Velo Solex Times Two

[cheesy]

They came home today.:yay:

The yellow one is a 1977 4600. It was originally sold by a bike shop in Aurora, IL.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v493/bikamper/2015-08-14%2019.13.14_zpskd72oe8w.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/bikamper/media/2015-08-14%2019.13.14_zpskd72oe8w.jpg.html)

It's in pretty good shape, save for some lighting issues. Starts right up and runs really well

The black one isn't a 1964 2200/3300 as advertised but not a deal breaker.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v493/bikamper/2015-08-14%2019.13.26_zpsdpxf5l4q.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/bikamper/media/2015-08-14%2019.13.26_zpsdpxf5l4q.jpg.html)

Until I locate the serial number, it'll be a 1966 to 1983 3800. It looks like parts are missing but I have them all. This one has a perforated fuel pump diaphragm and lighting issues. A new diaphragm will be here next week. It does have a very strong spark. Guess how I know.:wtf:

Side by side in the driveway.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v493/bikamper/2015-08-14%2019.16.39_zpslthexwe5.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/bikamper/media/2015-08-14%2019.16.39_zpslthexwe5.jpg.html)
The 4600 is wearing the air cleaner cover, blower cover, and fuel tank of the 3800. The originals are white. It is also supposed to have an engine guard mounted. I have that, too.

Washed and in the garage.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v493/bikamper/2015-08-14%2020.18.31_zpslaftqbnq.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/bikamper/media/2015-08-14%2020.18.31_zpslaftqbnq.jpg.html)

I bet I put five miles on the 4600 tonight. It was a hoot.:hi:

[SpudRider]

:tup:

[Weldangrind]

Does 3800 imply 38cc?

[cheesy]

Does 3800 imply 38cc?

You'd think that, but no. 3800 is the engine model number.:hmm:
The 4600 is an improved upon 3800. I think the difference is how the throttle operates.

Took the yellow one for a ride today.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v493/bikamper/DSCF0456_zpssgw5al0a.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/bikamper/media/DSCF0456_zpssgw5al0a.jpg.html)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v493/bikamper/2015-08-15%2007.39.08_zpsajgebrh9.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/bikamper/media/2015-08-15%2007.39.08_zpsajgebrh9.jpg.html)
Went into town for the flea market and grabbed breakfast at the French Cafe'. The panniers are Swiss Army bread bags. They work okay for a Raleigh 3 speed but hang too low for a Velo Solex. Will ponder a solution.

I'll mention that both bikes came with their tool boxes still attached. The yellow ones set is complete, the black is missing the tire tools. The black one does have its' tire pump. Needs a new piston cup but looks like I may be able to use a Coleman stove cup.

Mrs. C will give riding a shot today.

[Weldangrind]

Tell me about the breakfast pizza!

[cheesy]

Tell me about the breakfast pizza!

Can't tell ya because I've never had it. I'm a pushover for their Breakfast Panini, though. I get that with scrambled eggs, cheese(of course), bacon, and peppers. It's a wonderful morning that has a pepper belch.:lol:

Update-Found the correct sealed beam headlight for the 4600. $15 plus shipping. Beats the heck out of the Velo Solex parts places. By $50. Now to suss out the wiring.

Researched the year of the 3800 by asking somebody. ;) Engine serial number is dated 1973. Frame number is dated from 1974. Engine number dictates the year, so it's a 1973.

More than just a bad fuel pump with the 3800. I gots no spark anymore, either. Dunno where it went, it was there yesterday. Guess I'll pull the flywheel and find out.

[Weldangrind]

At least the points and condenser should be cheap and available.

Thanks for the pics!

[cheesy]

At least the points and condenser should be cheap and available.

Thanks for the pics!

They are and fairly cheap. That said, I found plans for a Velosolex CDI. I ran those past the guy that built the CDI for the CX and got a thumbs up from him. Instead of a pickup or Hall Effect sensor, it uses the points as a trigger. I have all the components on hand but this a 'Just In Case' scenario. I'm guessing the points are dirty or the condenser went south. If the condenser, I can replace it with a film cap for several pennies.

I asked Mrs. C which one she wanted and, to my surprise, she wants the black one. So, slowed down on the yellow one and working on the black one now.

Cx is down now, too, but that isn't getting fixed until it cools down a bit.

[Weldangrind]

So cool that Mrs. C is into it!

I like the idea of triggering the ignition with the points. Can you request a specific advance curve?

[cheesy]

Can you request a specific advance curve?

I doubt it. It's pretty much a bare bones system.

Engine is off the 3800 along with the handle bars and front wheel. Front hub overhauled and rim trued. Fork and front caliper next.

Still troubleshooting the lighting issues on the 4600. Think it may be a broken wire behind the flywheel(of course). Brake light switches need to come apart for a thorough cleaning.

No more garage time until Friday.:cry:

[Weldangrind]

Please explain the caliper; I don't see one.

[bogieboy]

Please explain the caliper; I don't see one.

look closely on the back side of the engine and fork.... you can clearly see it in one of the pics of the black one...

[cheesy]

The front caliper is the biggest bicycle rim brake I've ever seen. Hidden behind the engine but you can see it behind the fork on the 3800 in this pic.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v493/bikamper/2015-08-14%2019.13.26_zpsdpxf5l4q.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/bikamper/media/2015-08-14%2019.13.26_zpsdpxf5l4q.jpg.html)
About 3 o'clock from the flywheel is the Adjuster and at 5 o'clock is the left pad against the rim.

Removing the engine is a breeze. Disconnect the throttle cable, remove the bolt at each fender stay and off it comes. All 7lbs of it.

The PO claims he had the 3800 for 30 years and with all the jerryrigging and stove bolts with square nuts used for repairs, I believe it.

I may not be a restoration when it's done, but it will be right.

[Weldangrind]

Funny, my mind automatically went to a disc brake and caliper. Duh.

Tell me: do you swap brake cables on your bicycles to match the front brake orientation of a motorcycle?

[cheesy]

No, I don't. And I had to check to see. I guess I've been doing both for so long that it's instinctive.

Now, hopping on a coaster braked bike after riding with hand brakes for a few months becomes interesting at the first stop sign.:ohno:

That said, the VS brakes are set up like a motorcycle.

[Weldangrind]

Not surprised by the VS brake orientation.

Forum member AtomicWedgie is a CX fan and an avid cyclist also; he always switches the bicycle cables around to match a motorcycle.

[cheesy]

Back from the road trip and spent a bit more time with the 3800.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v493/bikamper/2015-08-20%2018.16.42_zps2gm6cxwx.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/bikamper/media/2015-08-20%2018.16.42_zps2gm6cxwx.jpg.html)

Get the fork yanked and start to pull the caliper when I see this.:wtf:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v493/bikamper/bfe0fc2d-a0d7-42c7-a1c2-edb114da249f_zpsurcierta.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/bikamper/media/bfe0fc2d-a0d7-42c7-a1c2-edb114da249f_zpsurcierta.jpg.html)
One arm of the caliper had broken off and the PO had done this. No wonder it didn't stop. A redneck repair if I've ever seen one. On the bright side, I can use a section of the 'repair' and weld it to the caliper arm the correct way.:)

[Weldangrind]

It looks cobbled together to me, but I'm not exactly sure how it should look.

[cheesy]

Well, I just found out that I can get the caliper arm from France for 0.75 euro.:shrug: Not even worth breaking out the welder for that.

http://www.solex-motobecane.com/3-freins/freins-a-patins/bras-de-frein-droit-pour-solex-149-80.htm

[Weldangrind]

I'm interested in the replacement of the caliper arm. I can't visualize how the item you linked to will replace the redneck repair.

[cheesy]

The caliper is made up a boat load of stamped steel parts. Included are two right arms and two left arms. Each pair of arms holds a brake pad. What I have is one broken left arm.


My friend and coworker in France is picking me up two pairs of arms(among other small parts) and bringing them stateside for me next month.

[Weldangrind]

That's a terrific connection! I hope you also asked for something from the Bordeaux region.

[cheesy]

That's a terrific connection! I hope you also asked for something from the Bordeaux region.

If it wasn't for Tony(and Christian, Neil, Mirko, Luc, Xavier, Alfredo, Jesus, and any of my other international co-workers)there probably would be no liquor in the house. I believe I got a bottle from the Alsace region and one from the Piedmont region earlier this year. The guys from Mexico brought me locally distilled mescal and tequila. The Brit brought me a bottle of Balveinie last year. I'm still waiting for the Canucks to pick up a bar tab, though.:hehe: They're from Ontario, whatchagonnado?

I'm bringing Tony bottles from Illinois and Maine next month. Maybe he will still like me.

Bit more done on the 3800 today. New chain and freewheel installed, over hauled the bottom bracket plus drilled and tapped the same for a grease zerk so I don't need to take half the frame down to do it next time. Fork and wheels on. Plastic welded the cracked throttle tube. I have a new one on order but I want to see if this works.

Other than that, plodding right along.

[Weldangrind]

Have you checked out Moped Army? That might be another source for used parts.

[cheesy]

Yup, got my new headlight from them. Which, by the way, works. Still no tail or brake light but I'm narrowing it down. Finished up the bicycle part on the 3800 this morning and also tried my hand at plastic welding the cracked throttle tube. Man, I could have saved thirty bucks if it holds.

[Weldangrind]

Did you use the HF plastic welder?

[cheesy]

No, I got a cheap one from Menards'.

Got the 3800 back together tonight but that's as far as I got. Went to pull the flywheel, but my tool doesn't fit. I think I have one that will fit at the shop.

[Darkrider]

Just a tip for future plastic welding...a soldering iron works quite well for this as well!

[Weldangrind]

It can, but the flat shoe of a plastic welding iron is much easier. I have a cheap one from HF that does a decent job. They also have an assorted bag of filler rods, with PP, PVC and ABS. Also cheap.

[cheesy]

Woohoo, spark and fire on the 3800 this evening.:clap:
Cleaned and reset the points, got spark. Shot some two stroke into the carb, flipped the flywheel a couple times and away it went. Ran about 10 seconds on what was in the carb and just purred. A stinky two stroke purr, but a purr nonetheless.:tup:

[Weldangrind]

I can almost smell it from here. Lovely.

We need video!

[cheesy]

Will see what I can do this evening for a video.

[cheesy]

No soap on the video tonight. Last night I got fire by dumping some 2 stroke down the carb. Tonight, I tried to run fuel from the tank, through the fuel pump, to the carb. Even after replacing the fuel pump diaphragm.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v493/bikamper/DSCF0497_zpssw4qpreb.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/bikamper/media/DSCF0497_zpssw4qpreb.jpg.html)
So, I have a blockage somewhere after the fuel pump.

Try again on Friday.

[Weldangrind]

I'll wait here.

[cheesy]

Aw, crap. >: Looks like you are waiting a bit longer for a video. At least a week.

I got the fuel pump issue squared away, one of the check balls 'checked out' as it were and left the building. It just so happened that the fuel pump had been upgraded in the past with 1/8" steel balls instead of glass balls. I have about a zillion of those. So, replace the missing ball and reinstall the pump. Turn the flywheel over a couple times to prime the pump. Reattach the fuel line and flip the flywheel once. AAAAANNNDDD it starts and idles. And revs.:tup:

So, like an idiot, I decide to take it for a quick ride up and down the street. It runs great. For about two minutes. Starts to bog and backfire. Then quits. :wtf: I wheel it into the garage and check to see what I did.

Spin the flywheel and no compression. Zip, nada, nothing. :ohno: Crap. I did something bad. I stick the bore scope down the cylinder and see no hole in the top of the piston. Whew. So, I've either blown a head gasket or a shaft seal. Let's hope for a head gasket.

Pull the head and looky what I find.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v493/bikamper/2015-08-28%2019.27.32_zpsjekj2rzr.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/bikamper/media/2015-08-28%2019.27.32_zpsjekj2rzr.jpg.html)

Two, count 'em, two complete gasket sets are on their way here from San Fran. Along with a second air filter because it turns out neither bike had one.

So, next week some time for the video.:hi:

[Weldangrind]

Good news on the head gasket.

What is that interesting contraption in the left side of the pic? It's on casters, and it resembles a bike lift.

[cheesy]

Good news on the head gasket.

What is that interesting contraption in the left side of the pic? It's on casters, and it resembles a bike lift.

Ding ding ding ding. I expect the CX to be on it in a couple more weeks.

I promised a video, so here it is starring the yellow 4600.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/21499296@N08/20367791063/in/dateposted-public/

Velosolex-wise, it was a good day. I got everything sorted on the 4600. All the lights now work and I swapped out the broken Aprilia kill switch with a Honda one. I also got the correct rotor cover, air cleaner, and fuel tank on each bike.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v493/bikamper/DSCF0506_zpskjlagf1b.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/bikamper/media/DSCF0506_zpskjlagf1b.jpg.html)

I was on a roll, so I made a head gasket for the 3800. A good look at the top of cylinder showed that the original gasket had been leaking for a while. You can see on the lower right where the gasket blew.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v493/bikamper/DSCF0503_zpsn4wdxmzw.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/bikamper/media/DSCF0503_zpsn4wdxmzw.jpg.html)

I rode the black one almost five miles after installing the head gasket, just to see what was what. Runs pretty good but doesn't seem to have the same amount of power as the yellow one. Then again, it hasn't been run for fifteen years. Also, my plastic welding job didn't hold on the the throttle tube. I remain undaunted, though, and will try another approach.

Now comes the onerous task of getting them titled and registered. :cry: That should be interesting.

[Weldangrind]

Thanks for the vid! :D Perhaps an LED 1157 is in order.

Your pic of the piston top reminded me to bring up a topic: what do you think about polishing the piston top? I would think that it would resist carbon build-up.

May we see the muffler?

[cheesy]

Never thought about polishing the piston top. Worth a try.

Mufflers. See the round black things next to the front wheels?
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v493/bikamper/DSCF0508_zpsexrfie12.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/bikamper/media/DSCF0508_zpsexrfie12.jpg.html)
Them's mufflers. Believe or not but the exhaust pipe is 6mm. Header pipe is 13mm. My understanding is that the Hungarian Impex muffler is prized for it's 16mm header pipe and 8mm exhaust. All I know is that purchasing and importing an Impex would cost more than I spent on the bikes.

[cheesy]

Re:the led taillight. Plans were already afoot. I'll be snagging the 6v1157 from Super Bright LEDs for the 4600 and probably something else for the 3800. Only real issue after that is the install of a bridge rectifier somewhere in the lighting circuit to convert from AC to DC. Come to think of it, it may take three rectifiers for the 4600 because head, tail, and brake light are all on separate circuits. The 3800 don't care, it's got head and tail light on a single circuit. And no brake light.

[Weldangrind]

I'm wondering about a tiny expansion chamber that would increase power at WOT. It might be fun to play with one.

I kept an old electric pressure washer around, because I'd like to try hydroforming with it. That would be a quick way to create a chamber.

[cheesy]

Here's what Brian Solex has to say about expansion chambers on the solex engine. The last line is pretty good.
http://briansolex.free.fr/expansion.html
In fact, the whole subject of tuning the little mite is a good read. That said, watch this.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ri42T8_6wHY

[cheesy]

Also, my plastic welding job didn't hold on the the throttle tube. I remain undaunted, though, and will try another approach.


Well, that other approach didn't work too well.:ohno:

I bought the fancy HF plastic welder and succeeded in burning a hole through the throttle tube. Just like my first attempt at welding sheet metal in high school.:hehe: Into the experience pile with it.

Oh, well. New throttle tube will be here before the weekend.
:hi:

[Weldangrind]

Kaaden's comments are theoretical. Bah.

I'd still like to see the results with an expansion chamber. if you want to try one, I have one designed for a 50cc China dirt bike that you're welcome to. It closely resembles the chamber from a Yamaha PW80.

That race was awesome! Hang in the turns, keep the revs up and pedal on the hills! Love it.

Sorry to hear that plastic welding didn't work out for you. I haven't tried the fancy welder, only the cheap HF unit.

[cheesy]

Well, it was my first attempt with what is basically a high flow heat gun.

Thanks for the offer on the expansion chamber but I think I will these alone for now. That said, I bought a universal two stroke electronic ignition module for $12 just to see. Stay tuned.

[Adjuster]

Oh man thats good stuff seeing them pedaling. :clap:


/

[cheesy]

How about some unnatural aspiration for the solex.
http://img4.hostingpics.net/pics/268823mobcust1.jpg

[Weldangrind]

That's hilarious! :D

I wonder at what point is a motor simply not powerful enough to spin a compressor. I suppose if you could force it to start moving and it began to create boost, it would run. Theoretically.

[cheesy]

Parts. From the guy in New York. He even threw in a headgasket gratis.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v493/bikamper/20150902_193822_zps3pvwqnpy.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/bikamper/media/20150902_193822_zps3pvwqnpy.jpg.html)
The black one now has a working compression release.

[Weldangrind]

What is the device to the right of the track pad?

[cheesy]

That is the throttle tube. Or as the Solex people call it, the slow down device.

[cheesy]

Swapped out the headgasket, connected up the compression release, installed the new air filter. Went for a test ride. Woot. The little poop has some power now.

[Weldangrind]

I'd love to see an action video, if you have the ability to record as you ride.

[cheesy]

Three day weekend starting this afternoon and I have a Gorilla camera mount. I'll see what I can do.

[cheesy]

I thought I had a Gorilla camera mount. I must have imagined it. Old age is a b*&ch. So, thank you, Amazon, one is on the way.

Installed the LED tail/brake light on the yellow one that should take a bit of a load off the lighting coils. Also found an E-10 base, white, 75 lumen LED that will make a dandy headlight bulb for the black one, if I ever find the rest of the headlight lens.

Yellow one is in a car show tomorrow evening.

[cheesy]

At the car show.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v493/bikamper/2015-09-07%2017.55.42_zps2chvyyw1.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/bikamper/media/2015-09-07%2017.55.42_zps2chvyyw1.jpg.html)

The owner of the Boss Mustang lives down the street from me. I spent most of the evening wandering the show. My neighbor said the bike was getting more interest than the Mustangs on either side of it.

A few more pics
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v493/bikamper/2015-09-07%2017.13.41_zps2ccji86k.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/bikamper/media/2015-09-07%2017.13.41_zps2ccji86k.jpg.html)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v493/bikamper/2015-09-07%2017.13.59_zpsv12jvztz.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/bikamper/media/2015-09-07%2017.13.59_zpsv12jvztz.jpg.html)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v493/bikamper/2015-09-07%2017.31.19_zps8noafbrm.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/bikamper/media/2015-09-07%2017.31.19_zps8noafbrm.jpg.html)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v493/bikamper/2015-09-07%2018.46.43_zpsnp8fbmru.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/bikamper/media/2015-09-07%2018.46.43_zpsnp8fbmru.jpg.html)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v493/bikamper/2015-09-07%2017.08.10_zps38i0qej2.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/bikamper/media/2015-09-07%2017.08.10_zps38i0qej2.jpg.html)

[Weldangrind]

Thanks for the pics, Cheesy. I love that old flattie distributor.

[cheesy]

It was a fun show. I even won a free oil change from the local Chevy dealer.

I had a few hours to kill this morning before hopping on another airplane, so I swapped out the failing condenser on the 4600. I replaced it with .22uf 1000v metalised polypropylene film cap, per the VS gurus.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v493/bikamper/2015-09-09%2008.46.05_zpsu8kpcbf2.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/bikamper/media/2015-09-09%2008.46.05_zpsu8kpcbf2.jpg.html)

$10 plus shipping for the stock condenser of questionable quality vs $0.25 plus shipping for a MIL-SPEC cap. Hmmm, lemmee think a sec...

Anywho, it was an easy install just to see if it would work.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v493/bikamper/2015-09-09%2009.00.23_zpsyenhhyez.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/bikamper/media/2015-09-09%2009.00.23_zpsyenhhyez.jpg.html)

It worked better than expected. Before, the 4600 would stall after 10 to 15 seconds at an idle. Quicker if I had the lights on. Now, after a full minute, it just putts happily away. Lights or no lights.

BTW-I fully intend to come up with a better way to get the cap installed. The gurus recommend stuffing it into the existing condenser can but not too sure this one will fit. We will see.

BTW, again, the tripod showed today, but I'm not there.

[Weldangrind]

That's a cool mod. Reminds me of when the terminal on the "voltage regulator" on my TS185 broke; there was just enough terminal sticking out to probe it, and it turned out to be a diode. I repurposed a fat diode from a dead circuit board, soldered some male spades on it and plugged it in. It ran great, and I ended up selling it that way. The stock diodes are nearly unobtanium.

[cheesy]

I gave up on the video today. Just couldn't get it uploaded. It also would have wasted three and a half minutes nobody'd get back. Will try again tomorrow.

I did have some luck with the condenser today, though. Here you go.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/21499296@N08/albums/72157658130737120

[Weldangrind]

I think I understand...

Per the guru comment, you gutted the stock condenser and inserted the new cap. I'm guessing that the original condenser didn't have a stud on top; what was the concept behind that?

[cheesy]

The stud holds both the + side of the cap and the original connector. I was going to solder the + side of the cap to the stock connector but figured that I'd end up being 75 degrees off on my orientation along with having the wire too short to do anything about it. So, everything positive goes through the stud, which is insulated from the can. Which means I can line everything up when I install it, then tighten it.

Very short video of Gordy riding the 4600.
http://vidmg.photobucket.com/albums/v493/bikamper/DSCF0521_zpsjy7jnrsx.mp4
Gordy is the outgoing prez of MACMC and he begged me to let him take the 4600 for a spin. BTW, today was the MACMC annual breakfast and just about everybody took that little bugger for a ride.

Some more shots.
Dave's Nimbus
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v493/bikamper/DSCF0520_zpscn9lswbu.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/bikamper/media/DSCF0520_zpscn9lswbu.jpg.html)

A pair Guzzis
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v493/bikamper/DSCF0519_zpsyjjw3zxk.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/bikamper/media/DSCF0519_zpsyjjw3zxk.jpg.html)

A group shot.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v493/bikamper/DSCF0518_zpstq1yqroc.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/bikamper/media/DSCF0518_zpstq1yqroc.jpg.html)

So, I'm still somewhat stuffed from that breakfast. Then Mrs. C makes me a full blown Italian sub that, like an idiot, I eat. :ohno:I go out to change out the motor mounts in her Audi and am hit with the worst gas attack I've had in years.:wtf: Thought I was going to pop. And now she's making dinner. :doh:
All I want is bi-carb.

[Weldangrind]

I agree, that is a short video. You're a big tease.

According to the MACMC site, it was a pancake breakfast at Gordon's Pumpkin Farm. Were there pumpkin pancakes? If so, I would have taken that as a personal challenge and eaten far too many.

Love the Nimbus!

Those Guzzi bikes are patterned after the venerable CX, right? :D

[cheesy]

No pumpkin pancakes, thank you very much. I even think Gordon would draw the line there. Okay, I like 'em, but I only make 'em once a year for my granddaughter.

I'm watching all these people ride the little bugger around and forget I have the camera in my back pocket.:ohno: I remembered and got Gordy coming up his drive. He was the last guy to ride it.

As far as the Guzzis go, sure, why not. :shrug:Gordy has the V7 on the left and Joe has the Eldo 850. Joe is 76 years old and has seven Guzzis; from a post war Bacon Slicer to a fairly new 1400. He's riding down to Barbers' next month and I believe he is taking his California with the sidecar.

The guy who has the Nimbus, Dave, is in his early 80s'. I don't think he has a bike newer than 1960. :wtf:He was the guy who got Gordon to sponsor me in the club.

I'm working in N. Dakota this week, hopefully only for one day, then back home for a four day weekend. I'll try out the new cap in the 4600. Then, as I have wrapped up on the Audi,:yay: I will start on the stator swap on the CX.

[cheesy]

The promised video. :shrug:

Watch, as the speed nears the triggering point of the flux capacitor.:wtf:

Listen, as the center stand drags on the driveway and halfway down the hill. :doh:

Cringe, as you hear me curse the hill I live on.:grr:

Alright, here it is.:hehe:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/21499296@N08/21495082056/in/album-72157656856002138/

[Adjuster]

Great video and just as you described.

/

[Weldangrind]

I couldn't actually make out what you said, but I got the sentiment. :D Thanks for taking the time to share the video. I'm really enjoying this project, but you knew that.

[cheesy]

Thanks.

In between the rain drops yesterday I threw together a Velosolex timing light. I got lucky on the 3800 and eyeballed that one perfectly. The 4600 has been a complete headache to get right.

The guts. Two AAA batteries, a green LED, and a 47 ohm resistor. For all intents and purposes, it's a continuity tester.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v493/bikamper/DSCF0524_zpsfodo2jfr.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/bikamper/media/DSCF0524_zpsfodo2jfr.jpg.html)

Off.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v493/bikamper/DSCF0525_zpscrhe6j2f.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/bikamper/media/DSCF0525_zpscrhe6j2f.jpg.html)

On.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v493/bikamper/DSCF0526_zpso6uqhrsf.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/bikamper/media/DSCF0526_zpso6uqhrsf.jpg.html)

For you young 'uns out there, the purpose is to set the points to start to open at the right time in cycle. I think I was off at least five degrees and now I'm dead on. Made a big difference.

[Weldangrind]

I've static-timed VW engines in a similar fashion, but with a test light.

[cheesy]

That's how it was done on my 64 MG, too.

Just to prove that I fail more often than not. Look at the red insulator.:doh:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v493/bikamper/DSCF0522_zpszbkvpsu9.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/bikamper/media/DSCF0522_zpszbkvpsu9.jpg.html)

[Weldangrind]

I've done exactly the same thing.

I was watching an old episode of Roadkill on Youtube last night, and Finnegan fabricated a lovely turbo manifold for an ugly 240Z with a 4.3l Chev engine. After he finished TIG welding it, he discovered that the collector flange was on the wrong side of the blow-off valve. Very funny!

[SpudRider]

Just to prove that I fail more often than not. Look at the red insulator.:doh:


I've done that quite a few times. ;)

[Darkrider]

I've done exactly the same thing.

I was watching an old episode of Roadkill on Youtube last night, and Finnegan fabricated a lovely turbo manifold for an ugly 240Z with a 4.3l Chev engine. After he finished TIG welding it, he discovered that the collector flange was on the wrong side of the blow-off valve. Very funny!

Ah yes...the hard to kill Rotsun....

[cheesy]

Last Saturday was Service Day on the 4600. Basically, clean, repack, and adjust the wheel bearings plus clean and grease the crankset. Standard bicycle type maintenance. I did this to the 3800 already and just got around to doing this one.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v493/bikamper/DSCF05281_zpsbemqogdd.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/bikamper/media/DSCF05281_zpsbemqogdd.jpg.html)
The front wheel wasn't bad. The rear wheel, on the other hand, sheesh. I couldn't turn the axle by hand. Explains why the 3800 always felt faster. Anyway, done.

Used the old Harbor Freight chain breaker converted to a cotter press to service the bottom bracket.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v493/bikamper/DSCF05291_zpsgzg57ach.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/bikamper/media/DSCF05291_zpsgzg57ach.jpg.html)
A very simple set up. Just a machined shaft riding on a pair of plain bearings. I followed another guru recommendation on future bottom bracket service. That was drilling and tapping a hole for an M6 zerk between the plain bearings. I should never need to take it apart again.

Finished up with a new 16 tooth freewheel and a new chain. All that is left to do on this one is either repair or replace the fuel tank.

[Weldangrind]

When you say plain bearings, does that mean caged bearings, like one would find in a one piece bottom bracket?

[bogieboy]

When you say plain bearings, does that mean caged bearings, like one would find in a one piece bottom bracket?
i am guessing it means a soft metal alloy bearing, similar to a crank shaft bearing in a normal internal combustion engine.... hence the grease zerk... :tup:

[cheesy]

Nope. Plain old bushing type bearings.

[Weldangrind]

IOW, not ball bearings?

[cheesy]

IOW, not ball bearings?

Not a one.

I spoke with my co-worker from France this week. He and I will be LA in a few weeks. When I asked what I owed him he just wanted a cold beer, or three. How can you go wrong?

[Weldangrind]

That's the new commerce for me. IPA, preferably.

[cheesy]

Picked Tony up at LAX this afternoon and this is what he gave me.:tup:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v493/bikamper/DSCF05962_zpsvr1n3txa.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/bikamper/media/DSCF05962_zpsvr1n3txa.jpg.html)

I thought I was tired, dealing with a bad sinus infection and the side affects from the meds. Tony flew Moscow to Paris and Paris to Lyon yesterday. Slept for a few hours at home then boarded a flight from Lyon to Amsterdam, followed by a flight from Amsterdam to LAX.:wtf: Sucks to be Tony right now.

[Weldangrind]

Wow! I hope Tony gets to put his feet up in the U.S. for a while.

[cheesy]

Yup, he's stuck here in LA with me for two weeks, then he get's to sleep in own bed for a few weeks.

[Weldangrind]

Did you find a quality beer to repay him? The pumpkin ales are out now. :D

[Bruce's]

I have less than zero interest in these bikes for some reason ,but I was just checking Toronto kijiji and a 1974 popped up for $100.00 .I am 5 hours drive from there ,but should be heading down in the next week to do a few days work and can pick it up if somebody wants it .A few of my brother in laws cross the border several times a month in their trucks so they can ship it from the states if required (they owe me mega Huge favours ) one of them works for a steel company out of Pittsburg and is there quite often .

[cheesy]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v493/bikamper/2015-08-14%2019.13.26_zpsdpxf5l4q.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/bikamper/media/2015-08-14%2019.13.26_zpsdpxf5l4q.jpg.html)

Alrighty then. I'm reposting this picture to tell a somewhat humorous story that happened to me a couple weeks ago. I'm telling it now because I'm working on night number six in a hotel and I am bored out of my skull.

So, I'm working on Mrs. C's lawnmower engine and I need to wander over to the mid sized roll around to get a wrench. 7/16" if you must know. I get the wrench and head back to the engine. I take about three steps and I suddenly find myself lying face first on the garage floor.:wtf: As I try to pick myself up, something is pinning me down. I struggle a bit more while painting the air blue with profanity. :grr:After about thirty seconds, Mrs. C arrives in the garage to see what the commotion is and begins to bust a gut. :lol:

Me-"Dammit, woman. What's so funny?"

Her(with tears in her eyes)-"Why are you laying under the black moped?"

Me-"What? Why is the black one on top of me? Get it off."

Mrs. C tries to lift it off of me and I yowl in pain.

Her-"What?"

Me-"Something's stabbing me."

Mrs. C looks closer and starts laughing again and between guffaws and straining for breath says, "You have a brake lever poking you in the butt. It's caught in your belt loop!"

Me-"Crap.">:

Yes, I had snagged that inverse brake lever shown in the pic with a belt loop on my jeans, was body slammed to the garage floor, and pinned for the count.:ohno:

Mrs. C's mirth lasted at least a week.:hehe:

[Weldangrind]

Thanks for answering the question. I wondered what size the wrench was.

[cheesy]

Hey, I still have these beasties.
https://farm1.staticflickr.com/656/20802100449_4e7a6c4678_z.jpg

I've given up on getting them titled in Illannoy. Cash outlay for each is about four times what I paid for pair. They can kiss my butt. I'd like to find them new homes but Mrs. C won't hear of it. So, I guess they have been promoted to campground errand duty four when we go.

So, for that to happen, new tires are needed. Looked around online a bit and was pretty disappointed in what I was finding. Pricing was ridiculous, as was shipping. Just about to walk away for awhile, then I remembered treatland.tv, 'Your Online Moped Super Store'. (I picture a couple of tattooed guys and gals with noserings in small warehouse in downtown Frisco) Four Hutchinson Neuvere 21B 19 x 1.75 tires, four heavy duty tubes, and four rim strips for $192 shipped. Almost what I paid for both of the bikes, but I was looking at $137 a pair, plus another buck n' a half for shipping from France. I think I did okay.

[cheesy]

Well, this has been awhile. The smokey little poops are enjoying life here at Cheesy Manor. They get ridden nearly every weekend.

The yellow one has a brand new fuel tank, although in black, not white. I found a white one after ordering the black tank but the seller was asking the price of two black tanks, so I didn't cancel the order for the black tank.

The black one now has working lights. Working, because I got fed up with the cluster f&*$ of a French engineered switch and hardwired the lights, which is US spec anyway. And, unlike the yellow ones' lights, on the black one, you can actually see the road at night.

They are both pretty much dialed in now and still kind of a hoot to ride.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51121324158_622cdabfb7_z.jpg

[Ascot500]

What is that car in the background?

[cheesy]

What is that car in the background?

Car? If you mean the the green thing with the red fairing, that's a 2007 Ural Gear Up side car rig from Russia. More fun than you are legally allowed to have and, like a Solex, a butt simple machine.

[lokie56]

I had a Bitsa VeloSoleX that was part early 1960's frame and 3800 engine that I found at a garage sale in boxes for $60. It was fun, they do get nearly 200 MPG. It was my favorite garage sale shopper, slow little bike for a lazy summer weekends cruising backstreets and alleys for estate and yard sales.



25605

[lokie56]

Never thought about polishing the piston top. Worth a try.

Mufflers. See the round black things next to the front wheels?
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v493/bikamper/DSCF0508_zpsexrfie12.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/bikamper/media/DSCF0508_zpsexrfie12.jpg.html)
Them's mufflers. Believe or not but the exhaust pipe is 6mm. Header pipe is 13mm. My understanding is that the Hungarian Impex muffler is prized for it's 16mm header pipe and 8mm exhaust. All I know is that purchasing and importing an Impex would cost more than I spent on the bikes.



BTW I have an extra Impex muffler..