Hitchcocks Forum

Hello All, this is my first post although I have been a customer of Hitchcocks for years. I have lately bought a Meteor Minor with Engine and gear box restored, the rest in bits with most bits missing. I am reconstructing the primary case. Behind the case at the alternator end are 2 washers and a seal. I do not understand how the seal is located. It is a new seal, but is so stiff, it will not fit into place in the inner case. Any help gratefully received. I also have a 2003 E/S Indian made Bullet and a 1936 B250.

Your bike is actually a 1961 Meteor Minor, although it may have been registered in 1962 the official model year ran from September 1960 to August 1961 and I believe that was the last year for the MM. This helps when ordering parts and asking questions. The seal will be tight in the case, it's supposed to be and they can be really tough to insert. Grease the bore in the case and use a drift to lightly tap it into place. Only drift on the outside diameter of the seal which is a steel ring under the rubber. A large socket is a suitable tool. I'm collecting some bits for a 1968 MM tomorrow as it happens!

REgards, Mark

I have found that filing or grinding a taper around the front edge of the seal will allow it to get a start into the opening, tapping as Mark M suggested will see it go in.

Doh, I should have said I am collecting bits for a 1958 Meteor Minor not 68! This is a very early MM which has a different frame, half way in size between the Crusader and the Bullets and Super Meteor. Only made for 6 months or thereabouts and fitted with Crusader cycle parts. Should be interesting!

REgards, Mark

Press the seal in from the front, with the garter spring facing inwards. Press the seal in so that outer face is flush with the inner surface of the inner cover. ie it is slightly protruding through the inner cover.


Place the the washers over the outer edge of the drive side main bearing, fit the inner chain case to the crankcase and carefully and evenly tighten the three socket head screws that secure the inner to the crankcase, the oil seal will be pushed ever so slightly back into the chain case so that is is proud.


Make sure that the leading edge of the engine sprocket is not burred/damaged/rusted where it enters the oil seal...

Mark, you have a 1958 MM or you are just collecting parts for one (rainy day and all that)?

Scaly, if all goes well tomorrow I will have ALL the parts! I have been reading and cross referencing the Parts Books these last few days to work out exactly how different the small frame model is from the later one but I reckon I have everything important....

REgards, Mark

Do you have the header pipes? They are unique...

Thank you to all for the advice, I will put it into practise and let you all know the result. Thank you Mark M for the dates of manufacture and it is now officially a 1961 machine. where do I go with the engine and frame no's to further identify the bike?

Tim NZ from Peter D (Aust) yes I do have the original header pipes, but will have to source the correct muffler.