I’ve located the decompression hardware thanks to Briansolex and Velocruz once again. I need to make one cable ferrule for where the cable housing meets the bracket on the engine and I’ll be set.
Started painting the worst of the frame parts using duplicolor hemi orange, looks pretty close to the faded orange of the rest of the bike.
I also installed the front fender and replaced the mostly missing plastic mud flap with one made out of leather. I cut it out kind of crooked but you cant really tell.
The block is also ready to reassemble once the parts show up.
The cylinder has been wire brushed and painted with Duplicolor “cast coat iron” which is very similar to the correct factory color, much better looking than gloss black no doubt.
I’ve also started stripping, sanding and painting some of the body panels. The unique design of the solex chassis is intriguing. Most parts are just stamped steel, requiring probably very minimal welding to complete the whole bike. The construction process must be quite simple and inexpensive.
Filed under: Engine, Parts | Tags: bearings, Moped, procrastination, solex, Velosolex
After a long period of procrastination/parts sources falling through I’m ready to get back to work. To start I’ve ordered the two crankshaft bearings today. The bearings are 6203-2rs for the crankcase side and 6202-zz for the magneto side.
I finished cleaning up the crankshaft, its ready to be re-used. Upon cleaning the connecting rod I discovered more damage. The needle bearing assembly for the piston pin appears to have broken and the rollers are misaligned. Another part to add to the wish list.
The official parts list is pretty much done, its turned out to be fairly long and will probably be divided into two or so orders.
Engine:
Complete piston assembly, Connecting rod bearing, 2 main crankshaft bearings, crankshaft seal and protective dust plate, complete gasket set, exhaust/intake gasket.
Air/Fuel system: Choke assy, air filter gasket, air filter, Fuel pump membrane, membrane backing plate.
Chassis: 2 Michelin tires, 2 tubes, pedal set, rear brake cable, decompresser lever, decompresser cable, front brake pads, front mud flap.
Filed under: Engine
The culprit, one nasty, rusty, grainy main bearing. This one bearing was the main reason for the whole engine rebuild.
Filed under: Engine
The magneto side engine bearing was pulled from the shaft with the use of a makeshift puller which worked well. The clutch assembly and drive roller assembly were then removed.
You can see the cavernous interior of the roller housing. It contains the drive roller assembly along with dirt, dead grass, and spiders. The crankshaft and engine side crankshaft bearing where then removed leaving a nice empty crankcase.
Its ready for a good cleaning and then re-assembly of the motor. Note: Purchasing the factory tool set before attempting to disassemble the engine will make things much easier. I’d recommend doing so to anyone planning to attempt a rebuild.
I’ve started the engine tear down so parts can be ordered. The engine will be completely rebuilt with new bearings, seals, gaskets, top end, plus any other wear items in need of replacement. The flywheel, coil assemblys and magneto side engine plate have been removed. I will need a special bearing puller to go any further.
Filed under: Engine
The cylinder was removed to troubleshoot the low compression and the problem became apparent quickly. Not only were all the rings stuck the piston was also missing a few parts of its skirt. These piston parts and the missing right side circlip are probably what caused the odd marks on the piston as they made their escape from the engine. Luckily the cylinder was not damaged.
If that wasn’t enough, it gets better! Not only was the piston damaged the crankcase was also full of a rusty sludge. Apparently water has been there at some point. One of the main crankshaft bearings is very rusty so from this point on the motor will require a complete tear down and rebuild.
