Oh Heck. Sprag clutch gone.
On a run last Sat., yesterday. Engine warmed up. Set off and stalled. Electric starter just spins. Then I tried to kick start it. As you know, the missing circlip means the decompressor doesn't work, and I hurt my calf muscle! Anyway, I got it bump started and got home. I reckon it happened 'cos I told John I wouldn't be fitting the larger gearbox sprocket as it meant dismantling the chaincase etc!! <grin> Now I've the problem of getting it to you when I can only hobble and, if it stops, I won't be able to start it easily:0(( On the Hitchcock site, one respondant described a modification from Watsonian that delays the spark until the engine is spinning to avoid sprag clutch damage. Anyway, it looks like circlip, sprag clutch, larger gearbox sprocket and delay modification to be done, as soon as a way can be sorted to get the machine from home to you. Oh do I feel sorry for myself ;-) 73 de dave G7NCB from the Isle of Axholme

sprag clutch
Sorry to hear about your problems Dave. The sprag clutch is usually the result of a problem. When they first came out it was due to a design fault and by having extra holes drilled into the back to allow more lubricating oil through, this problem was overcome. The problem they have at the moment can be attributed to the battery and charging system. When the battery voltage drops as the engine is spun by the starter, the sudden voltage drop can confuse the black box which controls the coil and send a premature spark to the plug. This in turn gives the effect of advanced timing and a slight kick back occurs, usually not enough for people to notice. This kickback can put strain on the one way sprag clutch and cause failure in this component. The spark delay unit will cut out the spark momentarily on start up. Thus allowing the engine to get spinning and overcoming the voltage drop problem and sending a spark when the load has become lighter on the starter. I hope this explains the problem and the good news is we can fix it. Jim Allen

Sprag clutch
TNX but the when can I get it done/ how do I get it to you are the problems. I was at work today (??? I'm retired!!!) so I'll try to sort something tomorrow, if I can. 73 de dave G7NCB from the Isle of Axholme

Sprag clutch
A neighbour has a van and will drive the bike over for me. It's just matching up when he's free and your garage is free to do the jobs. Could you give me some days when you could do them and let me know whether I should be leaving it with you or will it be done in the day? Tuesdays and Thursdays are better for me as those are the days when I'm not working. Isn't retirement a wonderful thing :0)) The jobs are decompressor circlip, sprag clutch, spark delay and a bigger gearbox sprocket.

Sprag clutch
Hi Dave, next Tuesday would be fine, i will have the bits here waiting. If you could leave it with us over night that would be great, that way we can give it a good -*test*-('") when it is done, and hopefully gives us some time if any little snags occur,HOPE THEY DONT!!! Jim

Fixing Sprag Clutch
Will be there Tuesday, April Fool's Day. Setting off about 9am from here. If it's OK, I'll pick the bike up Weds or Thurs., it depends on what time you shut and me arranging to get over there to get it. My wife works in Gainsborough and would have to get home to get me first.

Sprag Clutch
What a 'divvi'! I meant the 1st of MAY!!!

Electra X repair
Got home fine. A bit of a kerfuffle getting cars sorted, though, once home. The journey really was so much more relaxed with the higher gearing with the 19 tooth gearbox sprocket. The bike just seemed to be ticking over as I cruised home at 50mph with occasional bursts to 60mph. Thanks to you all for the coffee and the chat whilst I waited for the boss to arrive to pick up my car.

Sprag clutch
Glad you got home ok Dave, its quite a way to come , thankyou for your custom. feel free to keep popping in , if only for a chat the kettle is usually on. Jim

Sprag clutch and battery.
As we discussed last Friday, 19thOct., 2007, I'll get the Electra over to you on Wednesday, 24th Oct. for you to have a look at the sprag clutch and fit a new battery. My battery will show 13V after a charge but after a cold night on the bench it drops to 11V. It's done, I reckon. The price, though! It's just my luck that I need the expensive version. That's the story of my life. After the lovely past few days, I'll bet it's horrible weather just for the day on Wednesday ;-((

starter Electra X
TNX for today, Jim. Was I shocked when the starter worked first thing this am! Your machine showing my battery is OK was also a surprise, as was the fact that the solenoid appears to have been the culprit. Ah, but my luck says there'll be something. I hope you can find another day to get on with the Aston Martin and I look forward to seeing your 'great trip' report on your website. The journey home was uneventful except that the rear brake IS better the way you've set it up AND there was no backfiring, just an occasional 'burble'. That must have been the idle adjustment you did after your ride on 'Betty'. She seemed to want to get up to 70 mph and I had to keep turning down the throttle 'cos I don't go above 60 mph by choice. I've been home a while and my feet are still cold. I bust get some of the bike boots I had as a teenager; knee length, fur lined and long fisherman's socks (turned over the boot top, naturally;-)). All the best to everyone there, and thanks again.

:D Glad to hear you got home ok. I havn't done any more to the Aston yet. I am now starting to write about my second adventure which was on the Continent . This should be finished soon and i am hoping to have another page on my web site to put them on. Jim