Enfield custom scrambler project

[MIOB]

I know the Enfield factory in India is building (pretty good looking) scramblers at the moment, but this is not a factory scrambler, hence 'custom' in the topic title.

The plan is to built a (sort of period correct) scrambler to have some fun on the back roads and forest trails.

I bought a (very cheap) Indian Enfield in parts.



It was built somewhere in the seventies. During the last ride, roughly 23 years ago, 'something went wrong inside the engine'. The previous owner couldn't tell me any more than that. I guess I'll find out...

It's a 350cc. I know they are slow, but if I want to go fast, I have a pretty fast Airhead, if I want to go far, I have a custom CB750 K2. At least half of the fun will be working on/building the bike, so all in all I don't really care that it is going to be slooooooow.

The bike has a triumph front wheel (bigger drumbrake, nice) and all bearings replaced. Somehow it has done a miraculous 60.000 kilometers:



Which is respectable for an Indian Enfield as far as I've understood from various sources on the internet.




Last night I had a closer look at the engine







And I already located part of the problem, look at the thread:



This is supposed to drive the oil pomp, of which teh axle doesn't look too good either:



The oil pump is stuck. I suspect that debris from other damage to the engine (big end?) is blocking it. I will need to find some English tools so I can open the engine.


General and not so general advise is always welcome!

[orangebear]

what side of the engine is the gear lever ??? if its on the right hand side then its a real endfield.
if its on the left hand side it be a indian one.

if its a old one then the USA tools will fit as it will be imperial sizes like the old uk stuff

[MIOB]

It is on the righthand side, but I am very sure that it's still an Indian Enfield, even the carb says so ;)

[bpeckm]

Oh boy!


Oh boy!


Oh boy!




....here we go again... anything signed "MIOB" is great stuff......

[England-Kev]

Great project, I have one too

best place for spares...

http://www.hitchcocksmotorcycles.com/home

Have fun

[MacNoob]

This looks like fun....

[petefromberkeley]

Originally Posted by orangebear

what side of the engine is the gear lever ??? if its on the right hand side then its a real endfield.
if its on the left hand side it be a indian one.

if its a old one then the USA tools will fit as it will be imperial sizes like the old uk stuff

All Enfields made in India or England are right side shift but they install a left side shift kit for export and sometimes for renting to tourists (unless this has changed witht the fancy new bikes).


P.S. you should see Chanderjeets Enfield Scrambler build thread. It's around here somewhere (and the bike is for sale).

[MIOB]

I've seen his thread, very nice build! I'm planning to make it even less stock

[MIOB]

I knew that opening the engine would yield some nasty surprises. I got one or two more of those than I expected and I only took the cylinder off so far...

Oil pump shaft is shot, I knew that already:



Stator is showing some broken wires, I guess that means it's useless?



Piston isn't looking too happy. Piston rings are stuck... The piston had a vertical play of at least 2 cm's, meaning that at least 1 big end is completely gon, explaining the debris in the oil filter



No head gasket....




I can only hope the krank isn't worn by the big end. Most of the other parts aren't that expensive, but al things combined, it's still a big bill.

The previous owner 'couldn't recall' how he got home 23 years ago after hearing a noise from the engine. I have the very strong suspicion that the bigend gave way, but that he didn't stop. The debris of the bigend blocked the oil pump, resulting in an overheating piston.

[datchew]

Awesome. I absolutely love the teardown of mystery ailments on old bikes more than any other threads on here.

Thx for the show.

[Mista Vern]

I know you are doing this for fun, but instead of fixing the mess you have, can you get a used engine? Even not running chances are there would be less carnage.

[MIOB]

Originally Posted by Mista Vern

I know you are doing this for fun, but instead of fixing the mess you have, can you get a used engine? Even not running chances are there would be less carnage.

The problem is that you never know. I bought this as a non-runner too. Bit I really don't mind working on it.

I found an ebay seller with (incredibly) cheap parts from India. I wonder which, if any of those parts are useable. Examples: stator for 20 quid, piston _ rings, 25-30 quid, piston rings 4 quid, etc.. etc..

[Mista Vern]

I hear ya. Thanks for this very cool thread!

[MIOB]

No worries, I am enjoying myself massively with this thing, despite the setback, so I hope I can share some of that feeling :)

[LasseNC]

A refurbed bottom end might be the better alternative.