Harley Timken Bearing Upgrade Conversion | Performance Harley | Kevin Baxter | Pro Twin Performance

[@tomupchurch4911]

What is that idling in the background at 17:10 ? If mine sounded that good you'd have to throw a net over me.

[@eddybuckhalt8657]

Wow! What a great explanation of crankshaft bearings and crankshaft physics! Thanks Kevin!

[@KevinBaxter]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@raycollington4310]

"Thanks a million for watching"! Thanks a million to you Kevin for posting. Love all this technical stuff, it also demonstrates a high level of technical competence within your business, 1st Class Sir, thank you.

[@davidmcmahon5991]

I second that, Kevin is the MASTER of H. D. Motors, so much knowledge he shares with in these videos THANK YOU FOR TIME, EXPERT EXPERIENCE HERE!!!! KEVIN BAXTER👍✔️🤔😎

[@joem7572]

Fantastic demonstration on the tool and installation; I can't wait to tear my twin-cam apart and do this modification. If you have a deep sink, hot water and Dawn dish soap are much more effective for washing machined surfaces. Not to say I haven't used the steam clean in a can when I have to, but every engine guy and machinist I apprenticed under at Cummins told me to never trust brake clean to get things perfectly clean. When I was at a basic engine machining class, one of the presentations was on best cleaning practices and they had pictures blown up under a microscope of particles left in blind holes, nooks, and crannies after a brake clean job and simple air blow out. The hot soap and water emulsifies the oil and lifts the particles off the surface, brake clean relies on dissolving the oil and hoping the force of the spray will knock loose the particles. Often time, the particle will remain as the brake clean dries.

[@CalvinBradley]

I enjoy learning how things are done. I’ll never do it but I have a good understanding about it now. Thanks!

[@mwhitelaw8569]

So that insert provides depth for both inner and outer. Jims has made killer shop tools for decades man Glad they're hookin' it up

[@LWSParents]

All these dudes going to Car College getting themselves in debt, when really all they need do is subcribe to Baxter and smash that like button. Dudes drops more knowledge bombs in a 30 minute bit than a Professor in a semester.

[@davemilbourne7761]

Darkhorse hooked me up on my Timken upgrade on my M8. Great to see how it’s all done. Thanks!

[@gregoryranlett7868]

I have ALWAYS wanted to see the inside of a case with the flywheels, etc., and I have ALWAYS wanted to see how Timken bearings are installed. I had a Timken upgrade done on my twin-cam, but I had No Idea how it was done! These videos are really GREAT, and I only wish I lived closer to your shop. Well, at any rate, I'll get a chance to talk with you, in person, come August 16th!

[@mchristr]

I'm binge watching your videos and have learned more about H-D engines in the last few hours than I have over the last 8 years. Thanks Kevin. New subscriber.

[@KevinBaxter]

Glad to help thank you!

[@trooperspirit]

Thanks Kevin, well worth staying up for.. Learnt alot. Keep it shiny side up, and looking forward to part 2. LLR

[@KevinBaxter]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@jportugaise]

Amazing... to someone who knew nothing about motors last year. Thank you Kevin, lover your videos!

[@KevinBaxter]

Thanks for watching!

[@jportugaise]

@@KevinBaxter Love to you amazing engineer... you sound like an MIT guy and better. Thanks for making it easy for us "harleys for dummys" lol

[@fredburmer7306]

Another great video Kevin. Really enjoy the real time unedited footage of the how to's.. The less editing the better! Really like the POV footage with the head camera. You're really taking one for the team wearing that ridiculous looking camera though :) Thanks for doing these.

[@skippynj1979]

I'm so glad I chose your shop! I'm looking forward already to the next engine you build me after this one!

[@KevinBaxter]

You and me both!

[@rickeysmith7674]

Looks to me like planned obsolescence so things will wear out faster then you can buy another motorcycle to keep them in business thanks for all the educational tips

[@KevinBaxter]

lower cost...quicker production. youre welcome.

[@oldphart-zc3jz]

HD chose roller bearings so they could partially automate engine assembly. Watch videos of the line. Rollers saved HD millions in labor but they cheapened the product since the Timken is acknowledged superior and worked fine since 1936.

[@LittleMoes_Motivation]

Sorry I missed the premiere..... fantastic video!! This video made me realize how much I miss building engines !!! Your explanations, your pace and the birds eye camera view are fantastic!! And as far as tapered token bearings go, there is a reason they are used as wheel bearings !! Looking forward to the next vid!!

[@KevinBaxter]

Thank you sir!

[@davepierce7395]

Kevin as always great series it takes a special man to dedicate this much time and effort in order to educate his followers! Greatly appreciated and Happy New Year to you and your family!

[@KevinBaxter]

I appreciate that!. Happy New Year and the best to you and yours Dave!!

[@Tryke_Ryder]

Marvelous explanation of the process and why it would be done! Excellent video, especially the point of view camera!!!

[@KevinBaxter]

Thank you very much!

[@minigpracing3068]

Missed the premiere, I was out looking for sockets for my next repair, had to order them. Thanks for this, I know from experience that making video of the process slowed you down and I'm looking forward to the rest of this series. I'm going to send you a list of parts for quote once I get my bike torn down, want to wait until it is all apart so I get everything I need at once. This bike always produces a bunch of extra jobs when I do any work on it.

[@KevinBaxter]

Thank you sir!

[@jameslanning8405]

I was under the impression, the INA bearing was a "ball bearing." Now I see it's a roller bearing, but it's a flat roller, and not tapered, like a Tipcon Bearing. It's soooooo depressing, to spend so much money on something, that needs to be completely rebuilt, to "above stock standards," just to have a little peace of mind about the machine your ass is on. I enjoyed that Kevin. I like mechanic 'n on stuff. It's fun seeing someone who knows what they are doing 'most of the time!' Is this case you're working on, the same as my '04' 88ci TC? Being on '04,' does my 88ci TC have the tapered end connecting rods? I've never been inside it... Yet! If I have to crack open the cam chest, to inspect those chain tensioners, I might as well replace them... Even if I can't afford to change to gear driven cams, should I take out the cam plate and have the cam bearings changed on the primary side of the cam chest? Always more questions than time! Peace Kevin...

[@KevinBaxter]

this was an 07....but for the most part, the same as your 04. if you go into the cam chest, certainly install torrington cam bearings.

[@theeastman9136]

That would be a Timken bearing James.

[@myride7216]

I wish Harley would have kept using the Timken setup and the forged crankshaft.

[@tcb8295]

Great video Kevin. I had heard of this crank bearing issue, but didn't quite understand the real problem. Now with your explanation and demonstration I understand clearly. Have 60k+ miles on my 03 TC88... knocking on wood (my noggin') that I won't need to do this conversion any time in my future of owning this bike. Thanks again for taking us along for the education. Sorry didn't catch the live feed. Looking forward to next episode...

[@KevinBaxter]

Thank you sir!!

[@rudy8216]

Absolutely perfect episode to start the new bearing switch over. Kevin you so good at sharing this kind of info and you are the best.

[@bobgoes4129]

Now that is more better, love the machining and the the technical information. Bob

[@thomaskirkpatrick4031]

Kevin, you're quite the diplomat. If I didn't know any better, I would've thought the factory switched to the roller bearing set up for a good reason, other than saving the company a lot of money on each unit made.

[@paulypaulypauly8011]

Very nice Kevin. Thanks for doing that - I’d always wondered about the process and it was good to see a competent and no nonsense explanation of it.

[@KevinBaxter]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@oldphart-zc3jz]

Gotta love how what used to be the standard tapered roller Timken became an "upgrade" because HD discovered plain roller bearings permitted robotic flywheel assembly lines. The Twin Cam is designed as cheap as it can be, like a large Briggs and Stratton. That makes the aftermarket gobs of money in both cases.

[@gwattsjr]

Great video. Can you explain the difference between tapered rods vs full width rods and why someone would choose one over the other when purchasing a new flywheel?

[@KevinBaxter]

Great suggestion!

[@hijodelantorchanunya1572]

Excellent as always. Can't wait for the next installment

[@travishughes257]

Thanks!! You’re a great teacher and explain things so well!

[@Dachamp2001]

Very very detailed video. My buddy had his whole engine done with the Timken barring. I went the easy way out lol. I ordered a S&S 124 create engine. After doing the math it was cheaper. My buddy wanted a full on street and strip engine I'm fine with just a street sweeper. But I would like to swap out the s&s 585 for andrews 67G 😆

[@thomaskirkpatrick4031]

After that great explanation of all the forces at play on the crankshaft, flywheel assembly, you've got to wonder what was Harley thinking when they did away with the TIMKEN bearing? It has to be all about cutting costs.

[@Simbo551]

Great start Kevin looking to the next video. stay frosty my friend.

[@KevinBaxter]

Thanks 👍

[@charlesbritton7186]

Awesome video! Suggestion? Countersinking the holes prior to tapping is a better procedure, it also provides a lead for the tap. (Sorry my 35+ yrs as a journeyman machinist talking...)

[@lancecourts5943]

Honestly man Best teacher ever These are the best videos.

[@KevinBaxter]

Thank you Lance!

[@kct9967]

A few years back I did a SE 117 conversion, but HD didn't sell the Timkin conversion kit yet, and said that it wasn't necessary, luckily Jim's had them, I can't see running any kind of performance engine without it.

[@an88mtdew2u5]

Keep 'em coming bro, thanks.

[@KevinBaxter]

Will do!

[@pb68slab18]

Wow, what's new is old again. Before 1955, Harley Big Twins used individual rollers and shims. When they wore, ya honed or replaced the sprocket shaft race and thrust plates to fit bigger rollers. I machined quite a few old Pan, Knuck, and BT Flathead LH cases for the '55-up twin cone Timken set.

[@idaholewis265]

AWESOME Video!! I am in the process of having this done, I am glad i was able to see it here! THANK YOU for your time in making these Videos!!!

[@derrickhillier1173]

Thanks Kevin for another tech upgrade tip.You wonder,besides manufacturing costs,why HD didn't do this upgrade off the assembly line?The customer has to pay through the nose to acquire one a HD.

[@KevinBaxter]

lower cost and quicker production...

[@danielbates4137]

Man sorry and I hate I missed the live stream I unfortunately got covid and was napping. I had my evo motor reworked and did a temkin bearing conversion on mine (said my mechanic) but he didn't do the bottom end it was pistons,cam and heads so not really sure which bearings were changed lol. Great video as always

[@KevinBaxter]

all evo's were timken...so there would be no need for a conversion.

[@danielbates4137]

Oh ok well maybe he uncharged me then😫 thanks for the knowledge kevin ur the best

[@generalpatten5043]

Darn! I wish I had seen the premiere of this video. I have seen another Ytube presenter saying that from 99-02 was a timken bearing setup on the 88's. Kevin at the beginning of this video says it was changed in 02. I have an 2002 88 and would really like to clarify which bottom end I have.....

[@tomskinner6640]

I’ve research this subject in depth and all state 99-02 are tapered timken

[@magoolew5131]

I was just going to ask you about Tap-Magic when you mentioned it. We used to use it a lot drilling and tapping where I used to work while drilling and tapping aluminum.

[@bfereclipse156]

I appreciate the video. My shop said I’ve got too much runout and need to rebuild but this definitely shows why it cost so damn much but I see why it’ll be so much better than stock. Awesome video!👍🏽👍🏽

[@garyclay7140]

This is another excellent video, You did a good job explaining the laws of physics, complex engine dynamics, forces, and load that the crankshaft goes through. I love the Timken Bearing Conversion and see the value in the upgrade. The video left me wondering what would be the extra cost in the upgrade, If you were rebuilding a Twin Cam or M8? Again,, THANK You for shearing your knowledge with us.

[@KevinBaxter]

All about lower cost and speeding up production. Thanks Gary!

[@wilfredstinissen8309]

Hello Kevin, thanks a lot for posting this video. You explain it damn well. Thank you!!!!!!

[@kerrylewis2581]

Great video but I'd like to know how much HD actually saved by deleting the Timken bearing. Did they have to delete because of the change in accepted tolerances of the crank?

[@KevinBaxter]

as for how much saved? hard to say. but it came down to cost and faster production.

[@markchapman2411]

Cylindrical roller bearings are super cheap when compared to tapers, especially with a matched set as used in this video.

[@michaelmorgan5714]

Just out of curiosity is that the same oil I used as an electrician to cut pipe threads.If so the jug used to state that the sulfur was there to help prevent infections in cuts witch happen to every body that works with their hands. I was hopping to watch this live but was drawn to the TV right before hand. I guess some times idiots happen. Great really great video. You have gotten very good at passing on information. Thank You. Mike from Maryland

[@michaelmorgan5714]

Oops. I must have come back and pushed the button again. I'm old and I shows.

[@KevinBaxter]

i had heard the same thing...but never confirmed. but yes....because it's universal for all materials and works for milling, turning, and tapping operations.

[@TheDanno1026]

I'm having my 96ci twin cam built now to 110 did Timken bearing conversion and going gear driven cam

[@jimkillen1065]

Nice work . Both of my motors have Timken bearings and gear drive cams . I heard that it is not necessary not that I carried . I thought it was for my build and I still do . Thanks for showing how its done and where to get it done

[@roncoburn7771]

on the m8 some builders will do Timken conversation and some wont i hear about the case cracking its hard to no what to do sometimes because you dont no who to listen to but lots of things are like that

[@scotttucker8127]

Kevin the 2002's have the Timken bearing in them

[@1towmater1]

I agree with everything you discussed, and timken was the first to produce tapered roller bearings but there is other manufacturers of tapered roller bearings if very high quality. I'm a fan of timken but am not committed to just their bearings

[@SmokyOwl]

Wait a minute, 25:00 you were so concerned about the burrs off the tapped holes after this, but what of this hole for the oil feed hole, I've encountered burrs at this point ALL the time in manufacturing.

[@Ladder8A]

Fantastic video, you would be a great instructor for new motorcycle mechanics.

[@Dr.More_Malpractice]

Thanks from Canada! Excellent video

[@KevinBaxter]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Nifilheimur]

My Road King is 2000 mod so already has the timken bearing so i dont really know why im watcing this but i enjoyed it anyway and learned quite a bit so thumbs up (=

[@scotttucker8127]

The reason I know is because I have a 2002 Harley Davidson Fatboy limited edition which has the Timken bearing in it

[@thomaskirkpatrick4031]

TIMKEN bearing run out measured with a precision dial indicator. INA bearing run out measured with a yard stick. Any questions?

[@002gearhead]

As a person who deals and sales bearings everyday not only is there Timken there is multiple other premium bearings out there ie SKF, INA is a premium bearing and they also a Timken bearing is a brand of bearing

[@vtwinbuilder3129]

You can buy the SE tools directly from Jim’s for a little less. They are usually blue instead of orange though.....and still cost and arm and a leg

[@PeterSmith-or3pq]

A year , a day . Great job ! . Like the Jims kit ,

[@markjensen8372]

I really love in the videos this is a great series I'm learning tons I really can't wait I have you build my motor

[@KevinBaxter]

Glad you enjoy it! I look forward to that as well!

[@JoseMorales-vw4qf]

You r the man. Your knowledge is a gift. Thanks for sharing it.

[@davidbones8947]

Is it necessary to convert where does harley control crank side clearance no Timken

[@rp75heavy]

Timken set up take more labor time to set up, that's Y harley discontinued on later models, the non-tinking application they allow it the crankshaft to walk around That's side to side run out, most the slack is taking up on the sprocket side with your compensator setup!

[@flstffatboy3910]

So much information from this channel thank you 🙏 guys

[@stevewehner9540]

Great video I was almost waiting on a basics of thrust when I was watching.. Lol

[@dannpd1955]

Excellent video Kevin. I never knew any of that. Way cool.

[@KevinBaxter]

Glad you liked it!

[@thorout8377]

Best video so far mate

[@tgmidnightrider2831]

Excellent information Mr. Baxter thanks for providing your work in action.😎💪🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@KevinBaxter]

You bet. thank you sir

[@phils4285]

Hi @Kevin Baxter, what is the implication of you drilling the holes without the sleeve in place? Would they than be a tad deeper and the oil ones slightly shifted inwards as the thickness of the sleeve offsets otherwise? From my reading of Jims instructions for this procedure, they do it with the sleeve installed.

[@PedroTF]

I've never had a Harley, but this is a master mechanic sharing real knowledge, it's great to see. What year would make for a more robust longer lasting engine for Harleys, if you were to keep it stock?

[@car5car5]

Kawasaki Vulcans don't need any bearing upgrades! I had 3-4 Vulcans 1500, never had a problem!

[@montewolf3570]

Please do a show about trilling the flywheels

[@that_mdrfkr4451]

This is awesome brother. Thank you.

[@timdavis8154]

Did you come up with the tap assist plate?

[@KevinBaxter]

no sir...thats part of the Jims kit. Great solution when drilling/tapping in this method.

[@LOVE-JC777]

Timken bearing or rollers bearing if torque properly from manufacture, owners shouldn’t worry, if oils are changed on schedules. I was told and heard other mechanics be gentle on engine breaking, that will put a lot of stress on your engine crank . People need to remember that this aren’t sport bikes when engine breaking.

[@jonz5978]

Great video! Thank you for your time.

[@KevinBaxter]

My pleasure!

[@richedmundson8964]

Educational as always!

[@chriszasada9756]

Wow, never knew how much movement there was on the crank and cases

[@TheSkylark16]

Twin cam 1999-2002 already had a factory timken bearing on bottom end, why did they change it to roller bearing?

[@arnoldriedinger9581]

Hello from Beaumont tx

[@darrellvanwagner309]

I wrenched on Harleys back in the 70s and at that time the Timken bearing was the rule, it had replaced roller bearings back in about the mid 60s or earlier, probably was a time when I knew the year but no more. So why did they go back to roller bearings? Saving money?

[@CapnDrift]

That was around '55, 56. The drive side of the crank went from tapered to splined at the same time (see: Panhead).

[@BobBob-fp5fn]

I heard its not necessary to get a timken bearing upgrade on your m8 unless you are going to like a 140ci, whats your opinion on that? Also I heard its not necessary to do the timken on the m8 but should still do a welded or plugged crank for bigger engines.

[@KevinBaxter]

Please have a look at all the videos in the TC vs M8 series. You will find the engines arent as different as people think. Being the M8 is capable of more bolt on power than the TC, if going into the bottom end, I would certainly recommend a timken if going 140hp/tq.

[@BobBob-fp5fn]

@@KevinBaxter Thanks for the feedback, love the videos keep them up. Can never have too much information imo.

[@devinhutman3435]

I’m always eyeballing that fxr in the background haha

[@williamnale7835]

Now I'm bummed. I gave my son my 2001 carbureted Roadking after bought myself a 2006 FI Springer.. We both did S&S cams, oil pumps and tensioners... Other than that, they are stock 88s. Is mine junk waiting to grenade?

[@joshlewis3816]

What is the ratchet tool you use to turn your engines over when you are building them ?

[@freerunningnj9853]

Thanks for another informative video. What's the average price to have this done

[@KevinBaxter]

depends....on average, aside from labor to pull engine, etc, once the crank is prepared, it's around $400. if you ever need to split your cases for a build, i would do it. i probably would not take down a good running engine with no issues, just to do it...unless its a major hot rod in which, it should have been done in the first place.

[@loupuleff571]

Just watching now had to work late looking forward to watching This even though I've seen other videos of this conversion.

[@loupuleff571]

great video kevin i think folks would have liked to see more on the taps and type you used and the actual tapping of the adapter in the case i could be wrong maybe i missed it ?

[@GriffinsDen]

Love the video , Thank you for sharing . Great teacher very clear and understandable.

[@KevinBaxter]

Glad you enjoyed it! thank you

[@donwaltman4276]

Hi Kevin, love your older videos. What about a lefty bearing? Saw one on screaming eagle website, not sure what to make of it.

[@KevinBaxter]

They are nice upgrades. not completely necessary with a timken but it certainly doesnt hurt.

[@jazzboy]

Absolutely top shelf work!

[@eddiealvarez5493]

Damn Kevin, what can one say? But great work! Keep it coming.👊

[@blastmasterparker6358]

Great channel really good job on the vids and the expertise and u make it easy to watch

[@silvakevin1]

Thanks for these videos! Learning so much. Haha. Like why I would pay you to do it. You’re very talented....

[@stevenielsen3240]

Like the video , it's nice to see what you're doing

[@KevinBaxter]

Thanks 👍

[@drumsnbass]

I’m curious how much the bean counters at Harley are saving not using the Timkin bearings from the get go. Any idea?

[@koolsolutionszx12r55]

I have respect for any man that does things the right way. You Sir do things correctly. That said it's a shame you waste such talent building what's likely the sorriest, weakest, engine design in history.

[@markchapman2411]

Can you share the Timken part number - assembly code used in the upgrade? I would like to share with my team.

[@tobpitbull]

This is a great video... question as I’m watching this part of you drilling... what rpm do you run drill/mill on? Thank you

[@KevinBaxter]

Typically, in alum, 250 sfm x 4 / diameter of cutting tool. with this, i run it at 2000 rpm to clear the chips when i retract.

[@tobpitbull]

@@KevinBaxter ok. Thank you Kevin for sharing your knowledge. God bless your new year and day. Pastor Joseph Hart.

[@2juniegirl]

hi Kevin the sportster crank seems to hold-up better then the twin cam.will you explain? truth or fiction? thanks Art