Sachs Engine

[Big Jim]

Thanks for the advice and offers of help.

I have found a few sources of spares and my local engineering shop are looking to see if there is a suitable piston  listed in their catalogues.

I will try the home brewed penetrating fluid.


Now let me put my 'grumpy old bugger' hat on.

Decent penetrating fluid seems to have all but disappeared from the market, WD40 is not up to much, Duck Oil seems slightly better, Plus Gas as a liquid seems to be about the best about these days.
The used to be a wonderful brew I used years ago in a green tin, looked like cola and stank to high heaven. It would free anything but don't get it on your hands as you wouldn't get rid of the pong for days. I can't remember its name but you probably can't buy it today anyway. 

rant over

[NickPoll]

If you do need to overhaul the crank, don't spend £650, instead buy a new con rod kit from Germany for €185 (Euros ). That alone will save you a fortune. As well as shimming up the gears, you need to examine the pointer on the selector. These are often worn flat and go unnoticed. Also change the pawl spring and check the square pegs on the layshaft. I have a few Schmitts and three Nobels, so know what I'm talking about. I've been building these motors for customers for over thirty years now. Even if you've freed off a stuck big end, you can be sure there are rust pits on the races, so don't risk running with it. False economy, as it will soon seize up and blow up.     Nick.

[Big Jim]

Thanks Nick,
Of course you are right about  the big end bearings, my brain is more geared to Landrover engines, I wasn't expecting to find roller bearings in there! Who in Germany supplies the con-rods?

Incidentally I have just discovered a file of papers that came with the car that I had carefully hidden away when I acquired it and forgotten about. In it is a Nobel Manual, sadly unreadable due to water damage (not while in my care) a few gaskets and spares price list dated 1965. Along with other bits and bobs that I have yet to go through.

Rather more worryingly there are a few letters from the chap I acquired it from to various suppliers asking about the price and availability of pistons etc. This would suggest that the engine had seized before it was laid up. Oh well never mind.

[Big Al]

Ah, Acetone. Sold openly in the supermarket in France, unless they changed the rules. A land where you are still expected to have some responsibility to look after yourself.

Not heard that mix before. Out of the sprays I still think Wurth Rustoff is brilliant, but it seems trade only. But these things are a bit expensive for whole assemblies. WD40 is not really a penetrating oil. It has its uses but I tend to have the specialist products for specific tasks. Then look for WD40 when there is a deal and buy a load for jobbing with.

Nick is possible Sachs powered, we' re not sure.

[Bob Purton]

He does jump out of gear occasionally so I guess he must be!

[NickPoll]

I'm always in neutral.

[Big Jim]

Went looking for Acetone in Carmarthen today, asked at a couple of chemists. One was able to supply a 50ml bottle for nearly 2 quid and when I asked if they could get it by the gallon looked at me quite worriedly and may have been reaching for the panic button. I have been waiting for a knock on the door from the local plod

Oh well I will try a beauty supplies place in Swansea. Mind you going into such a place in my boiler suit and grease impregnated boots might raise a (nicely plucked and painted) eyebrow or two.

[Rusty Chrome (Malcolm Parker)]

You can still buy by it in sensible quantities on Ebay or Amazon, or, if your local nail salon doesn't sell it - or you're afraid to ask, most places that sell fibre-glass in quantity.

[richard]

How and or why does acetone free a seizure

[Big Jim]

Apparently when mixed 50:50 with ATF it makes a good penetrating oil.

[Big Al]

Went looking for Acetone in Carmarthen today, asked at a couple of chemists. One was able to supply a 50ml bottle for nearly 2 quid and when I asked if they could get it by the gallon looked at me quite worriedly and may have been reaching for the panic button. I have been waiting for a knock on the door from the local plod

Try asking for ether, which is the old way of gluing plexiglass. No one will believe you and will conclude your a 'prevert', to quote Dr Strangelove.

[AndrewG]

If you were a prevert, you wouldn't need ether, since you could use your precious bodily fluids.

[AndyL]

You can get larger quantities of acetone at places that supply resins for glassfibre work. It's used for cleaning tools, brushes etc.

I find http://www.cfsnet.co.uk good

Also ebay is pretty good for all sorts of chemicals difficult to find locally. e.g. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/5-LITRE-ACETONE-5000ML-5L-NAIL-VARNISH-REMOVER-CLEANER-SOLVENT-/191611392432?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item2c9cedd1b0

I use the ATF and acetone mix myself. I find it works well enough, but don't expect miracles. I tend to apply it with a small burette.

[richard]

I knew a small brunette once but found a large red head even handier 

[Big Al]

James Bond used a burette occasionally, didn't he. Or was it James Burette using a small Bond. I get confused. Automatic Fluid with an arsey tone might well move stubborn objects though, even a crank!