Topic: Vintage sidecar rebuild - new video

[HondanutRider]

Look for a short.

[Tintop]

Look for a short.

Could be, but not likely.  The bike did 25+ laps fault free.  3 practice sessions, a rain drenched race, and 2 more practice sessions.   What is frustrating is that it starts again, and runs fine.  Next on the list is to check the charging system, and then go through the wiring harness.  If nothing turns up I'll test the ignition box.  Although I'm not convinced its the problem, as electronic ignitions either work, or they don't. 

[HondanutRider]

Look for a short.

Could be, but not likely.  The bike did 25+ laps fault free.  3 practice sessions, a rain drenched race, and 2 more practice sessions.   What is frustrating is that it starts again, and runs fine.  Next on the list is to check the charging system, and then go through the wiring harness.  If nothing turns up I'll test the ignition box.  Although I'm not convinced its the problem, as electronic ignitions either work, or they don't.

Actually Brian, a short could be something like a live wire coming in contact with the frame whenever hard braking or turning a corner.  Then again, it could just be it touches whenever it chooses.

[scottly]

Brian, with your leading-link front end does heavy braking cause the front end to rise, like the old Sachs bikes?

[Tintop]

Actually Brian, a short could be something like a live wire coming in contact with the frame whenever hard braking or turning a corner.  Then again, it could just be it touches whenever it chooses.

That was the original issue with the P/U plate, the insulation had dried out from heat.  This issue was found when setting the timing before the 1st race, and the P/U wires were re-taped.  I should also point out that it did die in the 1st practice @ the 1st race.  This was under acceleration, and the wires were checked again and it ran great in the next practice, and won the qualifying race.  Ran fine in the next morning's practice, and then died in the 3rd turn in the final while leading from the pole.  

Brian, with your leading-link front end does heavy braking cause the front end to rise, like the old Sachs bikes?

The front end can rise under braking, and under acceleration scottly.  However, this is not noticeable when racing, as the passenger's weight counteracts against it.   It is noticeable when the passenger is kneeling at the very back of the platform, such as when cruising through the pits.  If I gas it in that situation I can just about get the front wheel off the ground.  Which is very disconcerting as it immediately starts to turn left (pivots around the chair wheel).  With the same weight distribution under braking the front end will noticeably rise.  Actually you can get it to pop up just by touching the front brake while pushing it.

[scottly]

IIRC, your Weber manifold mounted the carb at an angle beyond what was recommended in the Haynes book?

[Tintop]

The carb hasn't been an issue from day one.  If mounting angle, or direction was an issue it would have shown up long before now.   If there is a 'carb' issue it will be in the fuel delivery system (pump, filter, lines).  There was enough gas in the tank that it could not have starved; and I have run much lower levels previously without problems.

[johno]

http://sakowskimotors.com/detail.asp?carid=725
Click on this link
All this talk about Bonny this year so I Found a sidecar for you 3 wheeler boys,
$10,000, head off to Bonny and see what happens, no corners to worry about , Bear unless I'm mistaken Tintop would have the wood on you . cos he would fit in the fairing

[Tintop]

 

Not sure I would trust that front end at anything over paddock speed.

[bear]

Thanks for your efforts Johno, but I to must decline.
Alas I have been putting the weight back on.
So your right, if you jammed me in that thing it would take a bloody big can opener to get me out.
Besides, it looks bloody dangerous.

Any luck with your electrical gremlins Brian?

[Tintop]

Think I may have found at least one issue Brian.  One of the coil mounts was cracked (not the 1st time, the vibration kills them ).  When I had it off to replace the mount decided to check the caps & wires.  Caps (NGK) tested OK, so I pulled the wires from the coil to test them.  The coil connector is missing on one .  Must have been like that since I bought the bike.  The ignition is the one thing I've never had apart, and it's been dead reliable until this season.  So new wires and coil connectors being bought / ordered tomorrow.  One suggestion was it was the coil.  However, I'm skeptical, as I don't see how it could go 18 / 20 laps over 3 sessions one day, and then not last 3+ laps the next day.  Then after sitting start and run fine again.  I'm also slowly working my way through the harness checking continuity.   There is a thermal main fuse, so if there is an intermittent short the fuse would blow, and after sitting reset.  All very frustrating, as I figure this has cost me at least 30 points in the class championship.

[Sam Green Racing]

If you guys need a lightweight rider, I'm down to 130lbs.

Sam.

[johno]

Bloody hospital food or Bill's cooking Sam    Maybe I need some to lose a few lbs

[bwaller]

I've got 20lbs for you Sam, actually I'd love to give it to you before Mosport.    Sorry Brian wish I could help with your problem.

[bear]

If you guys need a lightweight rider, I'm down to 130lbs.

Sam.

Your on Sammy!
I'll keep the seat warm for you.

Cheers,
Brian

[Tintop]

If you guys need a lightweight rider, I'm down to 130lbs.

Sam.

I'd swap you in for my passenger Sam, but you'd be a downgrade on the driver side.

[Tintop]

Took a while but found all the bits I needed to replace the Boyer ignition wires.  Biggest issue was finding connectors to fit the coil posts.  Turns out they are the same size as the female connectors that came from Vintage Connections.   Assembled everything, hit the ignition switch, and it fired right up.  I'll re-check the carb sync, and start getting it ready for Mosport.

[bwaller]

Fingers crossed dude.

[Retro Rocket]

Fingers crossed dude.

+1 

[Tintop]

Fingers crossed dude.

+1 

Got a lot done today, just a carb sync to go, and it's ready for the Festival.  But if it lets me down in the final again, I will be adding matches & marshmallows to the tool box.

[Tintop]

Well so much for just a carb sync to go.  

Was suppose to rain this afternoon so I got the yard work done in the AM, and headed into the shop to do the carb sync after lunch.  Got the sync tool & screwdriver ready, ignition on, press to start....nothing.  Try again, nothing.  Hours later, after checking harness continuity again , then isolating the solenoid & starter system to test separately (all good), determine that the switch is bad.  It's a long weekend so it will be Tuesday before I can P/U or order a new one.

Had the matches, good thing I didn't have the marshmallows yet.

[bear]

The joys of sidecar racing.
Better failing in the work shop rather than Mosport mate.
Dud switch from the start do you think?
Engine vibration's a #$%*.
Our switches are on a panel mounted on isolation rubbers, it's reduced switch failures quite a bit but it still happens occasionally.
I don't use a kill switch any more just a wire loop with two spade clips either end.

When do you and Brent line up at Mosport?

Cheers,
Brian

[bwaller]

Hey Brian, I have a couple good toggle switches I bought & never used, and can get one off today. (no holiday here) I'd suggest triggering a relay if you aren't already. Bear is right though, insulate the switch if you can. (I know, I know!  )

PM your address again if that switch interests you.

[Tintop]

Thanks for the offer Brent, but I can get a direct replacement tomorrow.  It will save me having to do any re-wiring.  The switch has a flip down cover that acts as the system kill.  It's a 3 position - off / on / momentary (starter).

For some reason we're not required to have a tether kill Brian, so until they require it this is the simplest set-up.  Although I'm wired to make installing one simple.  I will look at trying isolate it from the vibration, but not until after Mosport.   Lasted 2+ seasons at this point, so one weekend with a new switch should be OK.  The Festival weekend is August 22nd - 24th.

It's been a very frustrating season so far, as we've had the speed to be on the podium at each race.

[Tintop]

Well had to make a decision about going or not to Mosport.  Family ahead of racing.

Weekend following is my late brother's son's wedding.  Just too many details that my sister in-law needs help with getting everything ready at the farm.  Not the end of driving though, as I'll be driving the carriage (1 horse power) bringing the bride.   There is also one more race I can get to at the end of September.