Tight crank?

[davla]

Just replaced drive side seal and fitted GP crank, the crank moves nicely until it's pulled right in and then it's a bit stiff. Is this normal? It it just restistence against the oil seal?

[Scooterdude]

No mate, it sounds as if you've popped the spring off the seal, easily done especially if it's an Af crank as they have little radius on the seal part.

[davla]

No mate, it sounds as if you've popped the spring off the seal, easily done especially if it's an Af crank as they have little radius on the seal part.

No the spring has not popped off the seal, I've had the crank in and out a few times to try and resolve, it's a race crank from AF but not their own, can't remember what they call it, an Italia or something but I think it's a MEC rebranded/renamed.

[berniek]

The crank should be tight on the new seal, if it is smooth turning it will be fine. sometimes they are so tight you cannot turn easily without putting on the sprocket carrier to aid your spinning it.

Ensure plate sits flat, Pull crank into bearing, check with feelers that you have clearance between web and plate, check it turns smoothly, as said it will be tight but if consistent and not snatches it will be fine. If all ok, then fit mag and repeat. Bear in mind it should feel even tighter with mag on as you have the resistance of three new seals.

[CHRIS in MARGATE]

Obviously copious amounts of build oil. It will feel tighter and as long as it's not grinding on the plate it "should" be fine. You will find with everything bolted up you will be able to turn it more freely with the flywheel.

[Scooterdude]

If your adamant the spring and seal are both ok and there is clearance between the Webb and plate you will be ok then.

I've had them so tight you can't turn the sprocket end with your fingers but everything was ok.

Make sure your plate is fully home and your not using to thick a halite seal like supplied with some of the cheaper gasket sets and put plenty of grease around the seal and crank end before you draw it through the bearing.

[hullygully]

if its still too tight then Broady does some thin spacers for this area me thinks

[GeorgeS]

Are the seals viton? I found them good but very hard.