Forum

[Adrian]

Hi Bumpkin,



while the sprag did eventually fail on my Electra-X **it did take over nine years before it finally went**, during which time it survived some quite eye-watering graunching and clanging noise events.



First off, don't worry. If the sprag does fail, why "be gutted about letting it go" when you have a couple of options, which involve keeping and being able to continue enjoying the bike? Why on earth would you have sell it? I don't understand your logic.



1. If the sprag clutch fails, just get it repaired. The parts are still available.



2. If the sprag clutch fails, remove the electric start components from the primary side, fit a blanking plug in place of the starter motor and just use the bike as a kickstart only bike. Some owners have even cut off the alloy extension to the primary chaincase where the starter motor gear train lives and have had the case welded up. You can also fit the inner case off certain Indian home market 350s, which tidies things up nicely.







*******

[Adrian]

What doesn't help is that part of what I typed seems to have been missed out.



Immediately after the asterisks below the picture it should read:



"Assuming you want to keep the electric start, what can be done to prolong the life of the sprag clutch?"



A.

[Presto]

Take a look Adrian at this page on this web site - a modified sprag clutch assembly - http://www.hitchcocksmotorcycles.com/ne ... pgrade_kit

[bumpkin]

Adrian thank you for the reply. the bike had a new battery only a few monts ago and starts first time from the electric start.

Not sure what you mean by (Use the decompressor when starting AND stopping the engine.) how can i use it when turning the bike off if it's running.

I had a few bits with the bike one was all the pullers to remove the sprog clutch and a blanking plug the chap used it for a while without the electric start fitted which makes me wonder if he had problems.

I just think kick starting it is not the best option for me.

[Alan R]

Hi BUMPKIN-----------I have a Bullet '65 and use the kickstarter first thing in the morning thus}---Check eng.oil level, turn fuel tap to "on"......With the bike on the centre stand, hold the decompressor in the "Open" position and kick engine over 8 to 10 times...This will help prime the oil system....Now push the choke to "on" and turn the engine over 2 more times..Replace choke to Normal......Release the de-compressor and gently turn the engine to TDC Compression Stroke...Hold the De-compressor in the "Open" position again and gently push the kickstarter down until the piston is on the next stroke of its' cycle ie}--TDC Induction Stroke....Release the De-compressor---turn Ign. to "On" and give a good, hearty swing on the kickstarter and it should fire up !!....If not then a second attempt following these rules should see it purring.............................Stopping your Enfield}---With the engine at "Idling" operate and HOLD OPEN the De-compressor.....Engine will slow and stop...Turn Ign. to "Off"...Turn petrol tap to "off".....

[Mickey]

Hi bumpkin, Adrians comprehensive description is exactly right, especially as regards a HEALTHY BATTERY. I think to the most common reason for sprag failure is a bikes lack of use, (which also results often in failure of the starter relay on these models). Worth checking that you have the later type GREEN tci unit which (loosely) reduces the chance of a premature spark - if not speak to Hitchcocks. I've owned both a 'classic' engine Bullet & an Electra (old type) with electric starts & never had a problem but I ALWAYS started & stopped the bikes using the decompressor/valve lifter. (letting the starter spin the engine up to speed before releasing to start - greatly reducing the chance of kicking back & similarly, simultaneously cutting ignition & holding open decomp./lifter when stopping for same reason. Also make sure the idle speed is NOT TOO LOW reducing the chance of stalling.. REgards, Mick.

[bumpkin]

Thanks you Alan R i do most of them but why use the decompressor to cut it off instead of just turning it off ?


Hi Mick mines had a new battery and starter relay solenoid ? the chap i had it off said it was sticking some times. Also how do i check i have the latest GREEN tci unit ?

when i stop the bike then i just hold the decompressor until it stops is that correct.

[Mickey]

As Adrian, Alan & myself have stated, it stops any chance of the engine bouncing/kicking back (on compression) when ignition turned off which in time may damage sprag. 2. Follow the ignition to the little tci box (about 1 1/2 inches in size as I recall) It should ideally be green in colour (not just the connections end) 3. Yes but turn off ignition or cut-out switch at same time. Can't promise but always worked for me. Mick

[Mickey]

Hi again bumpkin, TCI unit is part no. 147100 (in parts book online) should you wish to change it but a bike the age of yours should already have it as it was 'recommended recall' item. & many (including mine) was supplied f.o.c. but chech with Hitchcocks first. Hope that helps, Mick.

[bumpkin]

Mick where will i find this on my bike and how will i know it's the latest and it's £54