Hi everyone, I have not run my 1964 bonnie for over 15 years. I have just drained the old oil and have found a split needle bearing in the bottom of the tray. Not being a Triumph head, I wonder if there are any needle roller bearings in the engine. I can only think maybe small end bearings. help please
Hi Mick, A very warm welcome to the best vehicle forum on the net! I can't answer your question but we have a few gurus of all things older Triumphs that can. One is @darkman, he should see that he's been liked to this reply & pop in to offer you advice asap?
I assume you found the roller in oil drained from the crankcase as it couldn't find its way into the oil tank, if that is the case then someone has fallen foul of barroom talk and converted there engine to roller cam cages which is about the biggest crime you can do to a Triumph engine, or did you drain the gearbox as well as there are needles in there.
Thanks for the quick reply. the bike was bought by a USA airman when posted in England, then posted to Alaska and then back to England. it is in dead original condition and I doubt anyone has modded anything. Just one previous owner. have not drained the gbox yet.
Most needle roller cam conversions have been done by the Americans :-( certainly no needles in the standard crankcase, although later engines did have a roller bearing on the primary drive side of the crank but thats far larger than needle roller.
Mick Nash Welcome to the family. We need a picture of the steed to feed our passion. Can't help you out on the question. But Darkman is seldom wrong so you are in safe hands. Do try to take a picture of the roller and lets have a look. Regards Joe
