I am replacing the bearings in a 12 year old Fox .50. Getting the old ones out was easy enough after heating the engine in the oven. What is the best way to install the new ones? In particular, I am concerned about how hard I can push them in without damaging them.

Any advice would be appreciated.

banktoturn

yes, use your crankshaft as a installation tool for your rear bearing. The jettengineering web site has a explanation on how to do it www.jettengineering.com

Thanks Splatt!

I will give that a try. It seems that the crank will only contact the inner ring of the bearing assembly, so the bearing must be able to take a reasonable amount of thrust. Hopefully, only a reasonable amount will be needed.

banktoturn

...goes along ways. When I replace bearings I'll put the crankcase in the oven and the bearings/ crank in the freezer. Then when I'm holding the case with a oven mitt I'll drop the cold crank assembly in and more offen than not the thing will hit bottom instantly. But ya, the bearings can take a side load for installation purposes. good luck.

You should not have to "force" the bearing in. You may damage the case that way. Just heat the case in the oven, then with with bearing on the crank it should drop right in. Then drop the front one in.
If you force it you run the risk of loosening the bearing to case fit and when the engine heats up while running there is a risk of the bearing spinning out. At this point the engine is not much good.

IronCross,

Thanks for the note. Unfortunately, it didn't seem to want to go right in. I got the rear bearing cocked in the case, to the point that it doesn't want to pull out easily. The front bearing drops right in and out after heating, no problem, but the rear still seems tight. Assuming I can get it back out of there without wrecking it, I will check again for any burrs or other obstructions.

Thanks again,

banktoturn