Swapping engines

[JFP in PA]

The reason LN used a Spiralock instead of a snap ring has to do with the original wire ring used in the tube; the Spiralock conforms to the grove machined into the tube better than a flat snap ring would, giving you a superior holding power.

[LoneWolfGal]

I must comment about the quality of LN's products. Beautifully machined, they are almost works of art, worthy of a place on the mantel. Here's an exploded view of the installation tool and the bearing as it's installed in the shaft:

[LoneWolfGal]

Originally Posted by JFP in PA

The reason LN used a Spiralock instead of a snap ring has to do with the original wire ring used in the tube; the Spiralock conforms to the grove machined into the tube better than a flat snap ring would, giving you a superior holding power.

Spiralock! Many thanks, JFP. I've been searching for the official designation. Thanks to you, I found a company with a trick name for theirs, Spirolox, and they have an installation how-to:

https://blog.diamondracing.net/how-to-install-spirolox

[LoneWolfGal]

I managed to get the Spiralock installed, with the help of a small flat-blade screwdriver. I think it's fully in the groove, but I didn't have sense enough to measure the width of the lock before I put it in. Consequently, I can't be sure how much is actually in the groove, which is only a millimeter or so deep. A couple millimeters of the shim can be seen behind the lock. It seems secure. I can't easily pop it out of the groove with the screwdriver. I think it's okay. In fact, I'm almost sure it might be.

[piper6909]

Originally Posted by JFP in PA

The reason LN used a Spiralock instead of a snap ring has to do with the original wire ring used in the tube; the Spiralock conforms to the grove machined into the tube better than a flat snap ring would, giving you a superior holding power.

Isn't the Spiralock flat too?

[piper6909]

Originally Posted by LoneWolfGal

I managed to get the Spiralock installed, with the help of a small flat-blade screwdriver. I think it's fully in the groove, but I didn't have sense enough to measure the width of the lock before I put it in. Consequently, I can't be sure how much is actually in the groove, which is only a millimeter or so deep. A couple millimeters of the shim can be seen behind the lock. It seems secure. I can't easily pop it out of the groove with the screwdriver. I think it's okay. In fact, I'm almost sure it might be.

Looks great! That thing ain't going nowhere!

[LoneWolfGal]

Seated, the bearing was less than a millimeter in from the groove, about the thickness of the shim. Which I figured was the objective. But a little voice is whispering, "What if the bearing isn't fully seated, and there wasn't enough clearance for the lock to fully engage in the groove?" I hate that voice. The only way to shut it up is with experience, but this is the only IMS bearing I'm likely to install. At least, I hope it's the only one.

[LoneWolfGal]

By the way, not to stir the pot again, but Jake Raby refers to the Solution's bearing as a "bushing" here, at 18:12:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZ87UcYkT7A&t=892s

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by piper6909

Isn't the Spiralock flat too?

Yes, but because of its spiral sectional design, it can better conform the bottom of this grove, which is slightly curved, much like a "U" to accept a round wire. A snap ring would not fully seat in this grove.

[piper6909]

Originally Posted by JFP in PA

Yes, but because of its spiral sectional design, it can better conform the bottom of this grove, which is slightly curved, much like a "U" to accept a round wire. A snap ring would not fully seat in this grove.

Got it. thanks.

[LoneWolfGal]

I examined the Spiro-loc (which is how the manual spells it) with a magnifying glass and was satisfied it's in the groove, baby. So I proceeded to install the flange, taking great care to insert it evenly so as not to pinch its triple seal or disturb the stud's o-ring. I'm ready to torque the flange bolts and center stud nut, but I encountered an unforeseen problem. Seems my 7/16" box end won't fit into the flange's notch and allow me to tighten the nut (while holding the stud with a screwdriver) enough to start torquing it. No room to get it on the nut. I'm stymied. The only solution is to find a wrench that's more svelte than the one I have. Don't ya just love those unexpected work stoppages?

[LoneWolfGal]

Been looking at wrenches on Amazon. Most of them look like mine. I added "thin-wall" to the search and it came up with this set:


https://www.amazon.com/HORUSDY-11-Piece-Wrench-Combination-Organizer/dp/B0C9W2C34M/

More cheap Chinese tools, but I figure for what they cost, if the set's 7/16" box end works on that one nut, I will consider it money well spent; otherwise, I'm out only fourteen bucks. To my eye, these 12-pt box ends do look perhaps a millimeter thinner than on the ones I have. They'll be here tomorrow and then we'll see.

Why, you may be asking, does LN use both metric and SAE? That's a good question. The oil-line fittings are metric, but the Solution Supplemental kit provided a 7/16" deep socket specifically for that one nut, which came in the bearing kit for the stud. Wish they had included a 7/16" box end that I could get on that nut.