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ANATOMY of a SICK SAITO Here is where we begin to rebuild the Saito 100 back to its original specifications (with some extra improvements).
The first item on the list will be to install the bearings. This rear main bearing uses a phenolic ball cage and is considered High Performance. Which it certainly is! The bearing has less rolling resistance and minimal metal to metal contact. Corrosion won't be an issue since it's stainless steel. I used the "old" crankshaft as a bearing guide to insert the new bearings. To properly seat the bearings, I heated up the crankcase just enough that the bearings would drop in without force. This insures perfect alignment. I've found pressing bearings in place is totally un-acceptable. You can't get the pair of bearings to align up accurately enough by forcing them in.
Install the new crankshaft, and rotate it to be sure there's no binding within the bearings.There will be a slight amount of rolling resistance since the front bearing is a sealed and lubricated assembly. Now set the rod journal to TDC (Top Dead Center). This is the position it needs to be in for the camshaft installation.
Here's the new camshaft showing the TIMING MARK. To install the camshaft, you need 2 spacers, 1 axle, and your cam housing. The axle has a groove on one end, this goes towards the FRONT of the engine and locks in place with a setscrew.
Set the axle flush with the housing and lock it down with the setscrew.
Using a fairly thick lubricant you may install the tappets (lifters) now if you like. The flat side of the tappets goes in first. Now install the rubber boots over the tappet guides to keep your tappets in.
I use thick Lubriplate to hold the cam TIMING MARK aligned as illustrated. This is CRITICAL! CAREFULLY set the cam & housing into the crankcase with the crankshaft at TDC. When it's in place and you're sure the timing Mark hasn't moved, lock it down with four capscrews. Rotate the crankshaft to be sure there's no binding between the cam & crankshaft gears. If there is... you probably left of the housing gasket.
It's time to install your guide tubes and pushrods. NOTE be sure the tapered end of the pushrods are towards the rockers. OK, we're done with the crankcase & cam assembly for the moment. Set it off to the side while we prepare the rest of the engine components
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