ES2 Engine rebuild.

storm42 said:
I was yes.

I may name this bike the Torrey Canyon, I am sure there was more oil on me than in the engine. There has been a breather fitted to the plate that covers the pushrods at the top and I didn't fit a pipe to it, so that is an understandable leak, there was a fair bit coming out of the bottom of the pushrod tubes so they need some kind of a tablet, that should calm the leaks down.

Noise testing wasn't without problems, I went without any baffle first and it failed at 108db, I then fitted a Supertrap end with a 50mm hole in it and failed again at 106db I then fitted a end plate with a 40mm hole and it passed but they didn't say what the reading was.

The exhaust sticks out too far where my leg is and this makes the footrest too short and my foot kept slipping off. It went fairly well apart from that, I got to within 4 seconds of the Seeley's time and feel there is more to come. The handling feels better than the Seeley at first impression so if I can get a few more horses from the motor it is good to go.

Actually I need to get it to run again first before I go chasing ponies, in the last session it started to cut out, I pulled in to change the plug for a new one and managed half a lap before I was pushing it back to the pits, I think it is BTH mag related but haven't had time to look yet.

The lack of time is related to running round to get a test on my van, the realisation that the test had run out was due to being asked for my documents by the driving instructor that I had just run into at a roundabout. His student set off and then stopped, I didn't, totally my fault of course but the annoying thing is the DVLA have been taking the money each month for the vans tax whilst the test had run out, they usually send a message saying that the van cannot be taxed because it doesn't have an MOT, they haven't done that this time. It passed with no advisories, but I don't think that will help.
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Blimey Ralph, I’m knackered just reading about it!
I’m amazed you made it to the test day, you know how to pull yer finger out when needed don’t you?!
Sound like it’ll be flying soon…
 
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Interesting and very attractive bike Ralph!
I've always liked the idea of a hotrod ES2. My first motorcycle was a stock 1955 ES2. I traded a riding saddle straight across for it.
Of course I remember that ES2 as smooth and powerful, pretty sure that in reality it was neither!
How is the vibration level on the bike?

Glen
 
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Snotzo said:
Storm42,
Stay with the ES2 and when you get it right you will be able to blow away most of the Manx bikes, depending on your riding ability of course, but start with finding a different crank, a press fit pin is a must.
There are two ES2 machines in Classic racing, one in Oz, owner Geoff Clatworthy, the other in NZ, owner Peter Lodge. Both can blow away the best of the Manx engine jobs. If you search the internet and/or FB you can find information on both.
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It can be all be sorted with a little effort perseverance. One thing at a time.
here are a few photos of my current bike and two current riders Kane Burns and Bob Rosenthal are 45 years different in age. Both win on an ES2. :)
 

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storm42 said:
I really like the idea of getting the ES2 to be in the mix. There are the professionals like Minnovation on the G50's and Molnar on his Manx's that will be untouchable, but they run the Goldstars in the same class and a few of them are well into the rest of the Manx's, plus Steve Linsdell's efforts on the Enfield is another source of hope.

I did ask Geoff about his ES1,2,3 and 4 when he posted a rider report and he was open about what he had done to them, I have PM'd him but as yet he hasn't replied, I guess he is busy just now. I won't be able to match what he is achieving because he runs methanol but the fact his motors stay together is inspirational.

The crank is a Kohl and I did wonder why they had gone to the effort of producing a Manx dimensioned steel crank and then bolting it together. I will be replacing it but unfortunately I don't have the money for that just now. If the engine wants to rev with the cams and headwork then I will sell something and get one made up. Time is the other kicker, the Mallory test day is on the 18th March.

The chassis came with an NRP pipe which I believe was made to a Summerfield design for a Manx, I think I can get it to fit but I would be grateful for your input on the exhaust. The chassis did have a Manx engine in it but it was removed to be kept as a spare and I bought the rest.
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I never saw your PM. You can email me at geoffclatworthyes2@gmail.com if you like.
 
Fast Eddie said:
Blimey Ralph, I’m knackered just reading about it!
I’m amazed you made it to the test day, you know how to pull yer finger out when needed don’t you?!
Sound like it’ll be flying soon…
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It was a close run thing Nigel, plenty of time in the garage.
 
worntorn said:
Interesting and very attractive bike Ralph!
I've always liked the idea of a hotrod ES2. My first motorcycle was a stock 1955 ES2. I traded a riding saddle straight across for it.
Of course I remember that ES2 as smooth and powerful, pretty sure that in reality it was neither!
How is the vibration level on the bike?

Glen
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It is a surprising bike, the vibration wasn't on the radar at first, it is there but not a problem. The bike is light and seems to go quite well.

The stroke is 85.5mm so I guess that helps with the vibes. The dimensions are similar to the BSA Goldstar. I wonder what they are like to ride.
 
When and where is the first race Ralph ?

And how is the final prep and finessing going ?
 
First race is at Mallory in 2 weeks time and the barrel and head are on the bench.

I have skimmed the surfaces in an effort to slow down the oils bid for freedom.
 
Hope it all goes well for you Ralph. My main concern is that the noise testing doesn't allow play.
 
storm42 said:
First race is at Mallory in 2 weeks time and the barrel and head are on the bench.

I have skimmed the surfaces in an effort to slow down the oils bid for freedom.
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Have you tried pliobond glue? It's been recommended on here for head gaskets on 920s
 
Hi Ralph
Ha Ive been building up the Dresda/ P&M Triple for Goodwood. Unfortunately got told Friday that I've " not been invited" Kept chasing for confirmation but never got it!
I will be looking at my dates. BHR Cadwell & CRMC Donnington are the only definates.
 
baz said:
Have you tried pliobond glue? It's been recommended on here for head gaskets on 920s
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I have used it on the 920 and it worked quite well, still not perfect though.

The ES2 doesn't really have a head gasket, the barrel should be lapped to the cylinder, however, this one does not quite contact just there which needs addressing but for now it will have to wait.
 
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Chris said:
Hi Ralph
Ha Ive been building up the Dresda/ P&M Triple for Goodwood. Unfortunately got told Friday that I've " not been invited" Kept chasing for confirmation but never got it!
I will be looking at my dates. BHR Cadwell & CRMC Donnington are the only definates.
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I don't think I will be doing Donnington, it really pissed me off that an international circuit thinks it is ok not to have a tanoy that is clear, Palmer doesn't seem to like bikes.

See you at Cadwell though.
 
For anyone interested in the Classic Senior MGP result, third place finisher was Mike Browne on New Zealander Peter Lodge's ES2 Norton racer, during the course of which he set a new lap record for a single cylinder 500cc machine of 110.312 mph , and the first time in many years since a British pushrod machine returned a podium position result. Congratulations to Peter and his team, and in particular to rider Mike Browne, who prior to this event had never ridden a classic racer.
 
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