Hello everyone
Has anybody had any issues fitting a 1 1/8" phoenix crank in an early mag crankcase.
When the front bearings (roller and ball) are correctly installed it pulls the crank too close to the crankcase front bearing lip. For the crank to spin freely I would need a spacer between the roller inner race and the shoulder on the crank of 1/16" thickness. Is this acceptable or would it push the con-rods out of line with the bores. Everything would align if the front lip was beveled to clear the shape of the crank.
Any help would be most gratefully received.
Adrian.

Location: The New Forest

I have just fitted a 1 5/16 Phoenix crank to a 1927 crankcase.

I have made a tool that runs on two rear main roller bearings that I use to put a bevel on the front lip, 45 degrees seems to be about right. In the past, I have found that the crank tends to foul the lip without the bevel.
The same tool (with a different shape cutter blade) can be used to prepare a crankcase to accept the plate that replaces the front lip if it breaks up.

Location: North Wiltshire

Adrian,

One of our club members fitted a 1 1/8" Phoenix crank in his 1928 magneto crankcase last year- I will ask him if he had any problems with clearance.

Tony.

Location: Malvern, Victoria, Australia.

I had that problem and ended up bevelling the front lip seems OK

Location: The Centre of the Universe

This is not uncommon problem with Phoenix cranks even in coil crankcases, as already mentioned bevel the lip and all should be well. I would strongly recommend crack testing the flange, even if not visible to the eye many are damaged, if they come adrift the fragments of aluminum will make short work of your big ends

Location: NZ

Many thanks to you all. It's good to know that I'm not doing something stupid. I will machine the front lip and continue with the build.
Thanks again.
Adrian.

Location: The New Forest