Rotax 583 engine crankshaft bearing modifications.

Rotax 583 crankshaft bearings. Views of the inside of an old engine that seems to be in usable shape. Looking for a cure to improve the longevity of the original plastic cage ball bearings. Video just shows my thinking on the problem. I am not a Rotax service agent or engine repair person.

[@tomthelandloardpma7683]

Thanks for showing and sharing good to see you back

[@Adventurepilot70]

Thanks for watching!

[@prof.heinous191]

Good to see you making videos again!

[@Christankerous]

Hmmm, maybe they want oil to enter the one side and NOT get slung out the other, opening this up only creates a larger cavity for the oil to have to accumulate in before it is "full". When this is assembled there is no way for oil to get into or out of that space between them, only the outside of each bearing, the case is solid in the entire bearing and spacer area so no oil, air or fuel can enter from the inside of the assembly. What this does is create a large gap for the oil to exit the other side of the bearing. Why would you think they actually designed it keep oil out?

[@Adventurepilot70]

I think they were trying to keep mixture out for higher primary compression. They were looking for the highest power and were not worried about how long it would last. Selling crankshafts is a lucrative business for a lot of people.

[@codyjohnson5674]

Perhaps. But I doubt that as fact. Considering the ol rotax 583 is tested by TIME and NEGLECT by THOUSANDS of customers over the years and has been not only been said but PROVEN to be the best snowmobile engine for over 25years. I'd say it was built to last is an understatement.

[@flytoday]

doesn't the crankcase pressure push the oil past those spacers?

[@Adventurepilot70]

I dont think it could. Outer bearing is covered by spacer. When spinning, oil would be thrown off. Crankcase only has momentary pressure. Mostly it has vacuum and draws mixture from carburetor. No reason big ball bearings like this should only last 300 hours. I think they run too hot due to lack of oil.

[@shawnwright5332]

Is this the same for the 582ul?

[@Adventurepilot70]

Yes. As far as I can see the crankshaft are the same.

[@ultralightflyer1260]

Wonder if i could do this to my 447

[@Adventurepilot70]

Yes, you can. A 447 was the first one I modified as the PTO rear bearing failed when the plastic cage came off and was forced against the back of the rear seal. Made a LOT of noise. I landed and let it cool down. It was only 4 miles from my home airport, so I restarted and it had no noise. I carefully flew it back to my home airport. The end of the crankshaft wobbled a lot because all the balls will go to one side without the cage. I did these modifications and installed a metal cage bearing. Flew the plane until it had 920 hours on it, sold it to a friend, he flew it several years, and last I heard he sold it to someone in Indiana. Still running.

[@ultralightflyer1260]

@@Adventurepilot70 awesome. I might attempt this. Say a prayer for me haha