Hitchcocks Forum

Yo folks!

Were the issues with the Constellation, such as warping crank cases, sorted on the later models of around 1962/63?

Chris.

I have owned one for many years and never heard of this problem, I guess Mark will be along shortly to advise.

Hi Chris, Like with many other makes and models, R.E. were obliged to try and squeeze more power and performance from existing designs by tuning and modifying them as they went along. There is a sort of cycle of good engine, with modest power; tuned version, with more power and hastily modified when failures occur; followed by bigger engine, then bigger engine with more power, followed by partial redesign etc. Perhaps, due to its reputation for being a bit fragile, the 'Connie' might be compared to the 'Combat' Commando? It depends at what point in a machine's timeline your model comes from, as to how it might hold together, if ridden hard - just my view, of course! Regards, Paul.

Paul just described the situation very well. I've never heard of or seen warping crankcases either. The joint between the rear of the barrels can be a bit weepy but there are well known fixes for this and not all engines do it. The Connie was in it's last year in 1962 and the Mk1 lnterceptor arrived in 1962/3 (long story) which was redesigned to address a lot of the problems caused by increased power. Why are you asking rather than dance round our handbags?! REgards, Mark

Thanks all so far.

I'm asking because I rather fancy one and have found two rather nice examples and during my limited reseacrh so far warping, or was it craked crank cases (???), blown head gaskets, elongating of the engine mount brackets during use, tank issues, such as leaking seams from high speed use, and several other things, were listed in the book I'm reading at present (can't check because the book is at work).

I've found a 1960 model and one allegedly from 1963.

I appreciate that it being a classic it will equire some fettling and fiddling, and I admit that when I first started looking at them, the idea of making mice meat of the Bonnies at my local T.O.M.C.C branch was rather appealing (wink).

I've read that many of the engine issues were sorted by a reduction in compression ratio which dropped the BHP to 40 from around 52 (sad).

I am no stranger to classic vehicles, after having two Morris Minors and a Series IIa Land Rover, but the only classic bike I've had was a somewhat different Yamaha YR5 350. Just gathering as much research as posible before I make up my mind. It would be rather nice to have a triple of machines in the stable: a single, a twin and a triple. It's the twin I'm after (possibley). Cheers all, Chris.

Sorry for my fat fingeritous.

Chris.

Hello SMLE......well at least you're going about it in the right manner ie}--- Doing research and asking sensible questions first...I hope you find what you're looking for......My first ever Enfield was an Interceptor which I rode in the rain from Reading ( my home town ) up to London for the Motorcycle Show at Earls Court.....Deciding to be clever and fuel-up first I pulled into a garage just under the Chiswick flyover....I came to a halt on a slight incline and on wet cobbles so promptly fell off !!....Be warned--- they are a bl***y heavy machine !!! ........ Good craic though.LoL !!.....PS}--- The bike is still with us albeit in big lumps at my old workmate's place in Wantage, Berks..

Hi, The book in question implies that the "warped crankcase" problem was resolved in the interceptor. But how different are they? Vince

Gents, what book is this? It paints a pretty grim picture! It almost sounds as if they've collected every old wives tale in one article! I'd be interested to read it. REgards, Mark

Hi,Royal Enfield the complete story by mick walker. I reread the article and it refers to "crankcases went out of shape". Never experienced this myself. Vince