It sounds like we may have a misunderstanding, Phantom. It's common practice for people to install new bearings when the old ones go bad. I didn't mean people shouldn't do that. I meant that removing a bearing can damage that bearing, and so once one is removed it should be thrown away and a new one installed. The design of ball bearings makes then strong against side loads, but very weak against shearing loads. I suppose if one uses the method of heating the crankcase and letting the bearing fall out there wouldn't be a problem, but even then I don't see the point in putting one back in that was varnished up. Chances are pretty good that there will be some wear in the races anyway even in the bearing spins freely, so why not spend the $8.99 for a new one and be sure it's right?