Forum

[spence]

Hi
Just picked up a little matchless G2 from a guy who had it in the back of his workshop for years.he got it from a mate who had fully restored it then didn't register it for the road or use it.The condition of the machine suggests that the guy knew what he was doing ie lots of stainless bolts used and all carefully greased on reassembly.All the signs point to a good job done. Now my plans for the bike are not to dismantle it but to get it running as is. My question is after standing for so long the oil maybe a bit sludgy in the oil ways etc and I'm not going to try and start it without flushing the engine first and changing filter.Ive had all sorts of suggestions down at the local bike meet including fill engine with diesel sounds at bit drastic to me . Ok so any suggestions advice hints and tips even opinions all welcome.
Thanks Chris

[Bullet Whisperer]

Hi Chris, if there is oil showing on the dipstick - like R.E.'s these engines have their oil tanks integral with the crankcases - and it looks clean, I would start it, run the engine slowly and check for oil returning. If it has wet sumped and is smoking, at least you will know the moving parts are being lubricated. If new oil was put in a long time ago and the engine not run, it will not have turned to a sludge and should be safe for an engine warm up at the very least before draining and filling with fresh oil. A Tiger Cub I have stood idle for nearly 20 years, with clean oil inside after a rebuild, it has been back on the road in the last couple of years and still has that same oil in it and no problems. Regards, Paul.

[Leon Novello]

Matchless engines were very mechanically-quiet, if it rattles like a Royal Enfield it was not restored properly. The only other suggestion I can make is to look inside the petrol tank to check for rust, or maybe if you`re lucky, it was stored full of petrol. The oilways might be clear if it was stored with synthetic oil, but I doubt it if the engine had to be run-in.
Good luck with it.

[Mark M]

Do check the gearbox oil as well, these engines appear to be unit construction but the gearbox is actually a separate unit under the outer covers so needs it's own lubrication. And by the way, stainless fasteners and grease don't necessarily mean a quality rebuild, go careful for the first few miles!

REgards, Mark

[spence]

Thank you all for your replies. Just thought filling the engine with diesel was a bit extreme ! and unnecessary .First got to check and clean carb oil cables check fork oil check gearbox oil check for spark it's been rewired so fingers crossed. Also check points which I'm going to renew as old ones have got rusty as the bike was left standing with points cover loose bit of moisture probably got in there. I already have one of these which is in really nice condition but leaks like a sieve ! I've had a lot of fun on it though. Often leave the Enfield sulking in the corner and take the matchless because it seems so light in comparison and my shed is not the easiest to access. If this runs ok I will probably take the other one of the road and try and address the oil leaks. Looking forward to a nice day fiddling and fettling and cleaning tomorrow.let you know how it goes.
Regards Chris

[Bullet Whisperer]

Bit of useless info, the Mtchless G2 / AJS 14 both have the same bore and stroke as the R.E. 250 Crusader and I happen to know that piston rings are interchangeable between them ...

[spence]

Hi bullet whisperer there is no such thing as useless information part of the rich tapestry of life and that might come in handy one day anyway will be stored in what's left of my brain.
Cheers Chris the

[bogie]

Hi Spence,
For what it is worth make sure the gearbox oil is up to the opening as the gears are located in top of the box.
I had one of these for a few years but preferred the Bullet so let it go.
Regards Ray.

[Rattlebattle]

The Achilles heel of the G2 is that the gear shafts sit high in the gearbox and therefore it is important that lthe oil level is maintained at a sufficient level. The minimum oil level was raised by AMC after early failures. If I were you I would obtain the relevant servicing literature and join the Matchless Owners Club (which by all accounts is excellent). The G2 wasn't a big seller; it was a bit staid and heavy and by the time it came out the Japs had arrived. Not relevant now of course as no doubt it'll not get thrashed trying to keep up with anything.

[vince]

Hi, the oiltank has no dipstick, the correct level is 1 inch below oil return hole visible through filler cap. Gearbox holds about 3 pints the level is the bottom edge of filler cap. Early models have cast iron flywheels. Q. Is it a G2 or CS/CSR? Vince.