Slight side to side movement at flywheel

[racer7x]

I have a rebuilt (with 20 hours, alledgedly) 1989 Johnson 200 GT. When I grab the flywheel and push it back and forth, side to side there is slight movement. Can't even really "see" the movement but can feel and hear it. I think the flywheel is tight and secure but not 100% sure. What worries me is if the crank is moving but wouldn't all the bearings have to be shot for the crank to move like that? I'm hoping a very slight movement is normal at the flywheel, but so far this motor has been one thing after another.

[Dave Strong]

Something ain't right.

Dave

[racer7x]

That's what I was thinking. I do have to push on it pretty hard to feel the movement and hear it, but I wouldn't think there should be any movement at all.

[Dave Strong]

The thing that would concern me was hearing it!

Dave

[CharlieN]

Needing to push hard would make me think the lower bearings would still be tight and possibly just the top bearing has loosened up.
I do not know that engine well enough as to how the top bearing gets its oil but would suspect there may be an issue there.

[1FASTLASER]

Something ain't right.

Dave

+1......

[CharlieN]

The upper bearing is in a removable carrier that lifts out of the case. One removes the flywheel and stator parts to gain access.

[racer7x]

Thanks Charlie. How do you like that CVX 20? I will be running (well, I was anyway) this 200 on a CVX 16, all be it very cautiously--maybe the outboard gods are trying to tell me something? Whole chit load of work done to the 16 though.

[CharlieN]

My 20 is a nice boat that is still in process. Each year it is better. it is far from a fast boat but it serves my needs well. But next summer it should be running upwards of 240Hp and that should get it scooting along well.
I am familiar with your build, you will be dancing when running full out. What I want to see with your boat is how it gets out of the hole, kind of like blast out I expect.
I am Still Wet over on CGOM, I need to change that name since I never expected to be active on the forum.

[racer7x]

Ya I remember you, I think I have talked to you a few times over there.
I am looking forward more to that initial accelaration than I am at top speed. I think I built the boat to handle it, but I guess I won't know for sure until I try it (and at this point I'm not sure when that will happen).

[CharlieN]

You boat is sure solid enough to handle what you will be running. Your rigging needs attention to balance so it will be happy on the pad since you will achieve being on the pad only.

[CharlieN]

One thing I notice on your engine is the upper bearing is sold integral with it's carrier. Kind of an expensive way to market the part. I expect the bearing is a standard part that can be swapped in the carrier rather than buying the whole assembly. Then again you will need to learn if the crankshaft has any wear to it as well.

[racer7x]

Thanks Charlie

[mn808gade]

if the bearing is bad the crank will b bad also.

[racer7x]

Can the bearing expand when heated from the motor running enough to get rid of the movement or is this just wishful thinking? I have only checked the side to side movement when the motor was cold.