I am trying to install new bearings in my 50 hyper. I have removed the head, the back plate, the cylinder liner, the connecting rod and piston. At this point I thought that the crankshaft would slide out so that I could get at the bearings. However it will not slide out. It seems to be held by something. Does anybody know how to get the crankshaft out? I would appreciate any help.
Ted

On my Hyper I set the case on a piece of wood like a 2x4 back down and gently tapped on the crankshaft with a soft screwdriver handle and it came out relativly easily. Then I heated the oven to 325 and left the bare case in for 10-15 minuetes and took it out and gentlye rapped it on the same piece of wood backside down until the rear bearing fell out. I then used a wood dowel and gently pressed the front bearing out, both bearings came out easily. Make sure that you take the soft o-ring/washer out from under the carb, it is easy to miss and you do not want to heat it up. Once the bearings are out slide the new rear bearing onto the crank while the case is still hot (reheat if necissary) and slide the crankshaft in. Then slide the front bearing in and pull the crank towards the front of the engine until the rear is seated and make sure that the front is seated as well and let the case cool to room temp or so. After you have done this once it should only take you 45-60 minutes to do it next time. Also make sure that you use a proper crankshaft lock to put the fan back on, DO NOT use a piston lock as you can very easily put a hole in the piston. My local heli shop had a crank lock for about $10-11 and it is well worth the money.

Thanks I followed what you said and got the job done
Ted