Martin HeckscherThere is also Propylene Glycol which seems to have the right properties and is non toxic, but it is much more expensive, and difficult to find.
More info here: https://www.performanceoilsltd.co.uk/antifreeze_engine_coolant.html
Martin
Martin HeckscherHi all,
Corrosion in the areas of a Scott engine that we cannot see is already a problem which can only get worse as the years go by. In theory the waterless nature of Evans Coolant should have significant benefits for us due to the absence of future corrosion. However I spoke to the Evans people a few months ago and was told that it was too viscous to circulate in a thermo-siphon cooling system. They did say that you could make it less gloopy by adding water – but I thought that rather cancelled out its key advantage…..
Regarding the red OAT versus blue IAT antifreeze debate, there is an interesting article on the Opie Oils website: https://www.opieoils.co.uk/pdfs/tech-articles/coolant-antifreeze.pdf
It is clearly stated that the red OAT antifreeze should not be used in cooling systems containing yellow metals. I admit to having used red antifreeze for the last few years but I have decided to drain and flush the bikes (red and blue antifreeze should not be mixed), and replace with the traditional blue stuff.
Going back to the corrosion issue, it is worth stressing that blue antifreeze should be changed every two years because the anti corrosion additives cease to be effective, and the anti corrosion aspect is key to the long term survival of the Scott engine. I believe that due to its toxicity, used antifreeze should be flushed down the loo to avoid danger to pets and children.
Best wishes
Martin
Martin HeckscherSurely the two speeders maintained the “SCOTT” stamping in block capitals until the end of production? I have a very late four point fitting two speeder crankcase which has this style of stamping.
Martin
Martin Heckscher“S” does indeed indicate a 486cc Squirrel. I believe that during 1927 the numbers reached 5 figures and they started again, but with an “A” suffix.
Martin
Martin HeckscherHi all,
I think the Newnes “Motor Cycle Repair and Upkeep” booklets were published around 1931-1932. They were sold in 14 weekly parts for one shilling each. Many years ago an elderly friend gave me his 14 volume set and told me that everything I needed to know about vintage motorcycle maintenance was there – and they remain a great source of generally very reliable advice and guidance.
BUT the chapter on Scott engines does need a caveat. Last night I saw Glyn Chambers at our Christmas party and he handed me a note which I promised I would post on the website. It reads:
You need to use a big hammer to knock cranks apart or together – however if you do it as the book shows you stand a very good chance of smashing a c/case cup. Get someone to hold and take the weight on the flywheel as you bash the centre bolt head. When “knocking up”, support the weight on the opposite crank. 3 hard blows are enough.
Merry Christmas!
Martin
Martin HeckscherI switched to Silkolene’s thixotropic grease well over 15 years ago because the Sprint’s gearbox was leaky. It largely prevented the leaks, and when I stripped the box following the crash at Dijon in 2009 everything was in virtually perfect condition. I also use it in my other Scott 3 speed gearboxes.
Martin
Martin HeckscherHi David,
Thanks for putting this on the website. To anyone who hasn’t had a look, it’s well worth a browse.
Martin
Martin HeckscherDear all,
As your Scott contact within Bonhams, may I point out that in addition to the project lots and spares mentioned by Eddie a few days ago, there are three other Scotts in the sale: lot 284 is a c.1928 Flyer, lot 285 is a 1929 Flyer, and lot 286 is a 1926 Super.
The spares will be sold on Saturday 23rd April, the sale commencing at 1pm. The motorcycles will be sold on Sunday 24th April, the sale commencing at 11am. For more details please refer to the website: https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/23600/?department=MOT-CYC A search for “Scott ” will bring up all the Scott items.
Hoping to see lots of old friends at the AGM on Saturday.
Martin
Martin HeckscherHi Dave,
The bidding fell short of the reserve – that’s why it doesn’t show in the results.
Martin
Martin Heckscher[attachment=0]Scott single #3.jpg[/attachment][attachment=1]Scott single #2.jpg[/attachment][attachment=2]Scott single #1.jpg[/attachment]
Hi Eric,
I found these pictures:
Martin HeckscherRegarding Brian’s speculation that the original frame on Glyn’s Sprint Special might have been replaced, I have just spoken to Glyn to get some clarification on this point. The frame (no. 20) is the original fitment.
It is fairly well documented that the single downtube frame as used on Sprint Specials (and subsequently on other models prior to the re-introduction of the duplex frame), has occasionally been known to fail where the downtubes enter the headstock. Glyn tells me that Dennis Howard (the previous owner) had ongoing problems in this area, and that the frame was fractured when Dennis sold the bike to him in the late 1960s. The machine was sold to Glyn in a dismantled state, and in the course of re-assembly the frame was repaired by brazing on a gusset which reinforced the area in question. That was about 45 years ago and the the frame has been 100% ever since.
In case anyone is interested in learning more about this very special machine, here is a sneak preview of part of the text which will appear in Bonhams’ catalogue for the April Stafford sale :
This genuine Sprint Special was despatched on May 20th 1930 to Hallams of
Birmingham. Since 1969 it has been in the ownership of one of the most highly
regarded Scott enthusiasts, a past President of the Scott Owners Club. The Scott
was bought, in a dismantled state and without an engine, from Dennis Howard in
the late 1960s. Dennis had retained the original registration number YX 8764 and
the bike was re-registered SC 6509 which had previously adorned another Scott
in the vendors’ collection. Engine no. DPZ 4106 (596cc) was fitted at that time
and has given exemplary service ever since. The crankcase actually dates from
1935 and is fitted with the correct blind head barrel of a vintage Scott.
Over the 46 years in the current ownership this machine has been used
extensively on the road, for vintage racing (it won the VMCC standard class
championship in 1971), and has regularly been sprinted at such venues as
Colerne, Bovingdon, Cornbury, and North Weald. It is a wonderfully versatile
machine and has been used in the Banbury Run straight after a sprint with no
modifications. In 2008 the Scott sustained significant cosmetic damage when a
car crashed into the trailer on which it was being transported. This resulted in the
fitting of a new radiator, new exhaust pipe and manifold, and repairs and new
paintwork to the tanks and rear mudguard. The oil supply is via the drip feed
system and this has proved totally reliable over the years.
Dave Minton’s roadtest of this Sprint Special was published in the May 1972 issue
of “Motor Cyclist Illustrated”. He wrote: “Why in Heaven’s name men scrabble
around after cammy Velos, Nortons, Broughs and what-have-you, when there is
stuff like this around, eludes me.” A copy of this roadtest is included in the sale
as are a scrapbook with many photographs, the owner’s technical notes, 31 old
tax discs, and about 40 old MoT certificates dating back to 1970.
I do hope this clarifies the situation and I wish everyone a very happy new year.
Martin
Martin HeckscherOldguy is right. Russell Smalley of Chronometric Instrument Services did a superb job on a Chronometric for me earlier this year after very unsatisfactory previous “restorations” on the same instrument by a regular stallholder at autojumbles. He was quick, I thought his price very reasonable, and he gives a guarantee. https://www.chronometrics.co.uk or 07939 165290.
Martin
Martin HeckscherHere is a photo of the Argentinian police machine, and a separate copy of the notes found on the back.
Best wishes to all
Martin
[attachment=0]1932 Buenos Aires police machine spec on back of photo.jpg[/attachment][attachment=1]1932 Buenos Aires police machine.jpg[/attachment]
Martin HeckscherHi Julie,
Having participated each year since its re-introduction, I’d just like to endorse the Kop Hill event over the weekend of the 20th & 21st of September. It is well worth entering, not just for the hillclimb (sadly non competitive), but also for the atmosphere which is really first class. No doubt this is partly because of the historic connections, but it is helped by a huge number of spectators, and there are always some absolutely fabulous motor cars as well as the bikes.
This is an excellent event, all the better for coming as it does, at the end of the summer. As it stands there are entries still available with preference given to pre-war machinery.
Martin
Martin Heckscher[attachment=2]Scott sidecar brochure, late vintage, page 2.jpg[/attachment][attachment=1]Scott sidecar brochure, late vintage, page 3.jpg[/attachment][attachment=0]Scott sidecar brochure, late vintage, page 5.jpg[/attachment]Dear Eric,
I have attached 3 pages from what I believe to be the 1928 Scott sidecar brochure. By this time Scotts had discontinued the earlier triangulated chassis which is illustrated in one of John Underhill’s books. They now offered a lightweight & a heavyweight chassis – the easiest way to tell the difference is the twin tubes at the rear of the heavyweight, whilst the lightweight made do with one. There is no suggestion in the brochure to indicate that either chassis should be fitted to a two speeder or duplex model.
The sidecar designs were similar to earlier versions, but now had revised model numbers. They were manufactured by Haywards who were part of the AJS organisation. Haywards also supplied other manufacturers including Ariel, Norton, Sunbeam etc. In Stephen Mills’ excellent AJS history there are photos of sidecar production and the models are clearly the same as those illustrated in the Scott brochure.
A couple of years a friend in Yorkshire offered me a slightly later Scott sidecar, probably 1930’s, but he didn’t have a chassis. It may or may not still be available.
[attachment=0]Scott sidecar brochure, late vintage, page 5.jpg[/attachment][attachment=1]Scott sidecar brochure, late vintage, page 3.jpg[/attachment][attachment=2]Scott sidecar brochure, late vintage, page 2.jpg[/attachment]
Best wishes
Martin
