1928 350cc Sloper - new toy

[Paul.W]

I bought this a couple of weeks ago.  Though its tidy Its been idle for a few years so I expected work. First thing I found was a top speed of about 45mph.  Identified that the ignition was at TDC when fully advanced, so advanced it in stages - full advance is now 30deg. before TDC. Is that enough, I've no idea if this is right but it starts first kick fully retarded.  Top speed improved slightly, but not much, engine still felt flat and wouldn't rev.

Next check was valve clearances.  Nothing too bad but one rocker loose and rattley, so took rocker box off and found broken rocker spring (not the valve spring).  Replaced this with spare - bike came with a spare engine in bits - and set off. Revving much more cleanly, and a top speed of 48 before the clutch started slipping.  All that extra power (hopefully)!

New clutch linings on order, but here's the oddity.  The linings are old (they don't look that worn, about 0.1" thick - I've no idea what they should be, I'll find out when the new ones arrive) but they are jointed and have staples across the join.  As they are flat and about 1" across the purpose/need for the staples completely eludes me.  Can anyone suggest why they'd be made like that?  Also, any sudggestions as to a source for clutch springs - I tried Draganfly but they don't stock them.

As an aside (I'll put a post in the classifieds as well) several bits fell off on the first test runs.  The lid of the battery box I found by retracing my steps, but the aluminium rocker box cover is, I fear, in a hedge somewhere.  I've asked a couple of regular sources to see if I can replace it but without success. I can easily fabricate something to keep the dirt out, but I'd like to replace it properly.  I don't hold out much hope of anyone having a spare (but if they have I'd be very interested), but if I could get some dimensions and a few photos I could make a pattern and get a (few|!) replacements cast locally.  Can anyone help?  I'm in Chelmsford, if there is anyone local with one it would be good to get in touch with another owner.

Next I must sort the gearbox oil leak!  One needs a project.

[BEVANC]

Hi Paul,
I bought new clutch springs for my 1929 500 Sloper from Cornucopia, but your clutch sounds a bit different to mine. I've attached a photo or two for comparison (top spring in photo is wrong, lower one is correct).
An Ozzy guy has just had rocker box covers made - see attached screenshot from the Sloper Facebook page.
Cheers,
Bevan

[mark quinney]

 Hi Paul
If the aluminium cover your looking for is a small domed kidney shaped part from the very top of the engine that's held on by a spring clip  they appear on eBay every month or so made brand-new by somebody in Czechoslovakia approximately £25-£30 plus postage  , alternatively if you're going to Stafford this weekend there is a guy there with a stand who sells them brand-new around £35 also he has a lot of reproduction toolboxes for sloper and other pre war bikes on his stand and he is normally in one of the inside halls  hope this helps regards Mark

[Paul.W]

Thanks chaps,that's great.

The clutch is the same as mine, and the shorter springs are the same length (but have opposite "twist").

Annoyingly, I was planning to go to Stafford but I don't think I can. However I did an Ebay search and there it was. Brilliant!  I might have to "improve" the design of the spring clip to ensure I don't lose this one!!

thanks again

[Gtt]

The 350 rocker cover kidney is smaller than the 500  but I believe it could be adapted to fit.

[Paul.W]

Thanks.
That explains why all the photos I've seen show a cover with three locating lugs whereas mine only has two.  I'll try to get hold of one and see if it can be made to fit as you suggest.