G3L G3LS head identification
Posted: Wed Aug 09, 2017 8:34 pm
I have just bought a couple of Matchless 350s from a deceased estate (one is a mixture of late '40s, early 50's and the other a mixture of '50s in a 61 chassis but with a 61 engine number) plus a load of spares.
I am wanting a bit of advice regarding identifying some of the spares. Both of the bikes have a valve lifter yet among the spares are 5 rocker boxes which seem the same as the ones on the bikes but none have a valve lifter. Was the valve lifter only fitted on certain years or models.
Cylinder heads. 4 cylinder heads which all match re stud holes, valve and port sizes etc but with one main differance. 2 of the heads are the same as the 2 on the bikes as in the push rod tubes meet the head 3 fins up but on the other 2 heads the push rod tubes meet the head at the mating face.
Any clues as to years for the 2 differant heads? Are they still G3 heads and would these be a straight swap for the others assuming shorter pushrod tubes were used?
Regarding the bike with the late '40s frame. I presume this would have had an iron head and rear mag when built. It now has an alumiium head and front mounted mag. It also has an advance and retard bulge on the timing cover but an advance and retard lever. Bit of a puzzle there until I take the cover off to see if an a/r unit is actually fitted.
I am wanting a bit of advice regarding identifying some of the spares. Both of the bikes have a valve lifter yet among the spares are 5 rocker boxes which seem the same as the ones on the bikes but none have a valve lifter. Was the valve lifter only fitted on certain years or models.
Cylinder heads. 4 cylinder heads which all match re stud holes, valve and port sizes etc but with one main differance. 2 of the heads are the same as the 2 on the bikes as in the push rod tubes meet the head 3 fins up but on the other 2 heads the push rod tubes meet the head at the mating face.
Any clues as to years for the 2 differant heads? Are they still G3 heads and would these be a straight swap for the others assuming shorter pushrod tubes were used?
Regarding the bike with the late '40s frame. I presume this would have had an iron head and rear mag when built. It now has an alumiium head and front mounted mag. It also has an advance and retard bulge on the timing cover but an advance and retard lever. Bit of a puzzle there until I take the cover off to see if an a/r unit is actually fitted.