Red Irvine 46. Black Carb. Made In England.

[David Davis]

I have just removed the bearings from my Irvine 46. To my surprise the front bearing has rubber seals on both sides.

 

Is this normal?

 

If so is this best practise? I have usually removed the inner seal from front bearings in the past.

 

I also own a red Irvine 40, black carb and made in England. Will this have the same bearings as the 46?                   

[Engine Doctor]

I always fit sealed bearings on Red Irvines especially the UK made ones but normally remove inner seal. Ive have had a few Red Irvine rebuilds that have a poor crank fit and will blow fuel out so it possible you have one of those. 

Main bearings should be the same for 40 and 46 , from memory  depending on variant . Best check before ordereing as there are a couple of variants . Look at Model Fixings bearing page for handy reference . I think they share the same crank shaft and are just bored differently but as i say vheck before ordering just in case. Will check that later if I don't get too busy.

[Martin Harris - Moderator]

I’ve had a couple of iffy front bearing fits on the old red Irvines. Typically, it manifests as refusal or delay in cutting the engine with a completely closed carburettor. 
 

Assembling the front bearing with a smear of Loctite Bearing Fit or similar cures this. 

[David Davis]

So I should leave both of the seals in place when reassembling the engine should !?

[Nigel R]

Won't make a lot of odds, I suspect.

 

That said I'd do what you have previously done - remove the rear seal.

[David Davis 2]

Thank you Nigel, that's what I'll do. I'd forgotten that the Engine Doctor's recommended the same thing in his reply.