Hitchcocks Forum

Hi I would like to get in touch anyone who has experience with a total rebuild of a meteor miner
Just had my crank cases back after having all threads repaired etc now need to rebuild the engine.main bearings fitted crank reground cylinders reboard. I have rebuilt a Google few engines in my time Triumph BSA & Norton but Royal Enfield are new to me I have workshop manual and parts books but to start with how do I fit the TAPPET GUIDES I have read somewhere that that need to be fitted a certain way round to let oil drip onto the cams ? But search as I may I cannot find it again.
I am sure in the next months I will be looking for more help Any help would be greatly appreciated
I am in South Wales and thanks in anticipation for any help

Chris, as it happens I'm working on a Meteor Minor myself as well as a couple of other things. Mine is a 1958 'small frame' model so the cycle parts are more akin to the Crusader (except for the wheels and forks) but the engine is the same as all the other Meteor Minors from 1958 to 62. What year is yours and what sort of rebuild after you after, 'just get it on the road' or a total authentic restoration? To answer your question: the drain holes in the tappets are supposed to be at the lowest point, you will see that the bores for them are angled inwards so this puts the holes facing into the centre of the crankcase. However, all the Twin engines I've ever seen have at least one tappet which does not conform to this so I suspect it might be an ideal rather than essential instruction. If you think about it, it doesn't really make a lot of difference. Something to note: if you are even slightly concerned that the tappet is a loose fit in the case use Loctite Bush and Sleeve Fit to retain them. Otherwise you will get an awful clatter when they warm up. This is more common than you might think! If you can measure accurately, our Hosts do a 2 and 5 thou oversize tappet but Locticte is just as effective and cheaper. (Sorry!)

REgards, Mark

Thanks for your quick reply mine is 1960 Meteor Minor DeLux basket case needing a total rebuild
Crank cases have been refurbished all bearing to be replaced. Cylinders reboard cams and followers Due back from regrind by David Newmans cams so I am ready to start the rebuild of the engine. Most of the tin ware is is there but is in need of a bit of TLC. Only major peice of tin missing is the front peice of the rear chain guard 43507
The only other major part is front fork main tubes which I have been told are shorter than the Bullit / 700cc twin ones and are not available so it lookes like I will have to use those ( two different size tubes came with the bike both no good still I won't need them for sum time.
Wheels need new rims etc. Will concentrate on getting it on the road first while looking for original parts to fit as and when I can find them and as you will know that not easy
Chris L