TO HAVE AND TO HOLD

Patrick phoned out of the blue last week at about 1730hrs.  He was just checking if I had make any progress with the barrel and head.  As it happened I had just arranged to collect them from my son over in Essex at the weekend.  Patrick was pleased to hear this as he was reaching the point where he was going to need them.  Apparently he had arranged for the kick start leaver bearings to be sleeved as they were badly worn and hoped to collect the casting next week after which he would need my bits.  I promised to try to deliver them on Thursday 25th November.  He was happy because he was away until Tuesday and could do nothing before that.

I collected the barrel and head from John on Saturday.  This was the first time I had seen the bits and despite having had reports that they looked good I was apprehensive.  I needn't have worried, they looked fine.  I had to wait until I got back home before I could confirm that the bore was 57mm as near as I could measure, correct for a 150cc engine.  

Barrel and Head

Crankcase flange

All looks in good condition.  I can't see any chips or damaged threads so far.

Head

The bore

The bore looks good with no excessive scoring or signs of seizure.  There is a small lip around to top of the bore but nothing too much.  Patrick assures me that he can re-bore if necessary and has a range of pistons up to 58mm.


I have to say I won't be happy until I have Patrick's approval.  I have so little experience of two strokes all my observations have little value.  When Tim  http://www.blackspanner.blogspot.com/
rebuilt his Vespa he was advised that a re-bore was unnecessary.  Since I hadn't seen the condition of the bore I have no idea how much ware there was.  Judging by the other problems he found I guess there could have been quite a bit.


Having now got a barrel and head in my hand the next move is to get them to Patrick. When I have done this it will complete a long journey for these parts, from Sheffield to Birmingham NEC, to Ridgewell Essex, to Bramfield Hertfordshire and finally to Hammersmith London.  I hope it's all going to be worth it.