OH CRAP ! WORN CRANK JOURNALS!!
 

HI THERE HAS ANY ONE HAD EXSPERIENCE OF WORN CRANK JOURNALS , I HAVE ABOUT A 0.5 MM VERTICAL MOVEMENT ON THE STATOR ROTOR, ALLSO I AM EXSPERIENCING QUITE A LOT OF VIBRATION, I HAVE SEE XT ENGINES BEFORE THAT HAVE WORN THE CRANK BEARING HOUSINGS AND THE MOVMENT IS IN THAT AREA NOT THE BEARING, I WAS JUST WONDERING IF ANYONE HAS CARIED ON RIDING THEIR BIKE LIKE THIS AND WHETHER THEY HAVE COME TO A SUDDEN NASTY STOP ! I HAVE JUST SPENT 3 WEEKS IN DAR ES SALAAM WAITING FOR SOME PARTS FROM LONDON TO GET ME GOING ,UNFORTUNATELY MY FUNDS ARE RATHER LOW SO I AM HEADING FOR CAPE TOWN TO SHIP THE OLD GIRL HOME , SO THER YOU HAVE SHIT OR BUST REALLY I SUPPOSE ANY INFO GREATLY APPRECIATED LATERS FREDDO

As the crank bearings (not journals) become very hot in operation they are of a rather special type, with a lot of play that is taken up by expabnsion when warm. For the newer models (I think as of '87) the bearing code is C3, the older have C2.
This makes them feel, when new, as worn. This might be what you are feeling.
Or they are indeed worn, but I wouldn't worry too much about that. XT's can take a lot of abuse.

Auke

Indeed they are very tough bikes. Especially the main bearings. My 2KF got stolen and abused by small 2-stroke boys for a whole weekend with slipping clutch, so far that the clutch plates were completely gone and burnt. The engine oil didn't come out anymore, was thick as syrup.
Flushed and filled with new oil twice and she was perfect again until getting stolen for the 3rd time. All 3 in Amsterdam. That's why I never go to Amsterdam again on the bike unless I won't have to get off it.

Hi Freddy
Bearing is c3 clearance, bearing is not an interference fit on the crank or in the casing.
The play you describe is pretty normal even on a new XT.
Dont worry.

David.

hi dave sorry it has taken so long to get back to you , i have not been near a internet, bike is holding together well even thought i have been srceaming the bollocks of it , i met an ozzy guy in arusha called mick you rebuilt his engine 5 years ago the xt is still running around arusha i saw it credit where its due ! will see you in u.k later this year i have some photos for the board laters freddo