I did wonder about the head gasket but it is a brand new solid copper one and was well anealled. I did re-torque the head after the first run out (25 ft/lb). I'll give it another run as soon as I can and see if it does it again.

I've now got about 75 shakedown miles on the clock of my newly completed VB and it seems to be settling down well.

A couple of things I've noticed which intrigue me are the very high compression when cold and a small amount of oil from the head gasket. There may be a connection between these ...

I've now got about 75 shakedown miles on the clock of my newly completed VB and it seems to be settling down well.

A couple of things I've noticed which intrigue me are the very high compression when cold and a small amount of oil from the head gasket. There may be a connection between these ...

Yes, admittedly the oiler caught me out initially and I was so disappointed by the lack of improvement when I blocked it off!

I've just removed the level plug and nothing comes from there. I've looked again at through the big plug and the oil is barely touching the bottom of the chain.

I'm starting to wonder if it is coming from the output side of the gearbox?

I'll run it without oil in the chaincase for a short while ...

Just getting the shakedown runs done on my recently restored 1953 VB600 .

I'm a bit alarmed by the amount of oil that comes out of the clutch cover on the primary chain case after the engine has been run. The oil level is barely touching the primary chain.

Is this normal for the VB?

That looks fabulous! Cheers

RS Motorbike Paint Ltd. list Deep Claret for the 1958 VB600 (no other years are listed). However they also list Brunswick Green for the 1954 Colt. I wonder if that green is somewhere near the shade(s) mentioned in this discussion? Thanks for the link David, very inspiring!

Cheers for the excellent picture, that's exactly what I'm looking for. I will investigate the green too as it could be a bit different. I already have a 1930 'Black Ariel' and would like to have a bit of colour!

Geoff

I am just starting a new renovation job on a 1952 VB600 and wondering what colour schemes (apart from black) are correct for the year?

Can anyone suggest a good source of accurate reference material/photos?

Cheers

Geoff