sidevalve@44

Are you bringing it to Lotmead again this year ?

A really impressive tool !

Thanks for the suggestions.

The total lift is only about 1 metre or so, well within its capabilities. The hose is very rigid (too rigid really, makes fitting it very difficult), no problems there. However, the Union is made of nylon and has begun to get a bit worn. Water was dripping out past the threads.

As far as I can remember, there is no…[Read more]

What a good find ! Not bad condition, especially as it was Free !

Hi Owen,

Yes, It’s done about 20 hrs since fitting and has been excellent. Now it is properly run-in, it pulls like a steam train !

Thanks wristpin. I have just looked on Briggsbits site again and noticed that a tool very similar to yours is still available. It would seem I should have ordered both tools; one to dismantle and one to put it back together again !

As I’ve managed to dismantle them I won’t be needing one straight away but, will certainly add one to my tool-kit in…[Read more]

Thanks, that’s really helpful. No wonder I was getting so frustrated !

Is your “hooky” thing a B&S item or one you’ve made up yourself ?

Any suggestions on how to use it when dismantling would be appreciated. It seems a rather big tool to fit easily in the comparatively small valve chest and between the coils of the springs.

Was letting off steam really. I can see how the compressor would work well in re-assembling. My issue is in dismantling. You have to insert the compressor between the collar and the spring and close enough to the top of the spring in order to compress the spring sufficiently to remove the collar. Problem is the gap between the coils is very small…[Read more]

Thanks guys !

Supplier wanted silly money what with postage etc., So, have now put piston back on using the old clips. They were hard work to get back in so, I can’t see them coming out on their own.

Sorry to hear that Alan. Pity there are so many dishonest people out there.

My machines are stored in a steel motorcycle garage and are all chained together.

It wouldn’t be impossible to nick them but, like you i think it would make things difficult for them.

My worst nightmare is arson.

Thanks Will, The Jacobsen’s very similar to the one I was thinking of.

Hooray, great news !

I remember once, a chap I knew stripping the carb and just about everything else on Royal Enfield 500. He said it had a newish plug but, it still wouldn’t go. I gave him my spare and it started straight away !

Thanks for the offers guys but, the cost of other parts needed far outweighs the value of the engine. This engine was well and truly knackered.

I’d rather spend the money on something I can actually make use of.

John Cruse has no BSA Ignition parts left in stock.

Have now decided the engine will cost far more than it’s worth to overhaul and will probably sell it as spares.