Adrian Dwyer Posted September 23, 2023 Share Posted September 23, 2023 (edited) Morning all. Is it a known problem with the 3HW gearbox that the kick starter jams when the quadrant fist begins to engage? This has become an issue with the 'elastico' 3HW (see previous post for more detail about the '42 Italian Triumph): a good swinging-kick starting from the fully-upright position of the kick start routinely causes it to lock solid. Should I be gently prodding it to a more horizontal attitude before I apply the downward force of my ever-increasing bulk! Or is the jamming-up symptomatic of a gearbox issue, as yet undiagnosed? The two images show the resting position of the kickstart and the point at which the quadrant just starts to engage (and at which it sometimes jams). Many thanks in anticipation! A Edited September 23, 2023 by Adrian Dwyer add images Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron Posted September 23, 2023 Share Posted September 23, 2023 Probably wear in the quadrant teeth and or pinion (T26) possibly exasperated if there's wear in the bushes. It's not uncommon. Sometimes if the kickstart balks at the top, it can be freed by turning the back wheel a few inches in gear. But it really needs a strip to assess properly. Ron Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adrian Dwyer Posted September 23, 2023 Author Share Posted September 23, 2023 Thanks Ron - just replaced the quadrant, pinion, spring and bushes. It's better than it was but still jams occasionally. I'm thinking my technique is a bit too T150 and not enough 3HW! Is it your experience that you have to me more careful engaging the quadrant on the 1940's box than on Triumph of the 60s and 70s? Thanks again. A Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron Posted September 23, 2023 Share Posted September 23, 2023 I recently rebuilt this gearbox for my WB30 from a box of parts. Apart from bearings, shims, gaskets, nuts and screws, there are no new parts. Every now and then it baulks at the top of its stroke. I've found that usualy pulling in the clutch lever releives it enough to clear. After which when I'm kicking it over, I avoid the lever returning right to the top. I've also been running up my Triumph 5SW the last few days and that jambed on one ocasion. I had to put it in gear and turn the back wheel . Obviously easier if you're ambidextrous enough to operate the valve lifter at the same time. The joys of old clunkers. Ron Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adrian Dwyer Posted September 23, 2023 Author Share Posted September 23, 2023 Ron, Really helpful and what a great pair of bikes! On the basis these are two of the components replaced, I'm thinking I need to be a bit less energetic/optimistic - and master the gentle art of the valve lifter! A Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron Posted September 24, 2023 Share Posted September 24, 2023 (edited) Ha Ha! There's your main problem. Did you buy UK parts or Indian made? Yes always use the valve lifter to get over compression. It's surprises me how many guys and girls I meet who just don't get it🥴 Ron Edited September 24, 2023 by Ron Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adrian Dwyer Posted September 24, 2023 Author Share Posted September 24, 2023 2 hours ago, Ron said: Ha Ha! There's your main problem. Did you buy UK parts or Indian made? Yes always use the valve lifter to get over compression. It's surprises me how many guys and girls I meet who just don't get it🥴 Ron New old stock! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron Posted September 24, 2023 Share Posted September 24, 2023 Good call. The good thing about Triumph's, they kept the same gearbox into the 60's. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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