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Messages - Martin S

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1
Twins / A65 brake light switch
« on: 25 February, 2024, 18:04:22 »
I fitted a new "Lucas replica" brake light switch to my Lightning some months ago when I started its rejuvenation/restoration. I have not been riding it during that time as I couldn't start it, but now that I've achieved that and it's almost complete I have just found that the brake light switch is very intermittent over the arc of the lever's operation.
These switches are not cheap and I have had virtually no use from mine; has anyone else had problems with them? 

2
Twins / Re: A65 Ignition timing II
« on: 09 February, 2024, 10:19:21 »
Gentlemen,
An update on progress. Electronic ignition seems to be the way to go, although the idea of adding more electrickery and the potential for problems gives me some concerns.
For the present, I have persisted with the standard set up. Having re-set everything many times I have finally achieved success! Having an arthritic right ankle I cannot kick it hard enough to start it, so I use a paddock starter, which in itself adds a measure of excitement. I had previously been using this to turn the engine in second gear on the basis that this would enable the rear wheel to grip the rollers better. In a final act of desperation yesterday I tried using first gear and lo and behold, it fired up and ran! So I am now the proud owner of a functioning Lightning.
Many thanks for all the tips and suggestions.     

3
Twins / A65 Ignition timing II
« on: 04 February, 2024, 18:26:12 »
Gentlemen,
Thanks for all your advice in response to my previous post re timing.
I have spent a frustrating afternoon trying to get my engine started; thus far without success.I appreciate that the figure of 34 degrees BTDC is always quoted because of the vagaries of the unit at low revs. This in itself creates the problem of setting the AAR to full advance, either by inserting spacers behind the weights or rotating the cam to achieve this.
As an initial step, I want to set the timing at TDC with no advance. I will then adjust by rotating the backplate as necessary. To help me do this, can anyone identify a landmark with which I can align the slot in the end of the AAR to give me a starting point which will at least get the engine started.
Thanks in anticipation, I look forward to enlightenment.

4
Twins / Re: A65 Ignition timing
« on: 30 January, 2024, 11:10:37 »
Gentlemen,
Thanks for the advice; for the first time I can now set the crankshaft to an accurate 34 degrees BTDC - assuming the pointer and holes are correct!
As per Yosemite's guidance, I will now try and install the advance/retard mechanism. From previous attempts it needs at least 3 very small hands and unfortunately I only have 2 large ones. I will persevere.....

5
Twins / A65 Ignition timing
« on: 27 January, 2024, 11:24:29 »
I have an A65 Lightning which I am currently awaking from an extended hibernation. I have a problem positioning the ignition advance/retard mechanism.  My crankcase does not have a timing plug but it does have markings on the primary chain cover so I have been able to locate TDC fairly easily. First problem solved (see photo).
I cannot see any reference to position it before installing the contact breaker plate, and once this is on it is very difficult to reposition the advance/retard unit with any degree of accuracy (well it is for me).
Can anyone suggest an idiot's guide to doing this please?
All suggestions gratefully received.

6
Twins / Re: '71 A65 valve seat replacement
« on: 25 March, 2022, 18:08:14 »
https://coventryclassicengines.co.uk
These guys are good too

7
Twins / Re: Carb cleaning
« on: 12 January, 2022, 16:31:41 »
Doesn't it spoil the flavour?

8
Singles / Re: Petrol tank resin/liner issue
« on: 26 October, 2021, 14:46:55 »
:) :) :)

Hi
I get out as much as possible by just shaking, Then I use a length of chain on a piece of cord instead of stones or nuts and bolts cos its eaier to get out. Shake like the devil the tip the bits out---shouldn.t be any big bits now.

Then Put it under water and derust it with a battery charger.

Mike 8) 8) 8) 8)

I'm intrigued, can you explain more about this? What do you do and how does it work?
Thanks
Martin

9
Which BSA do you ride? / Re: A10 plunger - new to this forum
« on: 21 October, 2021, 13:54:23 »
Completely off the original topic, can someone please explain how plunger suspension works? I've only ever owned bikes with swing arm suspension, so I have not had the opportunity to look at a plunger in detail.
Looking at the pictures of Graham's fine rebuild it looks to me that the rear wheel has a linear movement, constrained by the top and bottom spring. Is the resultant variable distance to the gearbox sprocket accommodated by the slack in the chain?
Does braking and acceleration cause added friction/binding in the plungers?
Is the principle similar to the Morgan sliding pillar front suspension? 

10
Twins / Side covers
« on: 13 October, 2021, 16:38:53 »
I have just started rubbing down my side covers prior to paint and noticed that they are different - one has a recessed badge, the other doesn't.

Can someone advise me which is correct for a 65 Lightning please.

11
Twins / Re: Lightning forks
« on: 30 September, 2021, 10:41:27 »
This might be a dumb question, but I've not stripped my forks down. 
Given that the drain screw should be a leak tight seal, and the top nut is secured against a washer, can someone tell me how the air in the forks vents during compression/rebound?
Thanks in anticipation of a wise reply

12
Singles / Re: noisy silencer
« on: 18 September, 2021, 13:25:53 »
How about stainless steel scouring pads? You will need to ensure that thay are trapped and not blown straight out.

13
The Star and Garter / Re: GOV E10 checker
« on: 07 September, 2021, 21:47:44 »
Thank you bikerbob, a very learned appraisal of the effects of ethanol.
Like we saw when unleaded petrol was introduced, there has been a lot misinformation  spouted about E10 by supposed experts. I will print this off and use it to introduce some common sense into future conversations.

14
The Star and Garter / Re: Roll pins
« on: 13 August, 2021, 14:02:31 »
:) :) :)

When fitting roll pins is it correct to drill to stated size or the next size down as if you were going to tap the hole. I simply cant remember. Long time no use.

I think it should be stated size

Mike 8) 8) 8)

Hi Mike,
You woke my brain cell up! I was thinking that a tapping size would be way too tight, so  googled it(where would we be without google?), with the following result

 https://www.google.com/search?q=hole+size+for+roll+pins&rlz=1C1CHWA_enGB612GB612&oq=hole+size+for+roll+pin&aqs=chrome.0.0i512j69i57j0i22i30l8.15039j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

So, about 3 thou undersize ;)

15
Singles / Re: Just like old times...
« on: 02 August, 2021, 15:43:48 »
Fuel evaporation maybe, caused by heatsoak from the engine to the carb?

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