Zenoah G290RC which seals?

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Powerslide

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G'day all, I'm in the process of purchasing a new engine (Zenoah G290RC) but I'm ultra confused about the whole 3rd bearing vs Zero Drag Seal vs Std Seal thing.
Can someone please explain what the 3rd bearing is there for, if it needs to be replaced anyway?
I will be running the standard Zenoah clutch at this stage, I haven't driven it sand yet, mostly I drive it in grassy or dusty paddocks (fields) or BMX tracks.
I know this will probably make my head ache even more, but, which way do I go, and why?
I'm after as many opinions and reasons and as much info as I can get from you, the guys that run and build these things.
Thanks heaps, these forums are awesome, so much great info.
Cheers, Lee.
 
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As you by now have read in your other posts on other forums the 3rd bearing is not sealed and could cause future engine problems. Because of the seal issue most have changed them back to seals to prevent crap from getting in the motor. From what I have heard the origional 4 bolt 270 was built for boat use and thus the issue was not. We using it off road has developed a new issue with the 3rd bearing.

Good luck and welcome.
 
Welcome bud....

The third bearing is not necesary......there is no more undue stress on the clutch side compared to the flywheel side anyway...

The standard seal is sufficient enough for our purposes..
 
the biggest issue is the bearings used are not pressure sealed bearings. the case as it runs, has constand and vast pressure changes going on inside of it. after a while the seals start to wear, which now allows an airleak to likely start, thus running issues.

most guys (i mean good builders) will take the 3rd bearing out and the ohter sealed bearing, and either take the seals of it, and install a regular oil seal, or replace both the bearings and use new oil seals.

im about to build a 4bolt zen 29.5 soon, and will be using ceramics and oil seals on it.
 
yes, good bearing and the standard oil seals sitll do the best job. just don't buy the CY Bearings, get the good NSKs or the TFEs. unless your loaded and can afford the 125.00 for the 2 boca or acer crank bearings.
 
the TFE (Team Fast Eddy ) SS bearings are great and only 13.00 a set. 6.00 for oil seals.
ive been using the TFE Ceramic crank bearings for quite a few gallons and so far they have been excellent in my ESP 27.2 and my Yamafied TS/ESP 30.5
 
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