You guys are all close but not correct. Like Catholics.
The same bearings used in the case bosses to support the crank in a 50cc Kymco will support a 1000 hp crankshaft. Bearings are not an issue.
The fynny thing about the Kymco crankshafts is they are mild steel, cut from bar stock, and will bend but not from running. They will bend from impact or stall but not during rotation because the forces keep them balanced.
What does make these kits fail is plug, and play installations. Nothing else. Every part installed on a cheap mass produced engine must be optimized, and blueprinted to spec.
The more you know about them the less issues you will have.
Mic the bore, and piston. If they are not within -002 then get another piston or hone the bore.
End gap all the rings. .003 for top, and .--2 for all the lower.
Drill oil relief holes in the wrist pin bosses.
debur EVERYTHING.
Install the new oil pump that comes w/ the kit or order/install one.
Measure the con rod lower end side play. Use shims to close it up or open it depending on what is needed. You want .003 total or .0015 0n each side of the journal.
Adjust the valves correctly, torque the bolts correctly.
RE adjust the valves at 50-100 miles, and RE torque everything.
Change the oil BEFORE riding, and at 50-100 miles after.
Do NOT twist, and go. Break the bike in for 50-100 miles before venturing into WOT.
The "after market" kits are made by the same people that supply Kymco. The difference is Kymco guys know HOW to install parts. 1 out of 30 "modders" has some clue, and maybe 1 out of 3-400 knows more than the Kymco factory per hour guys/gals.
That is why the failure rate appears high. You can hammer a piston into the bore cause the end gap on the rings is wrong, and blame the parts all day forever. It is NEVER THE PARTS. It is Always the installer or his/her lack of understanding on how to measure, and install them.
In the past two ish years I have worked on perhaps 100 qmb 139's. It's a cheap solid engine w/ no inherent flaws in design. Actually I believe it is thew MOST produced engine on the planet. Take your time. Work diligently. Keep your tools free of sand/crap. Invest 40 Bucks in a set of veneer calipers, and use them.
There are LOADS of tutorials on you tube, as well as written all over the net on how to build these engines. If you don't know the specs you have no business installing the parts.PERIOD!
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http://www.ebay.com/itm/Big-Bore-Kit-GY6-50cc-to-80cc-Scooter-Moped-139-QMB-139QMB-Cylinder-Piston-Rings-/221130667198?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item337c6a34be100cc Big Bore Kit Performance Power Pack GY6 50cc QMB139 Chinese Scooter Parts | eBay
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