Author Topic: Columbus project  (Read 12774 times)

Triumphline

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Columbus project
« on: 13 September, 2011, 11:23:35 am »
With the news that the next National Rally is going to be in Mudgee I have decided to get one or two long term projects under way. I hope to be able to take a couple of engines I have not had out before to the National.
On the weekend I finally dragged my c1903 Columbus vertical out of storage. I have had this engine since 2006 but it has been stored awaiting the time to get to it. The first step is to assess what needs to be done to get it running and then working out if it is possible in the time available. It is in reasonable condition but seized. A lot of the nuts, bolts, studs & some fittings were taken by scrappers years ago but the bones of the engine are good. I was recently loaned many of the bits I need so they are soon off to the foundry for new castings to be made off them.
More as I progress but here are a couple of pics of the Columbus arriving at its new home.
Patrick




Patrick M Livingstone
The Austral Register
Sydney, NSW

Bundy Bear

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Re: Columbus project
« Reply #1 on: 14 September, 2011, 12:24:50 pm »
This will be good to watch, I notice the head is cast but some of the pics we have seen of the horizontal are a turned finish, looking like mild steel.

Lance

Triumphline

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Re: Columbus project
« Reply #2 on: 14 September, 2011, 12:27:40 pm »
I have noticed that the horizontals have quite different heads to the vertical. So far the only parts that the vertical and horizontal share are the fuel pump and carby (although some of the horizontals have a different carby).
Patrick
Patrick M Livingstone
The Austral Register
Sydney, NSW

Triumphline

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Re: Columbus project
« Reply #3 on: 03 December, 2011, 04:46:54 pm »
After a long fight with a very reluctant big end, I have finally removed the cylinder from the Columbus.



The next step is to get the piston out.
Patrick
Patrick M Livingstone
The Austral Register
Sydney, NSW

cobbadog

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Re: Columbus project
« Reply #4 on: 07 December, 2011, 04:03:25 pm »
Step by step Patrick, you will win. Thanks for posting these pics too.
Cheers, John & Dee. Coopernook. NSW.

Triumphline

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Re: Columbus project
« Reply #5 on: 08 December, 2011, 09:54:45 am »
It took 7 tonne in the press but the piston is out. The bore and piston are in excellent condition but now for a surprise and a mystery. There are no rings!
At some point, long ago, the piston has been out, the rings removed, and the piston replaced.
Why? Now that is a mystery...
Patrick
Patrick M Livingstone
The Austral Register
Sydney, NSW

Triumphline

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Re: Columbus project
« Reply #6 on: 10 December, 2011, 10:29:34 pm »
Some pics of the Columbus piston (with missing rings):
It has quite an elaborate oil groove



The cylinder:


Patrick
Patrick M Livingstone
The Austral Register
Sydney, NSW

Triumphline

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Re: Columbus project
« Reply #7 on: 10 January, 2012, 02:13:02 pm »
I am slowly making progress on the Columbus.
Here is a reproduction name plate sitting in place on the cylinder:


This is where the distributor/agents plate would have been attached to the crankcase. Note the original paint colour and the large amount of filler appearing underneath:


The crankcase after a degrease and pressure wash. I was 50/50 on painting the engine or leaving it. Given how much paint showed up after a clean I think I will leave it as is:


Patrick
Patrick M Livingstone
The Austral Register
Sydney, NSW

Triumphline

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Re: Columbus project
« Reply #8 on: 03 March, 2012, 07:30:02 pm »
Some new castings for the Columbus:
Intake valve chest and cap


Ignitor



Crankcase door and handle:


Progress is slow but it is progress.
Patrick
Patrick M Livingstone
The Austral Register
Sydney, NSW

Triumphline

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Re: Columbus project
« Reply #9 on: 02 January, 2014, 11:11:11 pm »
It has been a while but the Columbus is slowly progressing.
Ignitor and intake assembly machined and installed:




New big end bearing:

A much cleverer and better machinist than me has done the hard yard on these parts. Nothing is symetrical or square on the engine so it is a bit of a challenge.
There is still a lot of work to be done but it is slowly coming together.
Patrick
Patrick M Livingstone
The Austral Register
Sydney, NSW

cobbadog

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Re: Columbus project
« Reply #10 on: 03 January, 2014, 02:09:08 pm »
It certainly is looking great so far Patrick. As you say it is a slow but progressing rebuild. I think you have done wonders and will continue to do so. Look forward to the ongoing progress of the project and young Samuels advise for the rebuilder.
Cheers, John & Dee. Coopernook. NSW.

Scott

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Re: Columbus project
« Reply #11 on: 05 January, 2014, 08:24:34 am »
Hello all.
By crikey I have to tip my hat to some of you people.

Cheers Scott

Triumphline

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Re: Columbus project
« Reply #12 on: 01 January, 2015, 10:02:46 pm »
I have finally had a little time to get some work done on the Columbus. I did a rough assembly of the engine this week and put the crank back in. There are still a shims and gaskets to make as well as lots of other little bits but it is starting to look like an engine.
Patrick
Patrick M Livingstone
The Austral Register
Sydney, NSW

Triumphline

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Re: Columbus project
« Reply #13 on: 01 January, 2015, 10:03:23 pm »
A couple more pics :)
Patrick M Livingstone
The Austral Register
Sydney, NSW

cobbadog

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Re: Columbus project
« Reply #14 on: 02 January, 2015, 05:10:40 pm »
WOW, all of Samuels advise is coming together for you. This has been an ongoing project and now it is getting closer to the end. Great work Patrick.
Cheers, John & Dee. Coopernook. NSW.