Engine blown - Cylinder spigot fractured

[RichardL]

Markus,

We are both daydreaming, you just happen to be doing it with actual knowledge. In my daydream the castings would be totally servicable and half the cost. I have great memories of going to TJ with wood patterns in hand and standing there on the foundry's dirt floor while the sand was packed to make the molds. The furnace was about the size of a  5-gallon bucket and the aluminum pour happened right then. A never before seen sample frame for a new 18" woofer would pop out and it was pretty exiciting knowing that a couple thousand more would come from the results of that day. I wonder if it is still like that down there. Probably not.

Oh, were we talking about motorcycles? I almost forgot. End daydream.

Richard L.

[Topdad]

Hi Richard, I know exactly what you mean by exciting ,I witnessed a pour when I visited the foundry where my my brother was the metallurgist ,they made industrial water pumps and the "christmas tree valve  "that fit on top of oil and gas platforms . For this small pour a bucket was dropped by a gantry grane down a steel rope and was caught by to guys with bloody big tongs who filled the moulds ,5 of 'em, and back it went to the furnace,took seconds ,scared the living bejepers out of me!! Really professionally done . However the guys there who I thought were the most important were the patern makers ,I watched them make up the moulds using sand and resin,very intricate and skillful,particularly for the pump internals. I was surprised to find out they were the lowest paid of the skilled workers there ! But I'm certain they could have made moulds for anything on our bikes with there eye's closed. I have tried to get my brother interested in bike bits but now He's retired I can't stir him, He just works 1 day a month for a foundry  in Bolton as they can't justify or afford to pay for one full time ,mind you what he charges for a day would make your eye's water!! Who mentioned bsa a10's.

[Gavin]

Hi Duncan, sorry to get to this so late in the event... nasty stuff... But unless you have found considerable evidence of the "missing" bottom of the barrel, I would  remain convinced that it has been rather savagely circumcised in an earlier life, and am amazed that you were able to get as much life as you did out of the old girl. My A10 was resleeved, and runs like a dream. Sadly I be thinking yours be cactus now mate. Treat it like some do sharks.... sell the fins, and toss the rest !!!

[RichardL]

Duncan,

Obviously, your unfortunate event is this week's hot topic. Very sorry it turned out that way. I think most of us would love to be there digging in to share the work and help fix it if we could. One thing that's been puzzling me, did you find pieces of the spigot yet?

Richard L.

[Duncan R]

Hi Gavin,Richard

I have not parted the cases yet -I retrieved a few bits out of the cases. I won't be  able to start it for another week yet. I will let you know what I find.

Once again thanks to all on the forum for the info and support

[MG]

The barrels could still be saved with a new, stepped liner of decent material quality (nodular iron GGG40 or 50), with a good press fit in the bore and blended into the bottom flange with a nice, smooth radius by brazing (or even TIG welding using nickel-based filler rods).
Just a thought, no guarantee or liability taken  

[trevinoz]

Markus,
                 I agree, as I said earlier, I have seen it done.

 Trev.

[Duncan R]

I contacted  an engineering firm in Derby who spcecialise in recovering cast iron parts, phot of the damage was requested. A nice guy took the trouble to phone me and explain the procedure, he estimated £500 though.

A plan is afoot due to the genourosity of a forum member involving a long term loan of some cylinders, this might involve some +80 Wisecos from Cake Street Classics.

I will keep you informed

[RichardL]

I didn't know that gold would bond with cast iron.

[WozzA]

probaly not what your looking for.. BUT there is a set of A7 pots on Aussy eBay going cheap..  http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/BSA-A-7-BARRELLS-/300630178063?pt=AU_Motorcycle_Parts_Accessories&hash=item45fef4790f

[olev]

Gday,
Here's a set in NZ.
He reckons they are A7 but with 8 fins & a fat flange its either rare as rocking horse shit or an A10.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/parts-for-sale/exhaust/auction-428535215.htm

cheers

[bsa-bill]

Best ask for a bore measurement.
Please somebody buy them before they fall of those steps

[Duncan R]

I didn't know that gold would bond with cast iron.

That included the relining and bored and honed to size - SRM quoted £350 for the reline, so it seems £150 for the actual repair of the flange. not too bad? I don't know

[kiwipom]

hi guys/Bsa Bill, just bought that set on Trade-me here in nz, i had seen it before but dissmised it as it said that it was A7, dont know what i`ve bought but will pick it up when i am next in Nelson. I have 2 others anyway but you never know when you may need another. Trouble with these items is posting overseas, i got one from u.s.a. some years ago but it got damaged by the post(it was not packed properly)anyway got a replacement that survived the trip,more luck than anything else as the packaging was crap. I got the finns on the broken one welded back on so it is now just a spare, it will be good for sometime in the future when they are just not available anymore,cheers,Bob

[olev]

Bob,
The barrels in the picture are definitely off an A10. (8 fins - the A7s only have 7 fins)
I'd print a copy of the ad while you still can, in case he trys to swap them for another set.
You know what those kiwis are like.
cheers