CROSSHEADED?

I have been following Frank’s rebuild of the Sunbeam

S8 with amused interest

– and admiration for his perseverance. I think I would have gone out and bought an oxy set by this stage just so I could at least get some pleasure out of cutting it up!

The photograph in the January issue confirmed my suspicions that the first air filter would not go on all the way because it was cross threaded. These filters can be a real nuisance to fit and some of them are determined to cross thread. I find with these large diameter, fine threads it is best to turn them backwards until you feel them seat and then screw them on. I hope this helps, but I may just be trying to tell you how to suck eggs. Either way, don’t throw the old one away!

Paul Elliott

Thanks for this. You are almost entirely correct, too. But not for the reason you suggest -- I’ve fitted lots of elderly threaded bits together down the years and am used to them being, shall we say, a challenge.

In this case, the original filter

I bought had been repaired and the threaded boss wasn’t centred properly. I worked that out and decided to go ahead anyway, but the thread in the boss simply picked up on the carb flange, so it looks cross-threaded, but actually the two threads are not the same.

I bought a new pattern replacement, which is beautifully made and fitted straight on! This is an expensive bike… Frank W

The first photo was taken after 100km run at full throttle for over an hour. Notice that the bike is totally oil-tight? The answer is in the breather mod. And here’s also the full Monty. Electronic Ignition, Kubota Alternator, twin leading shoe. Tres jolie, no?

Phillip White

One hundred kilometres? At full throttle? I think I need a lie-down now… Frank W