Any ideas?


2018' stock Ruckus with 1500 miles. Variator is grinding into the engine crankcase at idle. No issue with higher rpm because the inboard variator guide plate expands away from the case due to inertia design. The crank doesn't appear to have any excessive endplay etc and the motor is tight and performs as it should with 1500 miles on it. I noticed that the variator has started grinding into the crank case, crank seal etc. Also, the crank appears to have a shallow groove 1/2 of the diameter of the crank next to the crank bearing and seal? Hmm, seems like there should be a spacer or something in between the variator and crank case?

 

I have the exact same issue. It looks like you took a picture of mine. Please let me know if you figure this out. Could the drive shaft have been pushed back a little somehow?

 

So, is what I have done is purchased an extra thick about 1/8" spacer,shim,washer from the local hardware store that fits the crankshaft perfectly. By doing this it spaces the variator away from the case and has worked perfectly now for about 100 miles. We'll just have to see how it works long term.

 

Thanks. I thought of doing the same thing. And might considering it worked for you. I just wish I knew why it happened.
Did you do any work on it that might have caused it? I replace the variator rollers and the drive belt.

 

We bought it from a friend knowing that it had a problem. Zero engine work that I know of. That said, it has worked for us but am wondering long term. Considering this I bought a back up motor off of Facebook for $220. But it is working great for the time being. A little difficult in finding the correct fitting fat washer or shim.

 

Ok. Thanks for getting back to me. Where did you end up getting the washer from? Hardware store? Autoparts store?

 

Local Ace hardware store had a pretty impressive supply of hardware to look through. Spent about 30-60 minutes in trying to find the best fit. I wouldn't recommend using more than one spacer,washer as it could create extra friction. Going about 1/8th" worked for me and didn't push the belt out of alignment with the clutch.

 

Awesome. Thanks

 

If someone could possibly braze or weld the spacer to the back of the variator plate that would be a better option if possible. If my current spacer fails that is what I will do and wish that I did. Best of luck either way!

 

I have the same issue just starting to occur (not quite advanced to this level) on my ruckus. I'm contemplating using an SKF 99055 Speedi-Sleeve on mine as a stop-gap fix to prevent further damage until I can do a crankshaft repair.

 

Having same issue what do you guys suggest?