'48 LS Engine rebuild

[Greybeard]

Sparks in the open air are a guide, HT does strange things under compression.

I remember using a testing and cleaning machine for plugs. There was a sand blaster section and a test section. The plug could be seen through a little window. When the plug was energised you could see a nice blue spark. Compressed air was blown onto the plug and the pressure was increased. If the plug was no good, the increasing air pressure would stop the plug from sparking.  I found this picture.

[fffcycles]

Thanks guys, I have new pick-ups, leads, caps and plugs installed and it ran quite well for two sessions of 10-15 minutes while setting the carb. Tried going down the road but it just would not go and carb leaked gas continuously so changed the float chamber, lowered the fuel level with an extra washer so things are good but now it does not fire on the left cylinder.
I have used the plug testers a lot, army workshops did not have them but every garage I worked at after that had them.
I should have another set of plugs delivered today, I will swap leads over and I am going to check compression properly again (finger in the hole is not a proper tool) as I have had head gaskets blow at start before.
There is something I have missed here and I will find it. I am hoping this one puts a smile on my face as I have another ‘48 waiting for rebuild and I want to feel it will be worth it.
Meantime it is worth airing these problems among like-minded riders.
Frank

[fffcycles]

Hell, I said a finger down the hole was not a good tool. 75/ 116 lbs compression left/right so off with the head and see what has gone wrong. I suspect a sticking valve, broken rings? I will see what is up in a day or two, have to take my wife for surgery this morning (not too serious) and that is more important for now.

[Swarfcut]

 Easy stuff  first. Tappet clearance...if it's not what you expect it's the valve/guide or a mis -placed pushrod. Or simply a poor locknut. Rocker boxes off to check freedom of movement of the rockers on the shafts.  Leakage test on valves- as a quick test put an airline on the plug hole and listen, cylinder set to TDC, valves closed. Custom adaptor useful here*. Ring problem unlikely, but worst case jug has to come off.

 Swarfy

 * Made one years ago from old plug, steel tube, airline connector. Used to hold valves closed to change valve stem oilseals on OHC vehicles without major dismantling. Beats the old rope trick.

[fffcycles]

Yes, take it in stages and I have an air line adapter for my compression tester with quick disconnect. Done a few jobs like that myself. Just a process of elimination and tracking down the fault.
Just to add insult to injury the back tire went flat on the last ride up and down the block, just have to laugh!

[fffcycles]

Health was an issue for a few months but doing better again so back at a few bikes over the holidays. RE Bullet is coming along fine thanks, Thunderbolt rebuild started and parts arrived for the Ariel’s but the best was installing the repaired rear tire and cleaning up plugs and points then starting up the A7. Okay six kicks, but once it fired up it ran terrific and sounded so good. Now if there was not two feet of snow and -6C I would have tried a ride out. May have to wait a month or two for a test ride but we will see.
Happy New Year to all !
Frank

[fffcycles]

Well, health issues again but it seems they have put me upright again so better get back in the workshop again.
Maybe I am a little bit wrong in the head but I have in mind to take on the rebuild of my second ‘48 A7 LS. Very little missing from this example so should be a quick job, right? I need something to keep me occupied this winter also I will try and keep up to date posting.
Frank

[fffcycles]

April of 2024 now and cancer bother and surgery done. Back on the mend with good drug therapy’s under way which should allow me to get back in my shop by mid May then I will update where I am going with my second ‘48 long stroke I hope. A good friend of mine is quite interested but he has a ‘69 Norton ‘S’ I just gave him to finish up first.
Frank

[fffcycles]

So. Now November and still dealing with issues. My good friend Joe has the “S” well under way and has selected my ‘71 Norton Roadster (which was done up to race) as the next machine on the bench.
The second A7 long stroke machine has just gone up on the bench and will have a utility carrier built by my son and son-in-law attached as the thinking is a combination will be a bit easier to get around on.
Meanwhile four more motorcycles have gone on to good homes so now down to 63 left to dispose of.
Frank

[fffcycles]

Should get some photos done but got my second frame registered this week. The fellow I picked up these projects from imported this second motorcycle to use as spares. Very wise and now I have succeeded in registering this frame  which was very useful in the rebuild but there is too much there to just trash so with a bit of searching I have come up with a good majority of the necessary parts. Just need a set of pistons now and I will finish up the engine. Transmission was in good condition and clutch will be just fine a little paint and new front fender is coming together. This one will be black I have decided.
Frank