Forum

[CaliforniaModelG]

I am working in a bit of a knowledge desert here when it comes to old Royal Enfields. The Model G in particular. I have the parts catalog (for blow ups), original instruction book, workshop manual, and Haycraft's Book of the RE, and some experience from 40 years ago. What I lack is a local with specific knowledge of this bike and REs of this age.

I have recently replaced the head gasket, and reassembled the top half of the engine, all to spec as far as I know including valve gaps. I have excellent compression.

I just broke the nipple off the end of the decompression/ valve lifter cable, and it seems there is significant resistance to move the valve lifter. Is this normal?

Given the resistance I feel, I am not surprised the nipple tore off the end of the cable.

Comments/ experiences of this?

Thanks
Mark

[CaliforniaModelG]

When applying the decompression/exhaust valve lever, how much resistance is normal?

[Norm]

Any valve lifter requires a fair amount of pressure because it has to compress the exhaust valve

[Yorkie]

Hi,The valve lifter is a means of stopping the engine,the lifter will be hard to try and pull as you are trying to do what the exhaust cam does,ie.compress the valve spring.

If for some reason you want to use the lifter with engine stationary,you will have to help by pushing kick start down to open valve you then can hold valve open.Hope this helps!

YORKIE

[CaliforniaModelG]

Yorkie,

That sounds logical. I am using it to get over the top of TDC to start and compressing the spring which requires quite a bit of force thence pulling the stop off the cable end. It sounds as if you are suggesting that instead of using the lever to compress the spring, use it to hold it open. The difficulty is then finding TDC again....

[taper]

HI california have you tried to adjust the de compressor at the cylinder head when the compression is at its TDC and listen for any escape of compresion,I had problems with the seating of the de compressor,you may need to re seat the de compressor,this is easily done,remove the de compressor as a unit and using auto salve on the seat re grind the de compressor valve before re assembly.

[taper]

Just as a rider the de compresor should lift with minimal efort if adjusted correctly

[Yorkie]

Hi again,Taper this engine is not fitted with a decompressor unit,this has an actual valve lifter on the exhaust push-rod.
California Mod.G why do you want to find TDC once that you have eased the compression to aid starting.To find TDC you will have to remove the spark plug?
YORKIE

[Old Enfield]

Try this if you havn't. take off the tappet cover and turn the engine over untill the exhaust valve opens (Or you see the exhaust pushrod lift). now there is no pressure on the exhaust lifter except for a small spring on the cable, you should be able to use the lifter lever quite easily. If the lifter still is tight, the problem is with that part. Has your tappet cover got a recess to support the end of shaft of the lifter? Incidently, my valve lifter operates quite easily on a stationary engine.

ATB, CHris.