Something not right in the chain case

[Pbadgley]

Was enjoying boon-docking is some fresh 2ft of powder when I developed a light noise from under the hood . I stopped to check and everything looked okay . I decided to head back home and the noise kept getting louder, like a gear not meshing properly. I stopped and checked again. The sled would go into reverse okay and no noise in reverse. I went on my way again and the noise continued. I had no choice but to limp it home. I got back onto the hard packed trails and the noise was not so loud now. I let off the throttle and the noise stopped. I hit the gas and the noise was back.. So now the noise is only under acceleration. I got back home no problem but still had the noise. I went to put it in reverse to back it in to the garage and now the reverse is jammed. I cant even pull the lever back to get it into reverse. I checked the gear oil and it was full but I noticed a few specs of metal in the oil.

Any pointers before I tear into the chain case?

 

[maim]

check the adjustment on the reverse linkage. sounds like it could be out of spec.

 

[Indy]

check the chain tensioner

 

[Pbadgley]

Well I finally got time to tear into the chain case. The reverse gear needle bearings were disintegrated. Everything else was as tight as a button.

Do I have to take the all the gears off to get the inside reverse gear off of can I slacken the chain tensioner enough to slide the gear off.

 

[Indy]

its possible . . . but will make the job harder.

 

[xj4me]

It sounds like bearnings gone bad!