Originally Posted by
Ernie Misner
Thanks guys, appreciate the feedback. I am still amazed that the alum backplate leaves that small amount of clearance. On a 2-stroke yes, the case needs to be stuffed, but on a 4-stroke? Thanks.
The Japanese tend to be a bit anal when it comes to precision. The backplate is supposed to keep the conrod from sliding towards the rear on the rod journal.
It is normal to see where the big end of the rod has lightly rubbed the backplate in engines that have lots of useage.