1955 AJS Model 20

[redlig]

Usual apologies re photo quality. No pipe as couldn't afford to ride and smoke.

 

[Rannsachair]

Was not happy with the dragging clutch, so strip down this morning:

worn friction plates and a friction plate missing would not have helped, lucky I keep a set of spares.

Lucky the hub and and basket look fine, springs 3/8" compressed, so also fitted a new set of clutch springs:

I got this clutch adjustment tool from my dad years ago. Made in Glasgow:

refilled the chaincase with oil and adjusted, now have a good clutch. Nice to use the original 1955 manual for setup:

 

[slim_boy_fat]

Taken before Goldie silencer fitted.

FTFY [a wee bit...]

 

[redlig]

FTFY [a wee bit...]

View attachment 395606

Much better ,Thanks.

 

[slim_boy_fat]

Much better ,Thanks.

I can have a go at your other ones if you like?

 

[redlig]

I can have a go at your other ones if you like?

Please if you could .Much appreciated. I must put some time into a bit more photoshopping , I'm getting a bit lazy .

 

[slim_boy_fat]

Please if you could .Much appreciated. I must put some time into a bit more photoshopping , I'm getting a bit lazy .

Will do, although it'll be a day or two as I'll be tied up with hospital visits and seeing off my BMW which has been sold.

 

[Rannsachair]

Finally got the correct twin exhaust pipes for my AJS, delivered from Armours yesterday, new stainless brackets made and fitted.

I prefer the original look and feel it is more balanced. Nicer exhaust note too.

 

[Rannsachair]

A couple of weeks ago while returning from a 20 mile trip the Ajay lost power and limped home.

Have dragged it out the shed today to figure out what's wrong, have changed plugs, plug leads a ( as one had a high resistance), stripped the carb and checked the manifold for air leaks. It still runs, though difficult to start and gutless, may be cutting onto one cylinder under load. Think timing and condenser check next...... the joys of old vehicles.

Gave the worlshop a tidy too, now even have some workbench space after sorting away Centec spares.

 

[RichardM]

Compression test?

 

[Keithmac]

I do a fair few points jobs, satisfying converting bikes over to optical or hall sensor ignition systems but plenty want to stay original.

Hopefully an easy fix on the AJS, I've got an early Royal Enfied in for poor running.

Sometimes hard to differentiate if a misfire is fuel or spark related even if you've had years of experience.

 

[Rannsachair]

Compression test?

Feels plenty compression, suppose I can try though.

 

[Keithmac]

Leakdown is a good test as well to check valve sealing.

To be honest if it's poor compression or valve related it wouldn't run well at idle either but worth a look to rule it out.

If it's had POR or other tank sealant make sure the fuel tap is still clean (ie take it out and check it).

 

[Rannsachair]

Leakdown is a good test as well to check valve sealing.

To be honest if it's poor compression or valve related it wouldn't run well at idle either but worth a look to rule it out.

If it's had POR or other tank sealant make sure the fuel tap is still clean (ie take it out and check it).

new tank with liner, checked it all good, new taps and fuel hose.

 

[Keithmac]

What's your carb fuel needle made out of, is it solid metal?.

Seen a few now where the tips have swelled up due to the junk they pass as fuel at the pumps nowadays.

Worth checking float height if you haven't already.

 

[redlig]

A couple of weeks ago while returning from a 20 mile trip the Ajay lost power and limped home.

Have dragged it out the shed today to figure out what's wrong, have changed plugs, plug leads a ( as one had a high resistance), stripped the carb and checked the manifold for air leaks. It still runs, though difficult to start and gutless, may be cutting onto one cylinder under load. Think timing and condenser check next...... the joys of old vehicles.
View attachment 407162

View attachment 407163
Gave the worlshop a tidy too, now even have some workbench space after sorting away Centec spares.
View attachment 407164

View attachment 407165

Emphasis on the words " some space"
Plug colour ?
Is it always the same side that has a problem?

I assume a single carb. so if it's only one side that rules out a carb problem.

 

[Seadog]

It's magneto, is it not? Probably that breaking down.

 

[Rannsachair]

It's magneto, is it not? Probably that breaking down.

Aye K2F, quite likely.

 

[Rannsachair]

Emphasis on the words " some space"
Plug colour ?
Is it always the same side that has a problem?

I assume a single carb. so if it's only one side that rules out a carb problem.

single carb, plugs look nice. No difference un symptoms if I pull either plug.

 

[redlig]

single carb, plugs look nice. No difference un symptoms if I pull either plug.

Is it easier to start cold or hot? I had a mag ignition B33 that would only start cold .it would run forever but if I stopped it it would not start until cold. Mag !!
Just noticed you said "condenser check" so coil ign?