GB is not OK!

[Greybeard]

During my recent ride to the BSAOC camp in Cheshire. I thought I could hear a new sound from the engine. I have a tight fitting skidlid and also I was wearing earphone buds to hear my SatNav directions. Anyway, I've been cleaning the bike today. I had not run it since the weekend. When I started it to walk it back into the shed I could deffo hear a new rattle. The sound was mostly on over-run and sounded light, like a small chain. So, I took off the timing cover and adjusted the dynamo chain. Started again; same sound. Took off the sump plate to find this!!

The bits are non-ferrous. Slightly curved bronzy appearance. There was no obvious debris at the bottom of the timing side outer case so I hope they are not from the timing side main bearing. Are they from the camshaft bush? I just know someone here can tell me where they have come from. Obviously, I've now got to take the engine down. I have a new camshaft to put in so here is my chance!

[A10 JWO]

Something has disintegrated, hopefully a tab washer which may be alloy. Keep us updated please. 

[Greybeard]

Something has disintegrated, hopefully a tab washer which may be alloy. Keep us updated please.

The bits are yellow, so assuming bronze. It's a bush I guess. I will update as I go.

[A10 JWO]

Right side bush ? which one gets the oil last ?

[Black Sheep]

Looks like a drive side main bearing cage has broken up.

[RichardL]

GB,

Sorry to see this. Can't say I've seen anyone post one like this before. It's hard for me to envision a bushing chunking out like this, so I think Black Sheep might be on it. He's probably seen it before. I went looking for something that could support the broken cage idea and came upon the attached picture. Now, we're all in anticipation of the findings.

Richard L.

[bsa-bill]

well there chunks  rather than swarf so sadly not good, first thought was the flange from camshaft bush, intermediate timing sprocket bush - would have to be chunks that fell into the crankcase rather than the timing chest maybe.
Well your going to find out one way or another and the size of them suggest it wont be difficult to spot

[Greybeard]

I haven't made a start yet; the dog required a walk and now I'm chillin' so I hope to whip the head and block off tomorrow morning. I'll be completely stripping the bottom end when I can.

[PaulC]

Sorry to hear your news GB. I can't offer technical advice, but if you need some brute force or just an extra pair of hands when dismantling or rebuilding, feel free to PM me.

Paul.

[RogerSB]

Sorry to see those pics, especially after an obviously enjoyable weekend. Good luck with it GB and I hope it doesn't prove too stressful or costly for you. No doubt we'll be seeing lots of posts and photos.

[RichardL]

Allow me to redouble Paul's offer, but it might take me a while to swim there.

Richard L.

[muskrat]

BUGGA . That's the last thing any of us needs to see. I can see Black Sheeps suggestion but it still looks a bit bushy to me.
Before you rip into it, just as a matter of interest. Feel for endfloat or up and down movement on either end of the crank.
Cheers

[RogerSB]

My bet it's a camshaft bush .
Edit: Been trying to fathom out what diameter it was.

[Greybeard]

Thanks fella's, your comments are appreciated. Yes Musky, I'll be checking the health of the crankshaft bearings etc.

[morris]

Why do these things always  happen at the start of the riding season...
Looks like either a shattered bush shoulder or a disintegrated bearing case. I’m somewhat in the bearing camp. Seen similar chunks in the bottom of a printing press recently when a bearing gave up.