Missing primary drive cover.

Information relating to the Matchless G3 or AJS Model 16 350cc Heavyweight
StewartR_LAPSED
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Location: Basingstoke, Hampshire

Missing primary drive cover.

Post by StewartR_LAPSED »

Hi,

I have finally taken possession of my dad's '53 16ms (XTR 723) and have started to plan getting her back on the road. I knew the tank and mudguards were missing, rusted to the point of uselessness and binned long ago, but the primary drive covers are also missing. The intention is to get her running as soon as I can but can I do this without these covers? I'm not talking about riding without and this will only be run in my garage but I don't know whether they serve any other purpose than holding lubricating oil in and trouser cuffs out.

Any advice gratefully received.

And if anyone can point me in the direction of some replacements that would be great too.

Cheers,

Stewart
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Rob Harknett
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Re: Missing primary drive cover.

Post by Rob Harknett »

I am not aware if it matters if the guard is not in place just to test the engine. For cases. Try a wanted advert free for members or AMC classic spares may have SH cases. but they are getting in short supply as they are being converted to longer prewar v twin cases. For which it takes two pairs butchered to make one v twin case. You may find other parts missing like 3 screws to hold the rear case on the crank case, perhaps spacers etc. Also cause, sealing rubber and alloy band.
Last edited by Rob Harknett on Wed Dec 19, 2018 12:23 am, edited 1 time in total.
SPRIDDLER
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Re: Missing primary drive cover.

Post by SPRIDDLER »

StewartR wrote:The intention is to get her running as soon as I can but can I do this without these covers?
Yes.
And if anyone can point me in the direction of some replacements that would be great too.
This one any good?

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/223073969853

There are some here but just the inner is dearer than the pair advertised above before any shipping cost.

http://www.vintage-motorcycle.com/index ... 2&limit=60
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clive
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Re: Missing primary drive cover.

Post by clive »

The first pair are for a single. There appears to be damage to the hole for the dynamo. The outer is for a 52 on machine as it has the little hole for adjusting the clutch in the large dome. The small dome has been damaged and a repair welded on it. Price is cheap in my view but there is lots of damage to offset it.

The second link goes to three twin back cases. No hole for the dynamo and the front hole is larger.
clive
if it ain't broke don't fix
SPRIDDLER
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Re: Missing primary drive cover.

Post by SPRIDDLER »

clive wrote:The first pair are for a single. The outer is for a 52 on machine as it has the little hole for adjusting the clutch in the large dome.
But correct for his single, a '53 16MS.
The small dome has been damaged and arepar welded on it. Price is cheap in my view but there is lots of damage to offset it.
Yes it's rough, but apparently they're quite scarce at any price. It just depends upon how badly he wants a set and whether he is able to or has someone to fix it. It's only a very simple repair for someone with patience. (Not me though ;) )
The second link goes to three twin back cases. No hole for the dynamo and the front hole is larger.
So it does. I only flicked briefly through the site, mainly to suggest a potential supplier to watch.

I'd contact AMC Classic Spares as a first step.
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clive
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Re: Missing primary drive cover.

Post by clive »

I agree they are a good price if you're prepared/able to do the work on them. Just wanted to point out the that the others were not suitable.
clive
if it ain't broke don't fix
StewartR_LAPSED
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Joined: Wed Sep 05, 2018 10:43 am
Location: Basingstoke, Hampshire

Re: Missing primary drive cover.

Post by StewartR_LAPSED »

Thanks for the info folks. I had a chat with AMC Classic Spares. Initially that was about these part but it ranged onto the general approach to the rebuild - I'm currently looking at big end and main bearings. This could be a long and costly process but well worth it.

I'm a bit torn about the cases, especially having just confirmed I don't really need them yet and that I have bigger fish to fry. As mentioned though, they seem very rare so I'm tempted to grab the ones on eBay just to have something, even if rough. What's the nature of the damage? I don't know the bike well enough yet to really appreciate what I'm looking at at what that damage means to their usability.

Cheers, Stewart.

Edit: Doing a rough inventory tomorrow. AMC Classics suggested the inner may have survived as it's less exposed. All I've done with the bike is take it from the storage unit where the previous owner had it, into my car and then into my garage - fingers crossed I'll the solution to half my problem.
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Duncan
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Re: Missing primary drive cover.

Post by Duncan »

Stewart, if you have the time I would wait and see what turns up, you should be able to get a decent pair for that sort of money these https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Primary-Chai ... 7675.l2557 have just sold for £77 inc delivery, the detachable dome type go for more than the fixed type. If you go to your local section there may be some one there who can guide you further.
StewartR_LAPSED
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Re: Missing primary drive cover.

Post by StewartR_LAPSED »

I see what you mean - they do look a lot better. I'll sit tight and see what comes up.
I think Wey Valley meet near me so will get along as soon as I can.
SPRIDDLER
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Re: Missing primary drive cover.

Post by SPRIDDLER »

StewartR wrote: I'm currently looking at big end and main bearings.
I don't know what facilities or tools you have but replacing the big end (parts c£280) is quite a specialist job. Replacing the mains is straight forward enough and not seriously expensive.
I'm a bit torn about the cases, ...............what that damage means to their usability.
From the photos they are usable with a bit of straightening of the bent bits (insofar that they'll keep your Plus Fours away from the chains) but getting the halves to match and be leakproof is a perennial challenge with most pairs of pressings. The Club Spares seal is about the best available for this. Someone has tacked the oil filler/inspection cap retaining bar to the outer case but that's o.k. and not a deal-breaker.
Maybe put in a bid of say £39.98 as they'll always be worth that much, even to resell if you don't fix them.
As Duncan said and since there are other things to do I'd keep looking out for a better pair.

Are you aware of the manuals available here...........?
Look under 'Books'

http://archives.jampot.dk/
'There is a tide in the affairs of men
Which taken at the flood............'
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