The Hodaka Club Forum

I’m in the process of putting my engine back together. Between sifting through my parts and trying to make sense of some of the schematics, I’m not sure if the left side crankshaft washer is placed on the left crank spindle before the left hand case is installed, or if it goes on after and is part of fastening the flywheel, along with the lock washer. Any help is always appreciated. Thanks!

Also, is it a this washer (as thin as a thrust washer)?

Yes, it is placed on the spindle before the left case is installed. And yes, it is a thin thrust washer that fits nicely to the spindle diameter.

ddvorak, unfortunately I just sealed the cases up last night. I spoke with Roger Lippiatt this morning regarding this part, and he told me that if by chance it wasn’t installed (or forgotten about), it wasn’t a big issue, as the installed clutch will keep the crank from sliding to the left. Has anyone experienced running these motors without that washer installed, and having no issues, or do I need to split the cases again? Thanks.

Roger is the expert here. I would have split the cases and installed it, but Roger is a very respected builder of all things Hodaka so there ya go.

I'd split the cases and install it, if for nothing more than peace of mind.

He's my experience, shortly after buying my Wombat (94) I discovered it needed a top end rebuild among other problems. While taking the engine apart I noticed the DPO put that same thin washer your speaking of in as the thrust washer, behind the clutch . Needless to say I split the cases just to check if there was a washer installed on the crank. Unfortunately, it wasn't and the crank was able to contact the case and skimmed a fair bit of meat off.
I understand that this was a perfect storm of stupidity and lack of mechanical competence from the DPO. I'm just lucky I decided to verify. I may be wrong but I believe the purpose of that shim washer is to keep the crank lateral play in check, i.e. keeping it from the contacting the case and keep the bearing from walking, if its a of a bit loose fit when the motor gets up to temp.

Just my 2 cents.

Bev

Thanks a lot for taking the time to respond. I value the advice here. I went ahead and split the cases in order to install the needed washer on the left side of the crank. In my box of Hodaka parts, I have these two washers left over. The bigger one is an extra one I had that I believe goes on the left end of the transmission. However, both fit properly on the left hand side of the crank. Can anyone point out which one I need to use on the crank, as the schematic is too vague in its description/picture. Thanks again.

Looks to be the one on the right.

29mm OD, 21 mm ID

ddvorak, thanks a lot! Very kind of you.