Hitchcocks Forum

Good evening
I'm trying to replace the kickstart spring on a 1957 250 Clipper ( pre unit). I've removed the outer case, and taken off the two nuts holding the gear change mechanism, which should just slide off. It doesn't! Any thoughts on next steps gratefully received.....

Over to you experts

regards

JerryT

I haven't had much to do with the 250s but if it's an Albion gearbox similar to the 350s there are some excellent articles in the technical notes on troubleshooting and rebuilding them. I've just downloaded them for my own use so many thanks to out hosts for providing them.

This may be of use:-

Hi Guys
Thanks for your quick replies.
The 250 gearbox is smaller than the one used on the 350's, so although the principles and layout is similar the detail is different

regards

JerryT

Jerry you may be on your own as i don't think many here will have hands on experience with this box..

Looks similar in principle to the larger model, maybe one of the lads at Mr H's could give guidance over the phone??

Jerry, I have found a copy of the correct 250 Clipper Parts Book. It is a 1956 version but I'm sure it will be the same. The gearbox is indeed a slightly smaller version of the type fitted to Bullets, Gs etc so the videos and articles you have been pointed to should be similar enough for a good guide. However, I'm a bit puzzled by your question; you say you want to replace the kickstart spring but this spring is easily accessible after you have removed the outer cover, apart from undoing the one retaining bolt the spring just lifts off without any further dismantling. Do you mean the gear lever spring by any chance?

REgards, Mark

Hi Mark

Definately kickstart return! The box I have is the later version with kickstart and gearchange on the same shaft, so to access the spring the gear change mechanism has to be slid out of the way.
regards Jerryt

I didn't know that they changed the gearbox, sounds odd as 1957 was the last year of the pre-unit Clipper. Anyway, all the mechanisms will be very similar as Albion rarely changed anything. If you've taken off the 2 nuts from the gear change ratchet you can then remove the cover plate and under it you will find 2 pillar screws, undo these and the rest of the change apparatus will come away. Only you will be able to see what to do next!

REgards, Mark

Hi Mark
Thanks for this.

Aparently, the gearboxes changed in 1954/5.

I think you've solved my problem- the book says 'remove the nuts' and slide the mech off. I assumed this just meant the outer nuts, and I heven't tried to remove the pillars......

I'll post an update after my next trip to the shed.

regards

Jerry

Jerry, be aware that the male part of the ratchet, item number ST148 can be very tight on the shaft. You may need to heat it and grip it firmly to remove it. It's made of hardened steel so you are unlikely to damage it.

REgards, Mark