Hitchcocks Forum

Hi!

I've been starting so many threads lately it was becoming emberassing, so I thought it might be better to create just one thread rather than fill this forum endlessly.

So far I've taken the primary and gearbox off, and I'm diving into the gearbox now (a bearing felt a bit less roller-y then it should)


question now: is this wear excessive?





Whats a good product to clean a gearbox out? plenty of sand in this one..I was thinking brake cleaner but it might degrease too hard?

Hi. I used petrol to clean out my SM gearbox as it thins the thick oil easily. Not sure what your holding there it looks like a kickstart ratchet. If it engages and doesnt slip i would say it was ok. I may be proved wrong by someone more knowledgable. Ed

how rude of me not to say, yes it is indeed the kickstarter ratchet. It does not slip and catches quite nicely.

That being the case i would just change the o-ring and leave it well alone if it was me. Ed

I agree, it's not bad and will be ok in use but they are so cheap I'd replace it anyway. It is basically a consumable item and is deliberately made from a softer material than the gear itself. REgards, Mark

Paraffin will clear the grease out.
I'd replace that pawl while you're in there, it does look a bit worn. Just make sure the new one "parks" OK.

Thanks guys, added one to my order. should I get the spring and little dowel too?

I've really been appreciating the engineering on this enfield. Everything is so simple, so maintainable!

Dowel (plunger) will be fine, they never seem to wear out but replace the spring, too cheap not to do it while you're there!
REgards, Mark

Just to enlarge on my "parking the pawl" comment.
I found that a bit of grinding was necessary on the new pawl and (I think) the slot that it parked in. I just threw it together the first time and I could hear the pawl ratcheting on tickover as it wasn't tucked away properly. It's worth checking before you re-assemble.
Yes, they are nice and simple to maintain but you'll find little fitting jobs like this are common.

I use Gunk engine degreaser or Diesel for cleaning greasy parts like hubs & gearboxes. I don't like to use petrol in the shed or workshop as its too flammable.