Forum

[Nettshubby]

In a follow up to my first post re sprag clutch, I reckon I will fit a new one, but start "stopping" the engine with the valve lifter, and go up a size on the needle jet to get the bike to pick up from tickover without stalling in this cold weather. I already have the bigger main, pilot, and one size up on needle jet, plus 2.5 slide, but Hitch`s recommends one size bigger needle jet, and I reckon they are right, certainly for cold weather. It was a spit back and stall that did mine in when trying to pull away at a roundabout. Luckily it fired first kick on the kicker.

[Nettshubby]

Mark, have seen that bike, good job, but the engine seemed a bit "lost" in that frame to me.

[Mark M]

Netts, I know what you mean, I saw a 900 Kawa Gpz engine in a Featherbed frame once and that looked small too! I've also seen an Enfield Bighead Bullet engine and gearbox in a Featherbed and that just looked lost and it's not a small motor. Just goes to show how compact the Redditch bikes are. REgards Mark

[another Allan]

The sprag bearing itself is not the problem. The problem is the fit with the inner and outer surfaces on which the sprag 'grips.' If the inner is too small, or the outer too large, the sprag will have too much clearance and one or more of the elements will go over-centre. (Suppliers of sprag bearings for Commandos will only offer a guarantee if sold with a new engine sprocket and new starter gear.) Also, if the working surfaces are insufficiently hardened, they will wear quickly and excessive clearance will be the result. This is a well-known problem in Norton Commando MkIII e/s models. The real cure is to machine the surfaces on which the sprag operates and fit hardened sleeves of the correct dimensions, which only allow the sprag elements to turn by the correct amount. So, in the case of Enfields, we are relying on accuracy of machining of the parts on which the sprag bearing runs...what chance have we got?

[Paul M H]

Another Allan that's a very good point raised. It explains why mine has survived all weathers for 10 years and nearly 20.000 miles of daily use to and from work. Even after kicking back at lights loads of times when I've forgot to turn the choke off once moving and several kick backs when starting with a duff coil last year. I'm waiting for mine to expire so I can remove that ugly bump from the primary case.

[Tim NZ]

The sprags fail from reverse loading.
Every back fire, and every time the crank 'bounces' back off compression when the motor is stopped reverse loads the sprag assembly. Failed cage is the usual result.
That 'clang' you hear every time the motor stops? That is the sprag slowly smacking itself to death.
ALWAYS start and stop the ES motor with the use of the decomp/valve lifter!
Why do you think the UCE has the auto valve lifter? Same sprag, same indifferent hardening and dimensions; very few fail.
(Hey, Norm! My old Electra now has over 70,000km on the clock. Never been apart)

[Norm]

Hi Tim, I know there is the odd Electra that lasts, when you consider the numbers they were making, they had to get the odd one right, law of averages, as for the crap heap of mine I got 8000ks before the gudgeon pin circlip decided to get out of bed and the pile of shit continued downhill from there. Once I built the motor into the crossbred it was a very reliable bike, no thanks to Mr Enfield. I have now put it down to experience and put those dark days of my Helectra experiences behind me.

[Norm]

Mr Grumpy, building the Cast Iron engine into a reliable motor I always use as a base about $900 to $1000 in parts,big end,conrod,piston(non Enfield),pumps,pump spindle,main bearings, possible rebore, all adds up and that is without touching the head.You also have to factor in the cost of getting somebody to do your crank, I do these myself so it isn't something I have to factor in. End result is something you can ride without the constant fear of engine failure

[Mr Grumpy]

Ta Norm thats something to ponder on Touch wood my 2003 65 is at present ok having only done 2400 miles when I bought it last October.But looking at whats cost effective in the event of problems is worth while. Putting in a Japanese engine is an option it would no longer then be an Enfield and I may as well have bought a W650.Ah well I bought the bike to tinker with and use locally so it may well for fill that role!!And I have my Bandit and the Enfield may just be Monday not a Friday bike.