Electra wave spring

Previously Tony Ripley wrote:

Hi Bryon,

I just smeared a bit of the oil that is used in the primary when I reassembled, working on the theory that that is what it will have eventually anyway.

The only problem I had is that the corners of the pawls are slightly rounded and so do not always get a grip. This is usually only a problem when hot.

Regards

Tony

Hi Tony, Thanks for your assurance that the Electra starter system does work I was begining to have serious doubts after numerous atttempts to fix it. At the start 2 pins were missing from the pawls. I had 2 made and fitted I now find out that locktight was used to fasten the pins I think a small amount has got on to the pawls making them a bit tight and not as free as the original one and that is the problem more work will tell. I have put new pistons in the bike and after running in what is a comfortable cruisimg speed can I expect about 50mph! I also have a Jubilee and the top speed on a slight downhill is 50mph a friend tells me his was good for 70mph when he was a teenager I bought electronic ig; for it but saved it for the Electra which was easy to fit Here in Alberta the Electra is very rare. Thanks again Bryon

Previously peter_holland1 wrote:

Hi Bryon,

On rebuilding my Electra some pawl pins were sheared and missing. I replaced all the pawl pins that ride in the spring slots with spirol pins. These will stay in the pawls. Then, I carefully filed the spring slots to take the (slightly) greater diameter of the spring pins and ensured that all pawls moved together and the same amount when spring plate rotates. The slots do wear.I carefully, and lightly,ground the slightly roundedteeth of the starter sprag on crankshaft. I checked there was clearance between the crankshaft nut face and the stationary centre of the spring carrier. Replaced the broken pawl swinging pin as you did.

So far, it works well cold or hot. Took the precaution of renewing the heavy duty cabling and starter solenoid.I started my first ride at around 50mph max, because it felt right. Now, 500 mile later, 60mph seems a smooth, all day, sort of a riding speed. Because I assembled the clutch with best second hand plates I could lay my hands on, clutch slip has been present from the offset but is improving all the time as the plates reshape themselves to their new neighbours. A lovely little bike.

I had a Navigator 1968 to 1971 and, with the same gearing, that held 60 mph quite happily. The only difference is the Navigator was 5 years old, the Electra is 50 years old.!!

Previously trevor_veale wrote:

Previously bryon_currington wrote:

Almost got an Electra back on the road the last bit of the puzzle is getting the wave spring to throw the 3 pawls out to engage the ratchet on the engine shaft. I know they are easy to start with the kick start but before putting on the chaincase cover I thought i would try to make it work. I have a new wave spring from NOC. Not sure if oil or grease should be put on to make it slip or kept clean to get some grip. The starter motor works OK. Has any one any experiance with this problem! the device looks simple enough maybe to simple to work! Bryon

Hi Bryon

I have just started my electra after 3 kicks it started and once warmed up the electric starter worked fine, like you I completely stripped the spragg clutch cleaned all faces and put in a new wave spring , coating everything with 20/50 as that what I use in the primary case , as the engine was tight it would not move when pressing the starter but after kickstarting and running 2 mile up the road( For its MOT) all was ok .As I am waiting for a reg number from the DVLA all I am doing at present is starting using the electric start and running for a few minutes every day every tine I use the starter it seems to get better,cant wait to be able to use on the road

trevor

Hi Trevor& Peter, Thanks for the imformation I have now got the starter working the new wave spring was also stiff so changed back to the original it spins the engine well but bike is on the lift with the plugs out but the signs are good. Regarding the clutch it was coming in late but not slipping so did a recheck I found the first plain plate to go in had no tangs on the outside which I had missed the first time so it was doing no work at all. I had a spare clutch with the correct plate so that worked out ok. The speeds you mention Peterwill be good enough for me. I should have it licenced in a couple of weeks and look forward to the first club run Regards Bryon