A lot of 16H questions

Submitted by mikael_ridderstad on Tue, 21/06/2016
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I have just started to use my 16H. She has a renovation by the previous owner some 15 years ago and she is now in civilian trim.

Is 45mph a normal cruising speed (with bearable vibrations)? Top speed about 55, but can probably be a little more with a change main jet from 160 to standard size 170.

What grease is to be used for valve guides?

Are there any grease guns obtainable for all those grease points on her? I tried the cloth trick without success. If not, what thread is it on the nipples?

What is normal fuel consumption? She seems to be rather thirsty.

Could any improvement be made to the so called front brake? Linings and drum look good and dry but engine braking is a more efficient way to reduce speed.

She usually starts on first kick cold, but I haven't figured out the right procedure when warm. Any hints?

Is Ammeter needle fast vibrating a bit normal? As far as I can remember from other Nortons I have had, it is.

Is some false neutrals normal for dolls head gearboxes? I think that when I get more used to the bike I will learn to use the gear lever properly.

I've tried to get answers in earlier posts but it's not easy to find. Sorry for all misspellings.

Mike

Submitted by david_cooper on Tue, 21/06/2016

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My 16H is quicker than that. It seems reasonably happy at 55 or maybe 60 with earplugs (best tuning aid of all...). It was very sluggish when I first ran it - the ignition timing was set at the smaller figure (I think the WD manual has less advance than prewar recommendations). Another 1/16inch or thereabouts made a bit difference to mine.Fuel consumption is not good! I reckon my Dommie is better. I seem to be getting about 50mpg (perhaps less) but the measurements are crude and have not gone on for long. I understand the WD bikes were lower geared than civilian ones (those without side cars). Maybe that's your problem?My brakes are excellent (well - perfectly adequate). So I am not looking forward to the day when the asbestos linings give way to modern rubbish. Maybe I should take the rear ones out now and put new ones in - so I can put something good on the front when the time comes!The Dolls Head works distinctly better when it has plenty of oil inside. Careful rod adjustment seems to be important.When warm I usually drop the air slide a bit to get a bit more fuel in to replace any that has dried out. I don't want a broken ankle but I don't retard it too far.I'm sure others will have more to say. Especially (perhaps) on fuel consumption? If the working man in the late 30's bought a side valve because it was £5 less than an ES2, maybe he was not taking better fuel economy from OHV into account? Perhaps someone who has both can elaborate for us?With grease nipples - I took out the originals one by one and put new bobble-headed ones in so I could use a clip on grease gun. Now the original ones are all OK although I have about three different jumble sale push type guns because some are so inaccessible. Just ordinary Lithium grease is what I use.RegardsDavid

Submitted by dave_graham1 on Tue, 21/06/2016

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That seems quick for cruising speed David, mine is happy about 45-50mph and I'm often 2 up. It will go faster solo but I feel I'm revving to guts out of it as it's low geared. I too have increased the advance on the timing from 7/8" to 1/2". The Dollshead box has a long travel on the lever and from 3rd to 4th I notice if I push the lever down until I feel resistance and stop, I'll miss a gear. It needs to go an extra push more (if that makes sense). Starting, I fully retard the ignition, tickle the carb until I see fuel as it does like a lot of fuel to star even when hot. Turn the engine round to compression and with the decompressor, take it over. Then give it a firm kick. When you hear it start, advance the lever. I've just worked out my fuel consumption and it's 44mph but that was 2 up around country roads in Normandy. With the grease, I use ordinary high melting point grease and hold the end of the gun as hard as I can on the nipples. Yes grease comes out everywhere but it works as I can see the grease squeaze out the ends of the fork spindles. The valves I fill with grease in the springs and on the valve stem with a screwdriver, as well as a bit on the nipples. I don't want to get too much into the valve guide and into the valve seats. Hope some of this is useful Smile


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