Measuring Engine Mount Positions
Make up plugs on the lathe to accurately fit the mounting holes in the engine’s casings. The plugs should have a shoulder or flange to help locate them in the holes. The faces of the plugs should be flat and have a shallow pointed hole drilled in them, just enough to locate the legs of…
Turning Polyurethane Suspension Bushes
Polyurethane can be tricky to turn in a lathe because it resists cutting and deforms away from the tooling. Turning it at a 2:1 diameter to length ratio (Ø50mm rod protruding 100mm out of the chuck) helps it retain its shape. PU will melt at approximately 228°C (550°F), so well maintained sharp points of 90° to 110°…
Cooling System Filling
The coolant requirements for you engine can be found in the operating manual for the bike from which the engine orginated. Follow the mixing instruction from the coolant manufacturer or mix slightly more coolant and water (50/50) than your cooling system holds and with the engine cold, fill the radiator/header tank. Keep an eye on…
Setting Up an Hydraulic Bike Clutch Pedal
When using the stock bike slave cylinder with a Girling type master cylinder (normally Ø.625″), it is possible to push the pedal too far, causing damage to the clutch. Fitting a pedal stop (applies to a cable operated clutch too) is an obvious solution and ascertaining where the stop should be is fairly simple. Adjusting…
What Sort Of Quality Parts Can I Make From Your Plans?
Good question! With a little time and effort you can make parts as good looking as any of these. You don’t need fancy expensive workshop equipment and with one of our partly pre-fabricated kits all you need is a welder and some hand tools to make a professional quality full bore racing buggy.