Model 8, valve lifter essential?

Information relating to the Matchless G5 or AJS Model 8 350cc Lightweight
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Phil35p
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Joined: Sat Sep 14, 2019 4:44 pm
Location: Dorset UK

Model 8, valve lifter essential?

Post by Phil35p »

I am restoring a "crate of bits" Model 8 350 and am new to the AJS/Matchless bikes. The cylinder head doesn't have a valve lifter mounting, so presumably it's from an easier to start model (the 250?). Can a 350 be started without decompression? Any advice appreciated, especially as there is one available on a certain auction site at the moment.

happy lockdown :? Phil
cbranni
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Re: Model 8, valve lifter essential?

Post by cbranni »

I very rarely used it on a 350cc lightweight.

Colin
only dead fish go with the flow
Steve S
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Joined: Fri Sep 30, 2016 12:03 pm
Location: Hertfordshire United Kingdom

Re: Model 8, valve lifter essential?

Post by Steve S »

My 1960 Model 8 doesn't have one and I can start her with just a short prod, not difficult at all and I'm no youngster!

Steve S.
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clanger9
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Location: Chester, UK

Re: Model 8, valve lifter essential?

Post by clanger9 »

Make sure you get the CSR/350 style head (with the bigger inlet port).
1989 Moto Morini Dart 350
1993 Ducati 750SS
Phil35p
Posts: 18
Joined: Sat Sep 14, 2019 4:44 pm
Location: Dorset UK

Re: Model 8, valve lifter essential?

Post by Phil35p »

Thanks for the replies everyone, I'll continue with the current head if a lifter isn't normally fitted. I can put a fair bit of weight behind my right leg so starting should be ok. The forum and past technical items are very helpful for rookie engineers like me.
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Peter Morris
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Re: Model 8, valve lifter essential?

Post by Peter Morris »

Valve lifter is fitted to the rocker box, not the head. My old G5, many years ago, had one never bothered with it.
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Martin.S
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Location: Bristol UK

Re: Model 8, valve lifter essential?

Post by Martin.S »

I can put a fair bit of weight behind my right leg so starting should be ok
What about your left leg - are you lighter on that side?
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