Hitchcocks Forum

Yesterday was the first run on my recently acquired 1950 Model G after reconditioning the magdyno, carb and giving it a general fettle. Marvellous, very smooth, very quiet and put a big smile on my face……………………………..until the first pot hole. Dear Santa can I have softer springs for my saddle?
The bike performed much as I expected without any real problems, slow, rubbish brakes, heavy clutch etc and a dribble of oil from the “seal” behind the mag pinion. Someone must have found a suitable gaiter seal to replace the felt washer assembly, please let me know. Off out for a longer run next Sunday, weather permitting.
Not sure what the previous owner had done to the bike but it’s only done 350 miles (according to MOT’s) from its complete rebuild. Looking at the condition of the rust pitting on various components and knowing it didn’t turn a wheel from late 50’s to 2004, I can only presume it’s had a new big end and re bore etc. I’ll be taking it easy until 1K. I suspect after 1K I’ll still be taking it easy, in fact I doubt it’s capable of anything other than easy. But that’s what I wanted. I have a 1957 350 Goldie for faster, a 1933 BSA TW33-9 for frightening myself and a BMW R100R for being sensible
Phil

Frosty, great news, some pictures if you can? The felt seal may be leaking because the engine is pressurised, make sure the breather is clear, don't over fill with oil (about half way up dipstick) and most important, make sure the filler cap is the type with a tiny hole in it (about 1/64th?) as later caps had no hole. My 53 500 Bullet leaked from the felt seal terribly until I discovered this, and since then not a drop! Finally, run the tyres at lower pressures than you would for modern use, it'll help that suspension (or lack of it)!
REgards, Mark

Yeah, great news! Steer round as many of the potholes as you can. (You should be going slow enough to see them !)
Keep an ear open for main bearing rumbles - these seem to be the first thing to protest in an engine that's spent a very long time idle. And enjoy ! Hopefully that smile will remain for a very long time.......

"I can only presume it’s had a new big end and re bore etc"
Oh Frosty, I would presume no such thing.
I hope it's fine but I always suspect bikes that have only done a small mileage since "complete rebuild"
I hope that's me just been cynical.

I have a 1942 WDCO which uses the same engine. I had a leaky magdyno drive which was caused primarily by pressure blowing past a worn valve guide. (I tried using a phosphor bronze one instead of cast iron) I also (as I recall) got a neoprene oil seal to fit in there. I also used felt in there too (between the magdyno and engine). It's been a while since looking at that area as it works without any problems now.

PeteF,
Normally I would think the same but there are signs that there has been a lot of corrosion on this bike. New wheels, new(second hand) tank, new chain case (in fact all the tin ware except for the air filter). The crank cases have been apart and put back together with new studs and nuts. I think the crank and/or bore would have been seized, hence my thoughts about new big end and rebore. The engine is very quiet. Because it’s a floating bush big end , I think it would have failed by now if it had been corroded. We shall see. I’ve had the pump apart and that’s been cleaned previously and is in good condition. A new crank worm drive and cork have also been fitted.
I’m being optimistic or just blindly foolish. Maybe in retrospect I should have taken the head and barrel off. Time alone will tell. If it does go bang then it’s another large contribution to our hosts pension fund.

With regard to the filler cap having a vent. It looks like a later Indian bullet type, it’s certainly new. I’ll check it does vent.
Phil

Frosty, where did you get it from? It sounds from your description as if it's what it claims to be so enjoy it!
REgards, Mark

I got the bike from Classic British Bikes. Lawrence Rose. No bursting into rants please. I’ve done a few deals with Lawrence over the years and I’ve always been satisfied. I know he has a reputation but I’ve never had a problem. Yes he did take the reg number off the bike but I really don’t care. Original frame and engine are more important, it means it’s a bike not a bundle of parts. My G is original frame and engine, I have the original log book. Also the price he asks is rarely the price he wants. I did a deal with another bike and did ok.
The bike came with a lot of history and documentation. Bought in Bristol in 1950, sold in 52 and taken off the road a few years later. Rebuild started in 2004 by a friend of the second owner (then 90) and put on the road on 2009. MOT in 2010, 16 miles, MOT 2011 162 miles, MOT 2012 326 miles. All done in Bristol, so it didn’t travel far. I got the bike in September and live in Manchester (the furthest it’s travelled, in a van).
The bike was running and charging but had a few issues. The mag and dynamo needed re conditioning , although they did work. The mag wasn’t shimmed correctly on the bike either. The carb leaked and the fuel lines were a mess. All done. The inlet tappet clearance was about on eighth of an inch!!! Now all set correctly (I did check the cams were ok and they are).
The bike now starts first or second kick, relaxes into a steady tick over when retarded a little. It doesn’t leak fuel unless you’re over enthusiastic with the tickler.
I’ve done around 30 miles so far and plan a run of around 100 next Sunday. That should prove it.
There is a vent in the filler but it’s blocked! Or was, it’s not now. Hopefully that’ll stop the mag seal leak.
The clutch it heavy but I can’t see a way of changing that. Also the front mud guard is the wrong one, a modern blade type and looks dreadful. I’ve seen one from India at around £85 with carriage. Anyone seen one in the flesh? A lot of money if its crap and doesn’t fit.
Phil

Good news! Send us a pic when you can, maybe relaxing over a pint halfway through that 100 mile run!
REgards, Mark

Hi guys-----------FROSTY, that's great news indeed....I think that our hosts modern neoprene seal will replace your old cork item...Might be worth a look ??