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Tech. Advice: Series 'B' / 'C' 500cc/1000cc Bikes
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<blockquote data-quote="KennyNUT" data-source="post: 57270" data-attributes="member: 3057"><p>Ok, its not me <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite11" alt=":rolleyes:" title="Roll Eyes :rolleyes:" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":rolleyes:" />, but rather my 1950 Comet!</p><p></p><p>The bike is, generally, in great shape as per the image below, and the engine looks good from the outside (second image). However, I have done a couple of 20-40 mile runs with a couple of mates and both have said the engine is smoking on the overrun and off the throttle riding downhill. Riding steadily, it appears to be OK, however, I have noticed it on start up occasionally, too and hate to admit that I think it needs some attention. It also seems to max out at 70 mph. I thought a comet on a good day should be able to do around 85mph. There is a small oil leak from the oil pump brass screw at the bottom of the RH crankcase and some from the valve tubes which I have reduced by tightening the valve tube screws and also occasional weeping from the inspection caps on the RHS, not a lot and not a major worry.</p><p></p><p>Looking through the history (and there is a lot with this bike), the last engine work was done in 1980 and 1981 with a host of invoices for numerous parts. I believe the work was done by the then owner who was a competent motorcycle mechanic. So, however competent the gentlemen was, I have to be realistic that this was 24 years ago and whilst the bike runs well enough, together with the other niggly items, I think it may be worth having it looked at and some fresh gaskets here and there replaced at the same time.</p><p></p><p>I am moderately competent but am not keen about doing this level of work as I reckon the valves need to be checked and it would not do any harm to look at the piston & rings. Anything else I should be thinking of?</p><p></p><p>I need some advice or a recommendation on someone , trustworthy to do a great job at a modest cost. I did come across Mike Hawthorne's name and he lives around 100 miles from me in Newcastle, however, have no idea of his reputation, though I did spot he races a Grey Flash on "You Tube"!</p><p></p><p>Also, what should I expect to pay for a strip down, check over, new valves, piston, gaskets and rebuild? I would prefer to have the work done over the winter , however, I also want to be out on the bike again in the Spring, so need a reliable turnaround time.</p><p></p><p>So, recommendations on appropriate Vincent engine specialists, thoughts on likely causes of smoking and a very rough estimate of cost would be very welcome at this stage. I should let it be known that I have only owned this bike since December 2013 and am still a relative newbie to this site, so I hope its ok to ask for this sort of advice. I would gladly tackle the work if I was shadowed by a Vincent "expert" but on my own, I don't think so.</p><p></p><p>I do want to keep the Comet in good shape and enjoy it for many years to come and have enjoyed its charm on these recent outings, though I feel there is a little more power to be gained from it. Perhaps, that a reflection of it needing some fettling.</p><p></p><p>[ATTACH=full]3239[/ATTACH]</p><p>Something in my life that is a little older than I!</p><p></p><p>[ATTACH=full]3240[/ATTACH]</p><p>And the engine that is on 50 B & H a day!</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="KennyNUT, post: 57270, member: 3057"] Ok, its not me :rolleyes:, but rather my 1950 Comet! The bike is, generally, in great shape as per the image below, and the engine looks good from the outside (second image). However, I have done a couple of 20-40 mile runs with a couple of mates and both have said the engine is smoking on the overrun and off the throttle riding downhill. Riding steadily, it appears to be OK, however, I have noticed it on start up occasionally, too and hate to admit that I think it needs some attention. It also seems to max out at 70 mph. I thought a comet on a good day should be able to do around 85mph. There is a small oil leak from the oil pump brass screw at the bottom of the RH crankcase and some from the valve tubes which I have reduced by tightening the valve tube screws and also occasional weeping from the inspection caps on the RHS, not a lot and not a major worry. Looking through the history (and there is a lot with this bike), the last engine work was done in 1980 and 1981 with a host of invoices for numerous parts. I believe the work was done by the then owner who was a competent motorcycle mechanic. So, however competent the gentlemen was, I have to be realistic that this was 24 years ago and whilst the bike runs well enough, together with the other niggly items, I think it may be worth having it looked at and some fresh gaskets here and there replaced at the same time. I am moderately competent but am not keen about doing this level of work as I reckon the valves need to be checked and it would not do any harm to look at the piston & rings. Anything else I should be thinking of? I need some advice or a recommendation on someone , trustworthy to do a great job at a modest cost. I did come across Mike Hawthorne's name and he lives around 100 miles from me in Newcastle, however, have no idea of his reputation, though I did spot he races a Grey Flash on "You Tube"! Also, what should I expect to pay for a strip down, check over, new valves, piston, gaskets and rebuild? I would prefer to have the work done over the winter , however, I also want to be out on the bike again in the Spring, so need a reliable turnaround time. So, recommendations on appropriate Vincent engine specialists, thoughts on likely causes of smoking and a very rough estimate of cost would be very welcome at this stage. I should let it be known that I have only owned this bike since December 2013 and am still a relative newbie to this site, so I hope its ok to ask for this sort of advice. I would gladly tackle the work if I was shadowed by a Vincent "expert" but on my own, I don't think so. I do want to keep the Comet in good shape and enjoy it for many years to come and have enjoyed its charm on these recent outings, though I feel there is a little more power to be gained from it. Perhaps, that a reflection of it needing some fettling. [ATTACH=full]3239[/ATTACH] Something in my life that is a little older than I! [ATTACH=full]3240[/ATTACH] And the engine that is on 50 B & H a day! [/QUOTE]
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