XR/XL Idler Gear Mystery

[iatethepeach]

Hi everybody, I could use your help interpreting a transmission situation. Long story short, I recently scored an XL185 motor that was advertised as having minor kickstart issues (haha). When I opened it up, I was expecting the ratchet gear to be busted. To my surprise, it looked pretty good.

Then I glanced over at the other half of the case and noticed the idler gear.

So that's probably the infamous weak link in the kicker arrangement, I think to myself, as I lift the washer off the shaft...

WTF? I wasn't expecting the gear to be installed loosey-goosey on the shaft like that. Is it supposed to be?

For reference, here's the parts fiche:

Should the O.D. of #4 fit the I.D. of the idler gear? I don't think I see a #4 in my engine.

 

[teazer]

You are right. It is missing the bush (#4). You need to order one.

 

[iatethepeach]

Thanks, Teazer.

Since that part was missing, I went through the rest of the transmission to verify it's all in order. Everything else looks great.

It's weird. From the condition of the heads of the fasteners on the slinger, oil pump, etc., I would have bet money I was the first one inside the engine since it was assembled at the factory. I'd love to know how long the PO ran the bike like this.