Hitchcocks Forum

Hi Guys

Greetings. Can someone identify this bullet engine , Is is indian made or Redditch based
the only number i can find on it C306

http://i1026.photobucket.com/albums/y32 ... s2qsp4.jpg

Please advise

Thanks & Regards
ET

The engine looks like a post-1956 English 350 engine as it has the advance and retard bulge and the oil pressure relief valve on the rocker feed, but it could also be an early Indian engine. Your frame is 1954 or 1955 at a guess due to its cast swinging arm pivot. The engine number should be on the other side around the front of the crankcase.

Yes, what John says. I would say it's definitely a Redditch engine from various other clues. You could send the engine and frame number to [email protected] and Graham will identify it for you. This is a new service that the REOC is offering for free to help those who may be considering buying an unknown bike (as in other threads here!) or trying to identify orphaned engines or frames. Good luck,

REgards, Mark

Thanks John & Mark for the quick feedback appreciate it.
The frame is 1957 clipper as per log book. i will try to see engine number in day light again ..

Thanks & Regards
ET

I checked. the only number i see on engine.C306 ( written on clutch side )

I have some questions.

. Do i have to use magneto with this type engine ? .. Magneto finding/repair can be costly
. can i use points based ignition like in later models ?
. which gearbox should i use indian/english ?

Thanks for your help

Regards
ET

The good news for magnetophobes is that the later Redditch engine is the one the Indians copied, so an RE(India) contact breaker drive (also wrongly known as the distributor) will bolt straight on. Ideally get one of the later 500 Bullet types with proper bearings and not the plain bushes on the shaft. You can run points or electronic ignition as you see fit.



If you have a Redditch gearbox in good condition, use that for preference, though an Indian gearbox will also fit happily, **including** the 5 speed box if right-foot shift converted.

.

A.

I passed this engine number to Graham Scarth, Chairman of the REOC and he tells me this engine is a 350 Clipper despatched in early 1958. The 350 Clipper was a budget version of the 350 Bullet although the engine is virtually the same except for a lower compression ratio and an iron cylinder head. Someone has added an alloy cylinder head which is probably an improvement if you're planning on going trialing!

REgards, Mark

Not doubting your word Mark but I thought it odd that Graham was offering this service gratis to non members. Not the usual way with owners clubs generally who do this for members only.
You are quite right however as Graham confirms. His motive is to try to fill in the many blanks in his records. Any of you who know Graham will know he is almost fanatical about RE frame and engine numbers.........in fact.....cross out the almost;-)
Anyway, if you have an engine or frame number to identify, especially an unusual one, Graham's your man.

Thanks Mark for feedback much appreciated. Im surprised to find its clipper engine ..i was thinking of emailing Graham ..i would like to build trials someday .. i found this frame to be bit lighter still bit long way to go .

@peter f . Thanks posting picture for my latest sin.