1950 500

[Cupoftee]

Hi,
I have just become the custodian of a very nice Model 18 hardtail. The bike rides very nice but there are as always some things that is puzzling me!
First the gearbox 3rd gear has jumped out twice, I am putting this down to pilot error.
Secondly the engine when at running temperature has a valve ticking noise, is this normal or is it wear on the valve guides?
Apart from that she is a blast. The work if required will be done in the winter, but if anyone can give me some pointers, I would be grateful!

[Mick D]

Hi

With regard to the gearbox - ensure you have fully engaged the gear - gentle pressure on the lever is needed, these boxes are a little slow

Live with a little noise - it's 'character'

regards Mick

[Cupoftee]

Hi Mick,
Thanks for the reply.
I will ride and enjoy this magnificent machine.

[Shelby-Right]

Hi , I have a 49 Matchless 500 g80 ,rigid , basically the same , re tappet noise , put it at TDC remove top right hand cover , tappets are supposed to be set at zero , all you need to check is turn the pushrod it should turn without drag or have any up or down clearance , bike looks great .

[56G80S]

Looks lovely, as said, the Burman boxes require time when shifting gear.

I guess it has the correct for date iron head and so the advice is correct re. tappets.

Johnny B

[Iron Head]

May be your ‘tappet’ noise is the click you can get from exhaust cam ‘wander’ from the rotating follower, which I experienced on my G80CS. A couple of shims in the timing chest (which are available) would sort it out.

Iron Head

[Cupoftee]

Great, thanks guys for the advice. I'll check it out.
Another question is, what is the thread on the oil tank that holds the filter?

[SPRIDDLER]

You may be able to pinpoint the source of the noise more accurately if you use a 'listening stick'; something like a foot of broomstick. Put one end against your ear and touch the other on various places around the engine. (Granny....eggs, so forth).

You could use a large'ish screwdriver but make sure you put the handle end to your ear. (Don't rush with yer money folks, I'll be here all day ).

[Cupoftee]

Well after a year of ownership I have done a few things to improve the bike.
Front mudguard needed a repaint, as the previous paint has gone blue!
That was a learning curve.
Still all done now.
Main issue was the ticking noise which ended up being an overtight mag chain. A new one was installed, redone the timing and all lovely and quiet now.
Starting was a big issue, first I had to understand the technique and eliminate human error.
Noticed after checking carb details that she had a rare carb (1 year made) used for sidecar use. I was asked by a carb specialist at a auto jumble twice if I wanted to sell it!
Slide rattled so bad the pilot screw was in till it stopped.
Eventually the carb guy revealed an over sized slide which wouldn't fit in the body.
Back home, I made a tool up to hone the carb to suit, on the lathe I spend the afternoon honing for a slide fit.
That done, cleaned the carb in the ultrasonic cleaner and assembled back on the bike.
Through the technique of starting and first prod and she fired up!
Not to be hoodwinked at my luck, the next day I took her out and again first kick.
When hot, I prodded the lever to find top dead, moved the kick start down a little and to my surprise she fired up.
For a single, she runs very quiet, a bit intoxicating listening to the beautiful sound of geared engine running silky smooth.
A keeper for sure.

[Cupoftee]