I started gathering the bits a long time ago!

VH, engine 1939, frame manufactured 1953, re-registered 2021. First 50 miles today. At 35mph! Brush painted with Tekaloid.

I have built everything but the rear dampers and speedometer. Although Tony Carrol rebuilt the magneto.

Charlie

Hi, all. I have just built a 1939 engine with A7/642 camshaft and later timing chest into a 54 frame. I can start it, just, but it has a vicious kick back. Timing is 1/2 inch btdc. Iron barrel and head, of course. I might fit a single lobe cam. Will this require different push rods? I am using a 376...

Thanks for the advice, much appreciated.

Charlie

I have completely stripped, cleaned and reassembled the above with new gaskets . It leaks badly from the body and from under the float bowl. What should I do now? Considering a concentric.

Charlie

Thanks for the replies, everyone. The head was off recently to get a new valve guide and the timing has been checked. I'll try another carb. and even a cooler plug. And check for play in the armature.

Charlie

My VH pinks horribly in town. It idles OK and runs fine at full throttle. I have fitted a bigger main jet (220) and raised the needle. Ignition is at 1/2 inch btdc. The pinking is much reduced if I retard the ignition on the lever. It never used to need retarding after starting. Is this modern petro...

You can suck the oil out with a syringe.

Hi, all.

Now my pressed aluminium black and silver rear number plate has arrived it seems a shame to use the modern plastic screws to mount it to the tail piece. How was it done in 1954?

Charlie

Thanks for the reply, Simon. I've ordered stuff from Burlen and Feked to renovate the carb and have just released the jet block by clamping the jet in the vice and levering with wooden handles. Soaking in paraffin helps!

Charlie

OK got the nut off with an iron bar through the body (looks like the handle for the hydraulic bench!), now soaking the body in paraffin to loosen the jet block. What thread is the throttle stop screw by the way? I have three, two are bent (how did that happen?) and all are very tight in the thread. C