got all my gearbox and engine bearings from Kidderminster Motorcycles, all in stock when I ordered, no mistakes or returns. Makes a nice change.

[Spitfighter]

I have now got the correct bearing c/o the nice and helpful Roger Jervis at WMT bearings. I had bought another bearing from him via ebay and he had put his card in so I followed up with him.
He identified and provided replacements for the two gearbox mainshaft bearings as listed by Bess for £37 including 1st class postage and followed up with a call to check they had arrived and were OK. These were for bearings with a rubber seal that could be removed on one side as suggested. (There is also a similar drive side one with metal seals).
It sounds as if he stocks quite a few imperial bearings so could be a good source for future bearing needs. Can't fault his customer service.
He lists on ebay but does a better deal if you go direct - also eliminates errors too I think.
sales@wmtbearings.co.uk
www.wmtbearings.co.uk
01743850618
07411012920
Next job to get the bearing back in the casing...
Thanks all
Alastair

[Bess]

 

[DerekAnderson8]

I have now got the correct bearing c/o the nice and helpful Roger Jervis at WMT bearings. I had bought another bearing from him via ebay and he had put his card in so I followed up with him.
He identified and provided replacements for the two gearbox mainshaft bearings as listed by Bess for £37 including 1st class postage and followed up with a call to check they had arrived and were OK. These were for bearings with a rubber seal that could be removed on one side as suggested. (There is also a similar drive side one with metal seals).
It sounds as if he stocks quite a few imperial bearings so could be a good source for future bearing needs. Can't fault his customer service.
He lists on ebay but does a better deal if you go direct - also eliminates errors too I think.
sales@wmtbearings.co.uk
www.wmtbearings.co.uk
01743850618
07411012920
Next job to get the bearing back in the casing...
Thanks all
Alastair

yes ditto that he does provide a great service, i have bought bearings also.