Jammed crankshaft on 85 Spree (NQ50)

[Martin Fox]

Hi All, I recently replaced the crankshaft journal bearings on my 85 Spree. Upon reassembly of the two sides of the crankcase and torquing down the bolts, the crankshaft becomes very difficult to turn by hand - definitely something not right. Nothing seems to be scraping on anything it shouldn't be, and the crankshaft spins perfectly well when the bolts are finger tightened, just not when they are any tighter than that. I am using a press to disassemble and assemble the crankcase so its not like I'm banging on the thing with a hammer. This thing has got me mystified so if anyone's got any advice I would really appreciate it!

Martin

[DrZ34]

bearing not pressed on all the way>?
check the clearence between the counter wieghts and the case on either
side, they shoud be the same and not very far from the side of the case

(.125 tops if memory serves)

[DrZ34]

oh and you might only be able to check one side at a time (cases split) cuz its really tight to try and measure/ see with the bottom bolted back together

[MySpree]

there is probably something in the crankcase. like a metalchip.

[DENMANSHAFFER]

I would measure the thickness of the new bearings versus the old bearings you replaced. If they are thicker, the crankshaft may be squeezed when you tighten it up.