Old Springer Cleanup

[jerseybigfoot]

Getting the Springer ready for Ashtabula that hasn't run since who knows when. Out comes the engine for some basic TLC. What the heck is this thing. Okay its a Sachs Free Air engine Model SA2-440. For an air cooled engine it's heavy. Maybe a its and old boat anchor. The last Sachs I had in my Scrambler had 15hp and the wrist pin seized and almost cut the piston in half with the connecting rod. So lets Google and find out what a 440-RX is. "Limited production race engine installed in some Alouette and Skiroule racing sled in 1972. 10,000 rpm short stroke 431 cc" This is getting interesting now. Not many around, old, parts almost non existent. Well in that case maybe we should pull the flywheel and clutch and change the crank seals before we melt something. Nice old 102c clutch with some of the lightest flyweights I have seen. The flywheel comes off and what is a Motoplat. Ok lets go Google, Its an electronic ignition and the company went out of business in the 80's. I hope we get spark.
Story to be continued:
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[techfx]

I think my dad's springer has the same or at least a very similar Sachs engine. This should be a good race.

[lewis]

JBF you bringing that machine to Ash this year or will it be ready?

[jerseybigfoot]

The only thing keeping it from racing is engine spark. I tried starting it after I rebuilt the carbs and it had a very weak spark. The coils are mounted to the chassis so I think its just a bad ground. I have a tweaked CCW that will fit the space but it needs a piston (easy repair). I can last resort install a stock G50B.

[6X6]

Mark, I'm believe that motor you've got there is a real screamer. I'm thinking the Sachs 440-RX's HP rating was in the 70's or so? You might be REAL tough to catch in that machine .

Edit: Check this link, Facory rating at 80HP, Hmmm, Sounds quick. http://www.6x6world.com/images/natva...es-1975-11.jpg

[jerseybigfoot]

Thank you Johnny2-stroke. And the t-20 is still in one piece. Once this thing is fired up life will even more interesting. Whats sweet is the old girl was stored well in her retirement.

[techfx]

That's an interesting pamphlet - must be where my Uncle got the engine for Dad's springer, My dad said motion development was the company that built/helped to build his.

[jpswift1]

And I didn't know that Fischer sold Hustlers. That explains why I've seen a decent number of them between mid Ohio, up through PA, and Western NY.

That's amazing that a 440 free air motor from back then could make that kind of horsepower. I guess the rumors I've heard about these springers reaching over 70mph is true. Looks like we'll find out next month!

[trebmaster]

Is that sach's motor a rotery or piston?

[jerseybigfoot]

Is that sach's motor a rotery or piston?

Its a piston motor with large cooling fins and no fan or shrouds.

[Mike]

Man, those fins are HUGE!

[George]

All I can say is...."Yikes!"

[Joe M]

JBF, who you going to race? Is anyone else bringing an old time springer?

You still bringing the 340 Scrambler?

[techfx]

My dad's bringing this one - same engine as far as I can tell.

[jerseybigfoot]

Thanks Techfx. Very cool! Saw the vid before, didn't look that close at the engine. I like the engine in back of the driver better. I think from a handling point of view putting the weight more to the middle of the machine would be better. Then again these springers have less suspension then a 1961 Corvair. Any reason for the chevron tires in the front?