[TR] Thrust washers - Main and Con bearings

[popnglo at gmail.com]

Hello List,

After a number of years I am making a return to the list, in search of the  
sage advice. In the interim (I think its been maybe 2-3 years hiatis, maybe  
more). I have been driving the TR3A and generally neglecting the  
maintenance as I diverted to motorcycle interests. I now have 2 Yamaha  
XS650' s (a 1979 and a 1980). The '79 I completely tore apart and I guess  
you'd say a frame off... but that's another list. These are the 2 cylinder  
air cooled vertical twins, of the British Triumph, BSA, Norton, etc style.  
OHC instead of pushrod.

Back to the TR3 ... I decided this winter to follow a sound that's been  
bothering me, seemingly originating at the bottom end. I did find the  
starter dog bolt loose and I have found the crank end float to be .012"  
(spec is (.004" - .006"). I had in the past (I think 3-4 years ago, maybe  
more) changed the main bearings and con bearings when I did the sleeves and  
pistons, but for some reason not the thrust washers, maybe not the con  
bearings either. I'ma little fuzzy there.

My question, what may be the recommended source for the bearings and thrust  
washers. I would prefer to go this time with the tri-metal type. I am  
almost positive that I got the (County?)bearings I did change before are  
from MOSS and they were the bi-metal type. I see that BFE and Brit Parts NW  
(maybe TRF too) carry the tri-metal bearings. I will probably go with  
standard size, I'll measure the journals, but I am not the least bit  
thrilled to pull the crank unless I find something there that really  
justifies that.

Also, I have been thinking to replace the oil pump drive shaft and bush.  
These aren't cheap though and I am wondering whether they are worth it. Any  
experiance out there? Also I do recall that there had been problems in the  
past with "soft metal" shafts where the tang would fail after replacement.  
Just wondering whether this is worth the bother. Is that little woodruff  
key as difficult to seat as I imagine it could be?

In any case the apron, radiator, fan, hub, sump, etc, are all off and the  
bottom end innards exposed, just sitting there waiting for their respective  
maintenance interval.

I have been lurking on the list for the past 2 weeks, I see some familiar  
listers and some new and some (to me) missing. I hope all has been well  
with all and I hope going forward I will be able to contribute some. TIA  
for any reply.

Best Regards,

Ed(1958 TR3A - Hudson Valley, NY)