about the bearing thing..
i just stripped down my 10+ gallon thunder tiger.21 pro and its like new inside, little burn marks on the exhaust port on the actual sleeve which is normal i think? bearings have no play and are very smooth.....sleeve still has a slight pinch too
i stripped it down to the crank case, cleaned every thing except the bearings ( kept them lubed ) and when i reinstalled i covered everything in 2 stroke oil ready for when it will be run again.
i feel if its a cheap motor and the bearings have no play, front bearing isnt leaking and are both rolling very smooth.....i feel no need to change them.
if its a costly motor, say $200+ spare no expense!
i will check it all in 4 gallons time but again, if they are ok, they are ok.
as said previously ( a lot ) most consider doing the bearing change ( usually I'm guessing when they have worn there sleeve/piston out) which is there perocative but those same guys cannot tell us folk who decide not to that its a terrible tragedy and our engines are doomed ( the end is nigh kinda crap ) because thats utter b/s. if the engine is well looked after and tuned well, they will out last any component in the engine....dont forget they are high speed bearings.
i agree its bad advice to give advice on keeping used parts in a fresh built engine but its also bad advice to tell people how to look after there engine if they have had success with the way they do things......agree to disagree and be done with it.
Edit: spelling.