AJS & Matchless Owners Club

Hi Folks,

I'm a newbie!

I bought a 31, in good barn find condition, last week.

I have the original log book and hope to get the bike registered on the original number plate.

I can find the frame and gearbox numbers but I can't find the engine number!

I want to see if it matches the log book.

Can someone point me in the right direction?

Thanks

Brian

On my 1960 Model 31 it's on the LH crankcase immediately in front of the barrel.

Same for me

Take a look at this photo, its just to the right of the top end of the exhaust pipe.
http://www.jampot.com/forum/download/file.php?id=6561

Rob C

Thanks guys!

I'll look a bit closer and maybe remove some of the 30 years of grease and grime!

Brian

So, did you find it?

Malc

Hi Malc,

yes I did, thanks for the help.

The good news is that it matches the old log book that I have! So I'm in the process of getting the old number plate reinstated through the club.

I have been advised to keep the bike in one piece until that's sorted.

I'm going to search for a topic that relates to attempting to start a long idle engine........

Thanks again

Brian

Hi Brian

That's good news. With regards to getting it started, I would suggest checking that you have compression (no stuck or damaged valves for example). Check you have sparks. Remove the carburettor and give it a good clean with carb cleaner. Check the jets are clear. Drain the fuel tank if necessary, remove the taps and check the filters. Check the tank doesn't have rusty flakes in it; clean it if it has. Put the tank back together. Check that the clutch is freeing off, and that you can select gears (these aren't essential to getting it started, but it's a good time to check). Drain and replace all oil, including the sump, as it has probably been wet sumping while it's been standing. Try and start it.

Those are the steps I took anyway. Admittedly it didn't start until I had the magneto rebuilt and a new carb fitted, but hey, we got there in the end.

Good luck.

Cheers,

Malcolm