The first query is easy :) Does anyone know of a source for the 1 and 7/8th inch washers that fit under the valve caps of the sidevalve engines? My Lion (one-piece barrel and head) has none, which I suspect can't be right, and I have noticed them leaking. I'm assuming that there should be a perhaps a soft copper washer 'gasket'. I see that washers are identified in the spares list - at tuppence apiece! Short of cutting my own from copper sheet, the nearest I've come up with so far is some 46mm ID by 2mm thick ones in Hong Kong :-\ Surely someone must have some in the UK.
The second query is more a reflection on my memory ??? Whilst reassembling my Lion I am unable to find a rear brake pedal return spring. Now, I don't recall taking one off, but that's no guarantee of accuracy. I have zoomed in on some decent photographs of the nearside of the bike and it doesn't appear to have had one. None is listed in the spares booklet. Did Sunbeam just rely on the spring pressure from the shoes to hold the pedal back? Surely not - did they?
Steve
Series 2 rear brake arrangement hope this helps. This one was on a model 9 but I guess the Lion would be the same. Re the washers try and find some old stock copper asbestos ones getting harder to find at autojumbles now.
(http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c258/wessex_man/kickstart%20ratchet/series2%20rear%20brake_zpstkyx9k8s.jpg) (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/wessex_man/media/kickstart%20ratchet/series2%20rear%20brake_zpstkyx9k8s.jpg.html)
That's the one, WM. No sign of a brake pedal return spring around the pivot shaft there either :-\ Perhaps I need to take more water in the malt ::)
I'm surprised how difficult it is to track down the washers. I thought with the vintage bike scene in the UK as it is, someone would be making them. I'll order some of the copper washers from Hong Kong initially, but sha'n't hold my breath for a quick delivery
Steve
I have 1 1 7/8th washer, looks like copper/something mix..Guess what ;D ;D it fits the Vincent rocker cover..You're going to get fed up with this ;)..John
I shall rename this bike the Suncent ------ or the Vinbeam before long ::) Reminds me of my old Panther 120 which I was going to badge as a Halfley Davidson ;)
Best flit across the the Vincent spares site I suppose :-\
Steve
I'll post you the 1 I have if you want it..i doubt i'll use it..Did NOT get it from VOCS..The ones they have are a fibre type..John
That's very kind of you, John. Thanks very much. I'll PM you my address.
Steve
Ask Robin James Engineering Services for valve cap washers - they came by return of post when I ordered them
Thanks, m90. I'll give him a call.
Steve
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Vintage-Motorcycle-Valve-Caps-Sunbeam-/331777951171?hash=item4d3f81c5c3:g:OQUAAOSwe7BWwIRr
Anyone seen these..John
These are made by mark Baker, who also does other Sunbeam bits & bobs. He will be at Stafford.
P.