Picked up a model B - what to change?

[inside]

Picked up a '91 model B for about $120 - with a working PM1 and wind damper ring. Hoping to use this for a bit and if I like it, maybe get a more upgraded version.

The flywheel is well balanced, but sounds a bit grindy - I can't seem to find any instructions on how to replace the bearings. Also - what's a good additional list of things to tackle on replacing?

[Markbods]

I picked one up for £50 and since then I have changed the foot plates and the handle.
I picked up a pm5 and now it's perfect

[Slidewinder]

The flywheel roller clutch is a standard stock item of bearing suppliers. Cost a few dollars. Any machine shop could press out the old and install a new. I suggest too that you replace the excellent Model B seat with the flat, hard RowErg seat so that you can be part of the sore buttocks community.

[gvcormac]

You might want to buy a PM5 monitor to connect to the log, apps, and on-line racing.

I'd try cleaning it. I don't think I've ever removed the cage on a B but it shouldn't be that tough.

If it is a bearing you might be able to rinse it with mineral spirit, dry, and re-lubricate with motor oil.

If it is the chain, just clean and lubricate. Also motor oil or 3-in-1 that C2 sells but you can buy at WalMart or any hardware store.

(Don't use 3-in-1 for bearings. It will evaporate too quickly. For the chain 3-in-1 is somewhat less nasty than motor oil.)

[inside]

I'm guessing that this is the clutch bearing grinding? It's quite loud when the wheel is spinning fast and the chain is retracting or sitting idle.

https://imgur.com/a/tcgmxUh (turn on sound)

As far as I can tell I can't remove the cage without removing the cage bearings from the axle (ie: https://www.concept2.com/files/pdf/us/i ... cement.pdf ) - although other posts suggest that I could tap out the axle from the cage bearings(ie: viewtopic.php?t=13992)

I also can't quite picture how the clutch bearing/axle interact. Is it just a single bearing that's pressed into the flywheel and then the axle is pressed into the clutch bearing?

[gvcormac]

Concept 2 sells parts over and above what you can find in the on-line store.

https://www.concept2.com/service/indoor ... el-b/parts

For the Model D, they'll sell you a whole flywheel/bearing assembly for about $100. Not sure about the Model B. Call them.

We may be at cross purposes what is meant by the cage. I just mean the wire surround. You may even be able to oil the clutch without removing the cage, using a long-snouted oil can or a straw or something, with the machine on its side.

[inside]

I oiled the clutch bearing as much as I could - took off the flywheel + cage, poured SAE20 motor oil into the bearing until it started dripping out the other side, but still sounds "grindy" on the return. Although I think that could just be what that bearing sounds like -- I saw some Model B videos on line and the seem to have a similar "grindy" sound.

Anyway - you weren't kidding about Concept2 having parts for all their past models. Ron Ginsberg sent me his old PM3 and I called up Concept2 and inquired about a bracket for the monitor - they had the retrofit bracket in stock (Part 1980 - $13.00; not listed on website). Also ordered wheels, foot straps, and some new hardware to replace the stuff that had rusted. It looks half decent now -- although my wife kind of hates it and I think she's asking if it's going to live in that spot from now on, but I can't quite hear her over the WHRRRRrrrRRrr of the flywheel

[Ombrax]

Anyway - you weren't kidding about Concept2 having parts for all their past models. Ron Ginsberg sent me his old PM3 and I called up Concept2 and inquired about a bracket for the monitor - they had the retrofit bracket in stock (Part 1980 - $13.00; not listed on website). Also ordered wheels, foot straps, and some new hardware to replace the stuff that had rusted. It looks half decent now

Congratulations for keeping an oldie, but a goodie up and running.

Hopefully, if you stick to it and it becomes a regular part of your routine, your wife will come to like it too, or at least accept it as a valuable tool to help you stay in shape.

Good Luck

[c2jonw]

That's great work. The B was/is a workhorse that was widely used in the rowing community. Did you take a a look at the condition of the shock cord? That and the seat rollers are the high wear parts. The B is louder than later models so if it's working I wouldn't worry too much about the noise. I note the seat is on backwards- not unusual as that was a user assembly step- it will be more comfortable the other way around....

[Markbods]

You asked what to change....
I would change the direction of your seat, it's on back to front! The flater edge should be towards to fan. Hopefully this change will make it more comfortable to sit on.

[jannickz]

Picked up a '91 model B for about $120 - with a working PM1 and wind damper ring. Hoping to use this for a bit and if I like it, maybe get a more upgraded version.

The flywheel is well balanced, but sounds a bit grindy - I can't seem to find any instructions on how to replace the bearings. Also - what's a good additional list of things to tackle on replacing?

Before diving into bearing replacement, ensure the sound is indeed coming from the bearings and not other sources like the belt, crank, or bottom bracket. Try spinning the flywheel by hand with the belt removed. If the grind is still present, it's more likely the bearings.

[mict450]

As the others have pointed out, the seat is on backwards. Don't change the seat to the current model without trying it out first. Many, including myself, consider the Model B seat the most comfortable that Concept2 ever manufactured.

[jannickz]

Picked up a '91 model B for about $120 - with a working PM1 and wind damper ring. Hoping to use this for a bit and if I like it, maybe get a more upgraded version.

The flywheel is well balanced, but sounds a bit grindy - I can't seem to find any instructions on how to replace the bearings. Also - what's a good additional list of things to tackle on replacing?

Before diving into bearing replacement, ensure the sound is indeed coming from the bearings and not other sources like the belt, crank, or bottom bracket. Try spinning the flywheel by hand with the belt removed. If the grind is still present, it's more likely the bearings.

It is very important to ensure the safety of good quality bearings. I have seen many accidents where damaged bearings led to car accidents. It is indeed quite dangerous.

[Ron Ginsberg]

Wow..... I'm jealous. That set up looks great. I'd love to get my hands on an old Model B, for practical as well as nostalgic reasons. I have a Dynamic now, but at times I'd like to just stretch out and relax with a traditional rowing work out. I'm so happy for you.... Your rower (sans the backwards seat) looks just like my old Model D that I upgraded with wheels and plastic foot stretcher. It gave me years of enjoyment, and you do have the classic Model B seat as well. I'm so pleased that the monitor I gave you is working out and that C2 had the mounting for you as well. Best regards.

[Ron Ginsberg]

One other idea about "grinding noise". Are you sure the grinding noise is coming from the front end of the rower at the bearings or clutch? My Model B on a couple of occasions over the years starting to make a "grinding" noise. However, the noise was coming from inside the rail. The Model B had a removable "skewer" that had to be in a particular bent configuration so that the shock chord and pulleys would operate properly. It required more maintenance than the current return mechanism. I would have to remove it every few years and oil and adjust it. I also would lubricate the clutch and bearings on the flywheel as preventative maintenance, although I never had any issue with them.