Very foolish move. All the indicators you've seen so far on the "workmanship" indicate that you can't trust it. If they couldn't be bothered to change the rear drive sprocket, I can bet you the sludge trap hasn't been taken care of, and it will prove fatal to the engine, because a full sludge trap starves the big ends of oil. You've gone 6/10ths of the way, do the job right and take care of everything. You know better than this. @@DominicChineas
Agreed. Dom you need to do that job, and also check on the big-ends and mains, because this engine has had someone inside who really didn’t know what they were doing or was completely mechanically irresponsible. The job you had getting to the gearbox sprocket was a typical Triumph ‘thing’ - also on the unit-construction BSA singles (C15, B40, B44 etc), same design - and a right pain of a job. When Jon comes to play it’s always good though. Thanks both. Les
It was “rebuilt” very poorly. Nobody would have left that drive sprocket like that. You’re this deep in, please don’t leave a time bomb for yourself. Remember, you have that fuel tank to live up to!
You’ve gone this far Dom, you might as well do the rest. You’ll sleep better for it as you’ll know exactly what’s in there! And it means more videos for us :D
You two did make me laugh, when the first puller come out I thought I’ve got one of those, and as the next few come out I thought well I’ve got all of those, I almost had to go into my workshop to check mine was still there. 🤣🤣🤣 I just love the sound when the last puller done the job and popped off . 🥰🥰🤩🤩🤣🤣
With what you have found so far, the state of that sprocket, one washer out of eight, rounded off valve adjuster nuts etc, wear throughout the top end - It would be foolhardy not to completely split the crankcase to inspect the state of the crank bearings and rod bolts.
Hi Dom. When I watched the first episode of your Triumph Tiger saga, it brought tears to my eyes, serious tears. I warn you and anyone else who reads this comment, it will go on a bit, I'm sure. So, grab your favourite drink, pull up a chair, and read on. You see, back in 1980, I purchased a Triumph Tiger Cub 200. A model identical to your bike only mine came in 4 cardboard boxes, a frame with 2 wheels and the classic noblest tyres I had ever seen, just like yours have, and not forgetting, that iconic tank with the black knee pads. The owner had stripped the bike with intentions to restore it, only he was killed in a tragic, freak accident while working down at the docks 4 years prior. How I got my Tiger Cub. My future wife was working at one of the Bingo halls, and because it was winter, I would go in and wait as it was late and cold and the heater in my Austin 1300 was not working. It was bitterly cold that night. Anyway, I was standing at the bar drinking a coffee and having a chat with the barmaid, as you do. I can't remember exactly how we got on to the subject, but she told me what happened to her husband and that she was selling some of his things. She mentioned the trials bike, which excited me, along with some other things of his, which she had listed in the local paper, the Echo. So, I arranged to pop round and have a look the next day. When I saw what was in his garage, all sorts of thoughts went through my mind. I did my best not to show how excited I felt but inside me, seeing the bike and its potential... oh my god. The sale. I was not yet a mechanic and could see it needed work, but I wanted it, i needed it, and I was going to have it no matter what. I got out my wallet and asked how much for the lot? I purchased several items, including some I didn't really want but I thought, if I offered to buy a job lot, then she would give me a good discount. I already had a price I was willing to pay just for the bike, £20, but whatever the price, the bike was the main prize. Suffice to say, I had no idea if it was even complete, which is why I paid a whopping £25 job lot. That was a lot of money back in 1980. That's how I got my first trail bike. Before I go any further, I do hope you read every comment, even though you may not reply to them. Sometimes, we, as a collective bunch of enthusiasts, have greater knowledge and experience to share. Dom, please, take this advice, I can't stress enough the importance of it. You must strip down the complete engine. There is never a good reason for doing half a job, a cockeyed one at that. One of your viewers has already pointed out a good reason, the most important reason why you should strip that engine down. chrisbland8650 mentioned the crankshaft sludge trap. That's not its official name of course but in this "trap" the belly of the case, there you will find all the bits n bobs that may have fallen into the depths of your engine over the years, when previous owners experienced the same problems you have, only they gave up. You need to ask yourself this question: No, it's not do I feel lucky. What happened to all the washers, nuts, and other parts that went missing? Parts like the odd nuts used to replace missing ones, and where are those three missing washers? What else is missing? These parts could have dropped down then rolled around the inside of the crank case, causing extreme wear n tear to cogs and sprockets, even damage, making a scary amount of shavings that do no end of damage to any moving part covered with oil. Thankfully, there were no missing parts with my Tiger, but like yours, mine had many rounded nuts, stripped threads, damaged piston rings, and generally, worn-out parts. My list was endless and frightening. The advice given to me by a local bike shop was to contact Triumph Direct, which I did by telephone as there was no Internet back then. They put me in touch with a local company in Southampton where I now live. They are nolonger in business, sadly, but back then, they were able to supply me with everything I needed, right down to the last nut and washer which saved me no end of time and money chasing around the country looking for parts. The guy I sold my baby to, my Cub, he and I stayed in touch and still has her. I called him today and mentioned the bike you are building, and he now subscribes to your channel. He said, apart from the usual parts needed during a service and tyres of course, the only parts he had to change were the occasional cables, a pair of shocks, and a HT lead. He changed the clutch 2 yeas ago but other than that, it's as good as the day I rebuilt it. The reason I contacted him was to ask where he buys his parts. The company he uses is called "British Bike Bits." He recons they can supply you with ALL the parts you need. You can order online at britishbikebits.com Now, for some background. I was 19 years old back then and working as a trainee mechanic at the Southampton skill centre. It was a government industrial training centre, an insentive run by the unemployment office to reduce high unemployment. We were paid the standard UB40 rate, which was not much, £27 a week, I think, but I was getting trained to do something I loved doing, working on cars and bikes. In addition to the overalls, safety boots, and tools we got to keep, I was getting a trade. The government also paid for all 6 of my crash course driving lessons, including the 2 hour test, which I passed the first time. There's no point in being a car mechanic if you can't drive, right? I was lucky to go straight into a job at a local Datsun dealership who later became part of the Nissan group. The mechanics gave me the cold shoulder once they learned how I obtained my qualifications. After all, they had all spent 4 years in apprenticeships where as I spent just 6 months! Eventually, they came to accept me, and within a few months, I was part of their pool team playing for Hampshire. The tiger cub. I managed to rebuild my Cub. New pistons with rings, valves ground and reseated. Many holes with stripped threads had to be welded up, re-drilled, and tapped. New clutch plates, complete set of seals for the whole engine, the list went on and on. Thankfully, there was a lathe I had access to at the skill centre where I made all the bolts and any other parts needed for my bike. That saved me some money. I even made customised plates, the ones used in making up the clutch. I also had to make several tools and tools I still have today. I also had help from the welding department whose 3 month course I took directly my car mechanics one ended. I remember my girlfriend, who 2 years later became my wife, added up all the receipts that came to something like £230. Remember, this was 1980 when unemployment was so high, higher than it had ever been, since records started and why? Because... Arther Scargill was fighting to keep the miners in work by stopping the pits from closing down. Margaret Thatcher was prime minister, the first woman ever to hold the position. It was she who was responsible for over 8 million unemployed, but she was also the reason I got a trade. Sweet and sour feelings. Now that I have gone down memory lane and a few rabbit holes, what you can be assured of Dom is this. Once you have rebuilt your bike, and hear it run for the first time providing, (a) you have done a good job, which I'm sure the two of you will, and (b) you have the iconic trials exhaust system, which has a particular sound, nothing like the other Triumph bikes of that period have. The pipe, as you know, fits inside the frame, exiting on the right-hand side. It is a one-piece system with the baffles in the last 8 inches, if i remember. I changed my pipe to a megaphone silencer, which I had to cut the pipe thus removing the original baffles, stupid of me but it gave a bit more power which for a boy racer, was everything. Regrettably, I was given two tickets by the police for disturbing the piece. It was rather loud and beefy sounding. It roared like a lion with that deep growel and made your whole body vibrate. I was just standing near the bike when I reved it up. My wife liked the feeling as the ground rumbled. Like I said, my Tiger Cub 200 was my first trials bike. I sold it in 1994 for £2,800 and got myself a Yamaha TY 250, which was good for my needs at that time, but it was nothing like riding my Cub. Selling my Tiger was a big, big mistake. But the trophies I won got me recognised by a scout for Husqvarna, who offered me sponsorship, a place in their team travelling around Europe. Me, a boy racer who loves speed and is just 20 years old. Amazing times. I can't wait to see your bike finished. I don't know what your intentions are once it is finished, but if you decide to sell, you know who to contact.
Adding my voice to the you Must ! split the cases sludge trap will be full & everything will be worn judging by the state of the top end, put a proper in line filter on when you rebuild it as well
Having gone that far, you might as well strip the bottom half. For sure there will be something wrong in there with all the lack of maintenance the poor bike has had! 😊
It has already been mentioned but the crankshaft sludge trap really should be cleaned out. Your engine seems to have had a tough life !!! Love what you are doing......excellent
I have to agree with all the comments about stripping the bottom end. This bike looks to have done way more than the 20k you mentioned. Also it's a Tiger 90, the 'sporty' version, so it is likely to have led a pretty hard life. I know, I used have one in my youth, a very long time ago! As has been said, it's got a plain timing side main bearing, if it's worn then-no oil pressure! I'm a bike mechanic with over 40 years experience, I made living fixing things where "it will be OK" but wasn't 😢 Anyway, it's a great show and good on you for trying things outside your comfort zone.
@@stevenrowley9481 You need to remember that videos such as this are about clicks, and when the "rebuilt" motor shits itself after a couple of hundred miles, the results of the blow up will get a lot of views! Notice that Henry Cole now has a wannabe Rasta on his crew as well?
Don't bugger about lads , have it down to the bottom , I cut corners on a Goldie once , blew the bloody thing all over the m3 . Never again . Great video 👍🇬🇧
CLEAN it ALL Dom ! It's amazing what you will find, or wish you had found when it siezes up ! ""You know it Makes Sense !"" Besides which I will enjoy seeing you taking it apart and cleaning ALL the Sludge out !
If you've stripped it this far I would definitely take the crank out and clean the sludge trap at least, I can't imagine that its been looked at for a long time and if its blocked (or partially blocked) you will starve the bearings of oil and ruin the crank or worse! Getting the cases apart from where you are now is not that difficult.
Built loads of them engines, you can rebore the barrels&get piston kits to match.youve done the hard bit,I would split the crank cases& check the gearbox aswell,much easier now than engine out again..just keep all parts together.. important to overhaul the oil pump & check the cam wear aswell..Ireplace all gaskets&seals on the way to avoid leaks..an👍
Dom I am three quarters of the way though re building a T100 that doesn't seem to have as hard a live as yours and the Sludge Trap was completely blocked so I can only add my voice to urging you to split the cases. You will need a specialist pullers for the Timing sprocket removal and replacement but they are not that expensive and readily available on line. On Michael Wallers You Tube channel he has done a series on a T100 Otter framed Trials bike which also covers the engine build which is well worth a watch. Good luck
Agree with the majority here Dom, you need to do a complete strip down. Remember your current engine would be way down on power, which your about to restore to factory. This is going to put more pressure on your big ends etc. etc. Do the smart thing 👍
Absolutely brilliant, you two dudes are having a ball. I'm loving these videos, got to give you both a big thank you for making them. I've got a 67 t90 in a container awaiting attention at some point so you've given me a bit of get up and go , maybe 😅
Please check the bottom end and small end bushes. It would be horrible to rebuild the engine and then find that the big ends or main bearings need to be replaced and crankshaft ground. Given the condition of the rest of the motor it would be dangerous to assume that any of the engine is o.k.
You two really are a fantastic team. I could watch episodes of "John & Dom Take On The World!" all day long. Great tv, honestly. Having a friendship as solid as yours is a real gem and something most people miss out on.
John is such a good friend and an absolute HOOT! You guys are quite the comedy team in addition to being absolutely blessed with talent and intestinal fortitude to push on through uncertain tasks.
Hi Dom, Agreeing with the other comments, the state of the other components tell the story. the crankshaft must be stripped and the sludge trap cleaned out. For the engineering repairs needed I suggest you contact Seager Engineering who do all the necessary engineering repairs
Dom you need to check the bottom end of the engine i have made this mistake and it cost as much more to rebuild after the bottom failed. Great to see you and John back in the workshop
Thanks again for a great vid. I totally agree with the 'split the crankcase' consensus. Mad not to.......and we get to come along for the ride. I know that's selfish!😂 Looking for inspiration to get into my '69 BSA Starfire, currently 'resting' in the shed. I think we all need a friend like Honest John! What a legend.
Based on the hackery you found in this engine, I couldn't stop without splitting the case and doing it right Better to spend a couple of bucks now rather than a big pile of bucks later...
Do, as well as cleaning the sludge trap, which is a must do with the state of that engine, you may as well change the crank main bearings as well. The big end shells probably need at least looking at also. Do a proper job fella, you'll have piece of mind👍😎
Amuses me when I think back to how we used to work on these motors... changing the final drive sprocket.. afternoons work... a nuisance that you had to take the sideplate off, but that was just the way it was.....
Sorry to tell you but that crankcase needs parting to get at the bearings to check for run out and clean the sludge trap (as others have said). An engine that poorly maintained will have other faults. (sorry again). Plus you need to check the mating surfaces of the two halves to avoid oily toe caps 😂😂
Hi Dom, big thank you for making my Sunday evenings. Another great episode. I agree with the other comments, you should continue the breakdown of the engine with some many damaged and broken parts found already the oil ways will be full of metal fillings and shards and the crank bearings and maybe journals scored and worn. Looking forward to seeing a full engine rebuild. ❤
You need to completely disassemble and send everything out for steam cleaning. You know there will be a ton of sludge and based on everything you've seen so far you know maintenance was never a priority and I'd wager the bearings are all shot. You're in for a penny, might as well go for the whole pound. Great job as always Dom!
Hi Dom, listen to us old heads… split the cases, clean everything. Rocker box in Wrecclesham near Farnham would be worth a visit for all things Triumph, a very old workshop and shop frozen in the 1960s, a time capsule.
Love the interaction between you two. I think I would since engine tore down to point its at now, I would continue to inspect gears and install new case half gasket if one
Oh the joys of vintage machines! You've come this far you may as well take a dip into the gearbox and get out the sludge that's inevitably built up, I mean look at the state of the rest of the engine, what makes you think the gearbox is any better?
Hi Don, I’m sure you have found him already but if not check out the 5 minutes in the shed channel - Project Triumph Tiger 90 - a great resource for the engine tear down. Enjoying watching you and John as always.
As said before by others you must strip it down further to get at the sludge trap and looking at the rest of the motors components I'd replace the big end shells too after giving the crank a regrind. It's had a hard life by the looks of it like most of these old Triumph motors. If you don't clean out the sludge trap it can cause oil starvation of the big ends.
Love watching you guys especially as I am a Triumph guy, I had a new (in 1971) Triumph Tiger 100ss and now I have a 1979 Triumph Bonneville 750 T140E. Yes I am an old fart rider.
I run a Tiger 100A (Energy Transfer Model) for three years and never had such trouble as you have had you are making a Dogs Bollocks of the re build said with respect
A pushbike bottom bracket puller will pop that off ❤, you have to strip the engine and clean the sludge trap as others have said ,you will regret it if you don't, regards Nigel.
The return of "Saint John", and just the slightest hint of regret in Dom's voice ("I bought a bike that needs a lot of work"). And who hasn't been there. But another fun and entertaining video. Thanks Gents!
Please, as someone before has mentioned. Two words, Sludge Trap. Not checking it could result in a very short lived rebuild, it’s simply not worth leaving, especially due to the wear and previous ham fisted spannering.
Ahh your in this deep. IMHO I think you’d be better off to take it down completely. Whichever way you decide I’ll still be a fan. Thanks for the video and update.
You are 2 thirds to a total strip down and a few more hours (another video or two) will confirm the state of the crank and big ends allowing for an informed decision and more video posts (a selling point for the future) A good clean will ensure that any bits of metal (an old bit of ring and even a washer or two) have gone and no surprises for the bearings and oil galleries. An old engineer told me if you're going to do a job, then do it right and don't cut corners.
Absolutely brilliant! I was watching this and anticipating what you would find next. I even commented about not dropping broken bits of piston ring into the crank case. That bike has clearly had a string of not very careful owners… You had better strip it right down or it will knock like an old donkey engine if the big end bearings are anything like the rest of it.
Whilst you have got this far in the tear-down, and found most screw and bolt-heads in a terrible state, i personally would continue to strip her down and replace all bearings; whilst eye-balling the gearbox. You will regret it if you skip on this, .......trust me. Great videos and the highlight to my week, thanks!
Thanks Dominic; May I say that I admire your welding and also your go get it attitude; plus your good taste in projects! Cheers from a Brit in Rio, Brazil@@DominicChineas
Don, please take the crank out and clean the sludge trap. It is a little tricky to do and a lot of rebuilds miss it out for that reason. Do you think the last rebuilder of your engine did it? Roll the dice 😊. Great videos. Good luck 🤞
Very enjoyable, you have got to strip the bottom end down, if only to clean the sludge trap in the crank, I just bet that's clogged up. If there is no big end play, might just need some new shells, and the debris that is no doubt in the said sludge trap would have scored the big end bearings, best of luck!, cheers Dave
Judging by the state of the engine you have already investigated I would strip the bottom end too. It's probably in the same state as the top end. I'm enjoying these videos immensely
Hi, you must take apart the bottom end. There is a sludge trap in the crank that will definitely need cleaning out looking at the state of the engine also the right hand side timing bush must be in top notch condition if you want oil pressure. Tiger 90s rev like crazy and it WILL go bang if you don't address these two issues properly. Kind regards Mark.
Compared to most British twins of the post war period the Triumph twin is by far the easiest to work on. the Pre Unit's being even easer and it is very simple to make em' go very fast !
You need to strip the crankshaft out because there is a sludge tube inside the crankshaft that's needs cleaning, if you don't the engine WILL sieze up. If you read the manual you would already know this..
Great work from you pair. I love how you and the guys around you support each other and persevere. Nothing worth having comes easy and when you blag the parts and put it back together, it will be that combination of determination and seeking the best you can a hive that will see the Tiger pounce back into life. Great video, thanks as always for sharing the journey. W
Dom and John, Firdt of all thank you for allowing us to watch you refurbish a T90, of which I once owned back in the 70's. The second point I think you should split the bottom end, as the condition of the rest is subject. You can sleep better knowing all has been do correctly. Kind Regards Andrew
I’ve just been rebuild my works 1961 trials Royal Enfield 350 and found the same 60 years of being taken apart by other people 🤦 satisfying getting back together with all the correct parts
Great video and the journey of fun continues. Why stop, go for the bottom end given the mashed up mechanic work encountered so far who knows the is hiding there? Could there be some Babbitt bearings or maybe silicon seals lurking? Thank you. Cheers lads!!!
If I had an engine in a condition like that, I'd be doing a Henry Cole and calling for "Millyard!" Given the condition of the engine I would strip the whole thing down, save a lot of trouble in the long run.
You must carry on and clean the sludge trap as everybody that’s worked on these is telling you. We’ve all seen what happens when you rebuild good on top of bad….bang!
Hi Dom, Great video. Based on what you've found to date ( and my experience of other things mechanical ) if somebody's used a chisel to do up a nut you have a wreck and MUST strip it totally down. You'll regret not doing so ( I know I have in the past ! ). Here's to next Sunday; keep up the good work
We have all done it Dom, I’ll just tidy the bike up, then you find the first bodge, then the next one, and so it goes on, and on. You are not alone. When you have purchased the required parts (usually five times the cost that you paid for the bike) you get it running, you are not completely satisfied, but at some point you have to say enough is enough! Join the club Dom & Jon.
You HAVE to take the crank out, at least to clear the sludge trap out, or it will seize after the rebuild. Might as well put new big ends in it as well.
You can get Torx or Allen head screw kits to replace all the slotted ones. Split the cases & check the crank bearings, otherwise you'll end up having to tear it all down again...
You MUST strip the engine completely to clean the crankshaft sludge trap!!
It’s been rebuilt in the past and that has been removed, I am risking it!
Very foolish move. All the indicators you've seen so far on the "workmanship" indicate that you can't trust it. If they couldn't be bothered to change the rear drive sprocket, I can bet you the sludge trap hasn't been taken care of, and it will prove fatal to the engine, because a full sludge trap starves the big ends of oil. You've gone 6/10ths of the way, do the job right and take care of everything. You know better than this. @@DominicChineas
Agreed. Dom you need to do that job, and also check on the big-ends and mains, because this engine has had someone inside who really didn’t know what they were doing or was completely mechanically irresponsible.
The job you had getting to the gearbox sprocket was a typical Triumph ‘thing’ - also on the unit-construction BSA singles (C15, B40, B44 etc), same design - and a right pain of a job.
When Jon comes to play it’s always good though. Thanks both. Les
I agree clean the sludge trap
Cleaned the trap on my 1961 Thunderbird
It was “rebuilt” very poorly. Nobody would have left that drive sprocket like that.
You’re this deep in, please don’t leave a time bomb for yourself. Remember, you have that fuel tank to live up to!
You’ve gone this far Dom, you might as well do the rest. You’ll sleep better for it as you’ll know exactly what’s in there!
And it means more videos for us :D
You two did make me laugh, when the first puller come out I thought I’ve got one of those, and as the next few come out I thought well I’ve got all of those, I almost had to go into my workshop to check mine was still there. 🤣🤣🤣 I just love the sound when the last puller done the job and popped off . 🥰🥰🤩🤩🤣🤣
With what you have found so far, the state of that sprocket, one washer out of eight, rounded off valve adjuster nuts etc, wear throughout the top end - It would be foolhardy not to completely split the crankcase to inspect the state of the crank bearings and rod bolts.
Hi Dom. When I watched the first episode of your Triumph Tiger saga, it brought tears to my eyes, serious tears. I warn you and anyone else who reads this comment, it will go on a bit, I'm sure. So, grab your favourite drink, pull up a chair, and read on.
You see, back in 1980, I purchased a Triumph Tiger Cub 200. A model identical to your bike only mine came in 4 cardboard boxes, a frame with 2 wheels and the classic noblest tyres I had ever seen, just like yours have, and not forgetting, that iconic tank with the black knee pads.
The owner had stripped the bike with intentions to restore it, only he was killed in a tragic, freak accident while working down at the docks 4 years prior.
How I got my Tiger Cub.
My future wife was working at one of the Bingo halls, and because it was winter, I would go in and wait as it was late and cold and the heater in my Austin 1300 was not working.
It was bitterly cold that night. Anyway, I was standing at the bar drinking a coffee and having a chat with the barmaid, as you do. I can't remember exactly how we got on to the subject, but she told me what happened to her husband and that she was selling some of his things.
She mentioned the trials bike, which excited me, along with some other things of his, which she had listed in the local paper, the Echo. So, I arranged to pop round and have a look the next day.
When I saw what was in his garage, all sorts of thoughts went through my mind. I did my best not to show how excited I felt but inside me, seeing the bike and its potential... oh my god.
The sale.
I was not yet a mechanic and could see it needed work, but I wanted it, i needed it, and I was going to have it no matter what. I got out my wallet and asked how much for the lot?
I purchased several items, including some I didn't really want but I thought, if I offered to buy a job lot, then she would give me a good discount. I already had a price I was willing to pay just for the bike, £20, but whatever the price, the bike was the main prize.
Suffice to say, I had no idea if it was even complete, which is why I paid a whopping £25 job lot. That was a lot of money back in 1980. That's how I got my first trail bike.
Before I go any further, I do hope you read every comment, even though you may not reply to them. Sometimes, we, as a collective bunch of enthusiasts, have greater knowledge and experience to share.
Dom, please, take this advice, I can't stress enough the importance of it. You must strip down the complete engine. There is never a good reason for doing half a job, a cockeyed one at that. One of your viewers has already pointed out a good reason, the most important reason why you should strip that engine down.
chrisbland8650 mentioned the crankshaft sludge trap. That's not its official name of course but in this "trap" the belly of the case, there you will find all the bits n bobs that may have fallen into the depths of your engine over the years, when previous owners experienced the same problems you have, only they gave up.
You need to ask yourself this question: No, it's not do I feel lucky. What happened to all the washers, nuts, and other parts that went missing? Parts like the odd nuts used to replace missing ones, and where are those three missing washers? What else is missing?
These parts could have dropped down then rolled around the inside of the crank case, causing extreme wear n tear to cogs and sprockets, even damage, making a scary amount of shavings that do no end of damage to any moving part covered with oil.
Thankfully, there were no missing parts with my Tiger, but like yours, mine had many rounded nuts, stripped threads, damaged piston rings, and generally, worn-out parts. My list was endless and frightening.
The advice given to me by a local bike shop was to contact Triumph Direct, which I did by telephone as there was no Internet back then. They put me in touch with a local company in Southampton where I now live. They are nolonger in business, sadly, but back then, they were able to supply me with everything I needed, right down to the last nut and washer which saved me no end of time and money chasing around the country looking for parts.
The guy I sold my baby to, my Cub, he and I stayed in touch and still has her. I called him today and mentioned the bike you are building, and he now subscribes to your channel. He said, apart from the usual parts needed during a service and tyres of course, the only parts he had to change were the occasional cables, a pair of shocks, and a HT lead. He changed the clutch 2 yeas ago but other than that, it's as good as the day I rebuilt it.
The reason I contacted him was to ask where he buys his parts. The company he uses is called "British Bike Bits." He recons they can supply you with ALL the parts you need. You can order online at britishbikebits.com
Now, for some background.
I was 19 years old back then and working as a trainee mechanic at the Southampton skill centre. It was a government industrial training centre, an insentive run by the unemployment office to reduce high unemployment.
We were paid the standard UB40 rate, which was not much, £27 a week, I think, but I was getting trained to do something I loved doing, working on cars and bikes.
In addition to the overalls, safety boots, and tools we got to keep, I was getting a trade. The government also paid for all 6 of my crash course driving lessons, including the 2 hour test, which I passed the first time. There's no point in being a car mechanic if you can't drive, right?
I was lucky to go straight into a job at a local Datsun dealership who later became part of the Nissan group. The mechanics gave me the cold shoulder once they learned how I obtained my qualifications. After all, they had all spent 4 years in apprenticeships where as I spent just 6 months! Eventually, they came to accept me, and within a few months, I was part of their pool team playing for Hampshire.
The tiger cub.
I managed to rebuild my Cub. New pistons with rings, valves ground and reseated. Many holes with stripped threads had to be welded up, re-drilled, and tapped. New clutch plates, complete set of seals for the whole engine, the list went on and on. Thankfully, there was a lathe I had access to at the skill centre where I made all the bolts and any other parts needed for my bike. That saved me some money. I even made customised plates, the ones used in making up the clutch. I also had to make several tools and tools I still have today. I also had help from the welding department whose 3 month course I took directly my car mechanics one ended.
I remember my girlfriend, who 2 years later became my wife, added up all the receipts that came to something like £230. Remember, this was 1980 when unemployment was so high, higher than it had ever been, since records started and why? Because...
Arther Scargill was fighting to keep the miners in work by stopping the pits from closing down. Margaret Thatcher was prime minister, the first woman ever to hold the position. It was she who was responsible for over 8 million unemployed, but she was also the reason I got a trade. Sweet and sour feelings.
Now that I have gone down memory lane and a few rabbit holes, what you can be assured of Dom is this. Once you have rebuilt your bike, and hear it run for the first time providing, (a) you have done a good job, which I'm sure the two of you will, and (b) you have the iconic trials exhaust system, which has a particular sound, nothing like the other Triumph bikes of that period have.
The pipe, as you know, fits inside the frame, exiting on the right-hand side. It is a one-piece system with the baffles in the last 8 inches, if i remember. I changed my pipe to a megaphone silencer, which I had to cut the pipe thus removing the original baffles, stupid of me but it gave a bit more power which for a boy racer, was everything.
Regrettably, I was given two tickets by the police for disturbing the piece. It was rather loud and beefy sounding. It roared like a lion with that deep growel and made your whole body vibrate. I was just standing near the bike when I reved it up. My wife liked the feeling as the ground rumbled.
Like I said, my Tiger Cub 200 was my first trials bike. I sold it in 1994 for £2,800 and got myself a Yamaha TY 250, which was good for my needs at that time, but it was nothing like riding my Cub. Selling my Tiger was a big, big mistake. But the trophies I won got me recognised by a scout for Husqvarna, who offered me sponsorship, a place in their team travelling around Europe. Me, a boy racer who loves speed and is just 20 years old. Amazing times.
I can't wait to see your bike finished. I don't know what your intentions are once it is finished, but if you decide to sell, you know who to contact.
Adding my voice to the you Must !
split the cases sludge trap will be full & everything will be worn judging by the state of the top end, put a proper in line filter on when you rebuild it as well
Having gone that far, you might as well strip the bottom half. For sure there will be something wrong in there with all the lack of maintenance the poor bike has had! 😊
It has already been mentioned but the crankshaft sludge trap really should be cleaned out.
Your engine seems to have had a tough life !!!
Love what you are doing......excellent
They dont have a clue! Any Triumph bush type motor will have a VERY short life if its "rebuilt" in this way!
I have to agree with all the comments about stripping the bottom end. This bike looks to have done way more than the 20k you mentioned. Also it's a Tiger 90, the 'sporty' version, so it is likely to have led a pretty hard life. I know, I used have one in my youth, a very long time ago!
As has been said, it's got a plain timing side main bearing, if it's worn then-no oil pressure!
I'm a bike mechanic with over 40 years experience, I made living fixing things where "it will be OK" but wasn't 😢
Anyway, it's a great show and good on you for trying things outside your comfort zone.
@@stevenrowley9481 You need to remember that videos such as this are about clicks, and when the "rebuilt" motor shits itself after a couple of hundred miles, the results of the blow up will get a lot of views! Notice that Henry Cole now has a wannabe Rasta on his crew as well?
Is it really so bad to be entertained by two great mates having a ball? @@humourless682
Not spliting the crankcases is like only defusing half a bomb, the other half is just waiting to blow up!
Don't bugger about lads , have it down to the bottom , I cut corners on a Goldie once , blew the bloody thing all over the m3 . Never again .
Great video 👍🇬🇧
CLEAN it ALL Dom ! It's amazing what you will find, or wish you had found when it siezes up !
""You know it Makes Sense !""
Besides which I will enjoy seeing you taking it apart and cleaning ALL the Sludge out !
You guys light up my Sunday. What a great project. And Dom&John is a great combo. Keep doing this, guys.
Our pleasure!
Same! Look forward to these every Sunday evening.@@DominicChineas
17.40 You will regret not cleaning the slugde trap in the crank and I must say that that is the most wear I have ever seen on a sprocket - WOW!!
"Aren't we having fun John"...
AREN'T We !!!
He's worth it though Dom.
Now, about that new engine....
If you've stripped it this far I would definitely take the crank out and clean the sludge trap at least, I can't imagine that its been looked at for a long time and if its blocked (or partially blocked) you will starve the bearings of oil and ruin the crank or worse! Getting the cases apart from where you are now is not that difficult.
Built loads of them engines, you can rebore the barrels&get piston kits to match.youve done the hard bit,I would split the crank cases& check the gearbox aswell,much easier now than engine out again..just keep all parts together.. important to overhaul the oil pump & check the cam wear aswell..Ireplace all gaskets&seals on the way to avoid leaks..an👍
That gearbox sprocket is criminal.
I'm calling it - you'll regret not going deeper while you're there. Good luck though...
You might be right! We will see!
@@DominicChineasyou're weakening!
I would be opening that bottom end based on the top end condition.
Dom I am three quarters of the way though re building a T100 that doesn't seem to have as hard a live as yours and the Sludge Trap was completely blocked so I can only add my voice to urging you to split the cases. You will need a specialist pullers for the Timing sprocket removal and replacement but they are not that expensive and readily available on line. On Michael Wallers You Tube channel he has done a series on a T100 Otter framed Trials bike which also covers the engine build which is well worth a watch. Good luck
Hello John! Hello Dominic!
Hello Engine😂!!
What a challenge!!
Can't wait next episode!
Oh sorry, Hello Peter!
Ye the sludge trap in the crank&big ends are imperative to be cleaned & checked out so strip the lot& rebuild,peace of mind in the long run.. Ozzy.
Agree with the majority here Dom, you need to do a complete strip down. Remember your current engine would be way down on power, which your about to restore to factory. This is going to put more pressure on your big ends etc. etc. Do the smart thing 👍
Into the valley of death.....admire you sheer bravery and naive adventurous spirit...slight unnerving...onwards!
With the state of the top end and the primary as Chris said you MUST strip the entire engine . Good luck. All tools are available.
Absolutely brilliant, you two dudes are having a ball.
I'm loving these videos, got to give you both a big thank you for making them.
I've got a 67 t90 in a container awaiting attention at some point so you've given me a bit of get up and go , maybe 😅
Please check the bottom end and small end bushes. It would be horrible to rebuild the engine and then find that the big ends or main bearings need to be replaced and crankshaft ground. Given the condition of the rest of the motor it would be dangerous to assume that any of the engine is o.k.
I’ve never seen a final drive sprocket with that much wear!
You two really are a fantastic team. I could watch episodes of "John & Dom Take On The World!" all day long. Great tv, honestly. Having a friendship as solid as yours is a real gem and something most people miss out on.
John is such a good friend and an absolute HOOT! You guys are quite the comedy team in addition to being absolutely blessed with talent and intestinal fortitude to push on through uncertain tasks.
Hi Dom, Agreeing with the other comments, the state of the other components tell the story. the crankshaft must be stripped and the sludge trap cleaned out. For the engineering repairs needed I suggest you contact Seager Engineering who do all the necessary engineering repairs
Dom you need to check the bottom end of the engine i have made this mistake and it cost as much more to rebuild after the bottom failed. Great to see you and John back in the workshop
Thanks again for a great vid. I totally agree with the 'split the crankcase' consensus. Mad not to.......and we get to come along for the ride. I know that's selfish!😂
Looking for inspiration to get into my '69 BSA Starfire, currently 'resting' in the shed.
I think we all need a friend like Honest John! What a legend.
Based on the hackery you found in this engine, I couldn't stop without splitting the case and doing it right Better to spend a couple of bucks now rather than a big pile of bucks later...
Do, as well as cleaning the sludge trap, which is a must do with the state of that engine, you may as well change the crank main bearings as well. The big end shells probably need at least looking at also. Do a proper job fella, you'll have piece of mind👍😎
Amuses me when I think back to how we used to work on these motors... changing the final drive sprocket.. afternoons work... a nuisance that you had to take the sideplate off, but that was just the way it was.....
Sorry to tell you but that crankcase needs parting to get at the bearings to check for run out and clean the sludge trap (as others have said). An engine that poorly maintained will have other faults. (sorry again).
Plus you need to check the mating surfaces of the two halves to avoid oily toe caps 😂😂
With all that work, maybe a rebuilt engine that’s already done is what you need - but where’s the fun in that! Great content as expected.
Hi Dom, big thank you for making my Sunday evenings. Another great episode. I agree with the other comments, you should continue the breakdown of the engine with some many damaged and broken parts found already the oil ways will be full of metal fillings and shards and the crank bearings and maybe journals scored and worn. Looking forward to seeing a full engine rebuild. ❤
You need to completely disassemble and send everything out for steam cleaning. You know there will be a ton of sludge and based on everything you've seen so far you know maintenance was never a priority and I'd wager the bearings are all shot. You're in for a penny, might as well go for the whole pound. Great job as always Dom!
Hi Dom, listen to us old heads… split the cases, clean everything.
Rocker box in Wrecclesham near Farnham would be worth a visit for all things Triumph, a very old workshop and shop frozen in the 1960s, a time capsule.
Love the interaction between you two. I think I would since engine tore down to point its at now, I would continue to inspect gears and install new case half gasket if one
Oh the joys of vintage machines! You've come this far you may as well take a dip into the gearbox and get out the sludge that's inevitably built up, I mean look at the state of the rest of the engine, what makes you think the gearbox is any better?
Hi Don, I’m sure you have found him already but if not check out the 5 minutes in the shed channel - Project Triumph Tiger 90 - a great resource for the engine tear down. Enjoying watching you and John as always.
I know nowt about engines, but having gone that far I would finish the stripdown. Just imagine the broken bits that are waiting to be found 😁😁
I love how this started out as a quick little project and now look it at!
I know! It was never meant to be this big of a job!
Welcome to the Rebuild Shop where much loved but broken treasures are brought back to life... Fab Stuff Dom & John.
The "waves" on the teeth of the drive gear appear to be, mere ripples! Never seen one that bad; had to be
a miracle it was driving the rear wheel!
You have got to pull the engine apart, 🏍️.
Welding the bracing strut to the frame would be advisable. No use in not welding it. Use a remote canister oil filter after the engine is rebuilt.
Don't stop without tearing it all down
As said before by others you must strip it down further to get at the sludge trap and looking at the rest of the motors components I'd replace the big end shells too after giving the crank a regrind. It's had a hard life by the looks of it like most of these old Triumph motors. If you don't clean out the sludge trap it can cause oil starvation of the big ends.
Love watching you guys especially as I am a Triumph guy, I had a new (in 1971) Triumph Tiger 100ss and now I have a 1979 Triumph Bonneville 750 T140E. Yes I am an old fart rider.
When you're in this far, definitely get the bottom end apart and cleaned. In the end, you won't regret that decision
I run a Tiger 100A (Energy Transfer Model) for three years and never had such trouble as you have had you are making a Dogs Bollocks of the re build said with respect
Totally agree, should they be allowed to play with spanners, doubt it
A pushbike bottom bracket puller will pop that off ❤, you have to strip the engine and clean the sludge trap as others have said ,you will regret it if you don't, regards Nigel.
As I think others have said, send for the legend that is Mr Allen Millyard, that would make a great episode/ guest appearance. 👌😎🏍🏍🏍
Loving the strip down and rebuild with Dom and John. Absolute gold!
Thank you!
Very interesting and great to look at. Watching from Germany
vapour blast everything :-) i agree with th total stripdown seems pointless otherwise. great content and just keeps getting better.
The return of "Saint John", and just the slightest hint of regret in Dom's voice ("I bought a bike that needs a lot of work"). And who hasn't been there. But another fun and entertaining video. Thanks Gents!
Hahaha! Saint jon for sure!
Please, as someone before has mentioned.
Two words, Sludge Trap. Not checking it could result in a very short lived rebuild, it’s simply not worth leaving, especially due to the wear and previous ham fisted spannering.
Ahh your in this deep. IMHO I think you’d be better off to take it down completely. Whichever way you decide I’ll still be a fan. Thanks for the video and update.
Thank you I appreciate that
You are 2 thirds to a total strip down and a few more hours (another video or two) will confirm the state of the crank and big ends allowing for an informed decision and more video posts (a selling point for the future) A good clean will ensure that any bits of metal (an old bit of ring and even a washer or two) have gone and no surprises for the bearings and oil galleries. An old engineer told me if you're going to do a job, then do it right and don't cut corners.
U should clean the sludge trap. The only oil filter these old twins had. It runs through the middle of the crank.
sorry Dom couldn't watch all of the episode because of motion sickness need to use a tripod more often thanks for the series
Sorry that’s my dodgy filming!
Entertaining Dom and the clutch is a pain in any old British engine lol
Absolutely brilliant! I was watching this and anticipating what you would find next. I even commented about not dropping broken bits of piston ring into the crank case. That bike has clearly had a string of not very careful owners… You had better strip it right down or it will knock like an old donkey engine if the big end bearings are anything like the rest of it.
Whilst you have got this far in the tear-down, and found most screw and bolt-heads in a terrible state, i personally would continue to strip her down and replace all bearings; whilst eye-balling the gearbox. You will regret it if you skip on this, .......trust me. Great videos and the highlight to my week, thanks!
We have had the gearbox out and replaced bearings there, that’s all next week!
Thanks Dominic; May I say that I admire your welding and also your go get it attitude; plus your good taste in projects! Cheers from a Brit in Rio, Brazil@@DominicChineas
As @chrisbland8650 said - pull the bottom end down and clean the sludge trap. You can't take anything on trust.
Don, please take the crank out and clean the sludge trap. It is a little tricky to do and a lot of rebuilds miss it out for that reason. Do you think the last rebuilder of your engine did it?
Roll the dice 😊.
Great videos. Good luck 🤞
Dom
Yes the last person that rebuilt it did do it, we looked inside the case,
Good to know Dom. looking forward to seeing your progress.
Not sure how you can tell by looking inside the case?
Very enjoyable, you have got to strip the bottom end down, if only to clean the sludge trap in the crank, I just bet that's clogged up. If there is no big end play, might just need some new shells, and the debris that is no doubt in the said sludge trap would have scored the big end bearings, best of luck!, cheers Dave
Loving this series.
Reminds me of my high school auto shop project to get my uncle’s motorcycle running. I hope you have more success than I did!
You can bet the bottom end will need some attention. Go on, do a full rebuild!!
Judging by the state of the engine you have already investigated I would strip the bottom end too. It's probably in the same state as the top end. I'm enjoying these videos immensely
Hi, you must take apart the bottom end. There is a sludge trap in the crank that will definitely need cleaning out looking at the state of the engine also the right hand side timing bush must be in top notch condition if you want oil pressure. Tiger 90s rev like crazy and it WILL go bang if you don't address these two issues properly. Kind regards Mark.
Bold move not to strip that thing completely. Fortune favours the brave 😂
That’s the spirit!
Compared to most British twins of the post war period the Triumph twin is by far the easiest to work on. the Pre Unit's being even easer and it is very simple to make em' go very fast !
Love the laughter ❤ almost more entertaining than the build 😂… almost 🫵🏻
You need to strip the crankshaft out because there is a sludge tube inside the crankshaft that's needs cleaning, if you don't the engine WILL sieze up. If you read the manual you would already know this..
We do know this!
Brilliant!
Thanks so much!
I have an identical clutch screw removal tool! You need to buy a clutch centre puller! I never needed heat with the tool, only a few quid.
Great work from you pair. I love how you and the guys around you support each other and persevere. Nothing worth having comes easy and when you blag the parts and put it back together, it will be that combination of determination and seeking the best you can a hive that will see the Tiger pounce back into life. Great video, thanks as always for sharing the journey. W
Dom and John, Firdt of all thank you for allowing us to watch you refurbish a T90, of which I once owned back in the 70's. The second point I think you should split the bottom end, as the condition of the rest is subject. You can sleep better knowing all has been do correctly. Kind Regards Andrew
I’ve just been rebuild my works 1961 trials Royal Enfield 350 and found the same 60 years of being taken apart by other people 🤦 satisfying getting back together with all the correct parts
Great video and the journey of fun continues. Why stop, go for the bottom end given the mashed up mechanic work encountered so far who knows the is hiding there? Could there be some Babbitt bearings or maybe silicon seals lurking? Thank you. Cheers lads!!!
Thanks for sharing 🇨🇦
If I had an engine in a condition like that, I'd be doing a Henry Cole and calling for "Millyard!"
Given the condition of the engine I would strip the whole thing down, save a lot of trouble in the long run.
You must carry on and clean the sludge trap as everybody that’s worked on these is telling you. We’ve all seen what happens when you rebuild good on top of bad….bang!
Oh boy you guys certainly know how to pick em!
Hi Dom,
Great video.
Based on what you've found to date ( and my experience of other things mechanical ) if somebody's used a chisel to do up a nut you have a wreck and MUST strip it totally down. You'll regret not doing so ( I know I have in the past ! ).
Here's to next Sunday; keep up the good work
agree you must clean sludge trap
The big ends almost certainly need doing too
We have all done it Dom, I’ll just tidy the bike up, then you find the first bodge, then the next one, and so it goes on, and on.
You are not alone.
When you have purchased the required parts (usually five times the cost that you paid for the bike) you get it running, you are not completely satisfied, but at some point you have to say enough is enough!
Join the club Dom & Jon.
Thanks for the video, love the banter.
Try britbits in christchurch for parts & you should do the bottom end really
You HAVE to take the crank out, at least to clear the sludge trap out, or it will seize after the rebuild. Might as well put new big ends in it as well.
You can get Torx or Allen head screw kits to replace all the slotted ones.
Split the cases & check the crank bearings, otherwise you'll end up having to tear it all down again...
Impressed you made the 'In no time a' tool it made that job possible.