Engine

[IgorVigor]

Just been thinking about something...

I have been looking around for an engine for a while (Cornwall isnt very good )

Outside I have a Petter AVA1 diesel.
I think its rated at 4.5bhp @ 1500rpm (I would need to check)
I am just wondering about using this engine for a diesel bike.

If I geared the drive from the engine to the gearbox, at a 1:2 ratio, it would be roughly a 3000rpm equivalent.
Its definately got enough torque to pull it, they use the AVA1 and the water cooled version the AV1 to drive canal boats etc...
Its got a nice big cast flywheel, and I could fiddle with the governer and adjust it, so it only worked as a max RPM lever.

It wouldnt be very fast, but thats not important...

I am thinking you see, about building a modern diesel version of the Trojan Trobike (lovely little old bike )...

I have been planning to build one for a while, whether its a petrol or a diesel, as I can shove it in the boot of the car, on a long journey (visiting relations for example) and then use the bike when I am there

Any thoughts?

P.S. I know the engine is heavy but I am not too worried about that, as lifting into the car can be aided by a length of wood

[Sphere]

I think you will be putting a lot of effort into a project that you will find to come out short of what you were expecting. But that's just when I would be building it. Perhaps you are easy to please

[IgorVigor]

I know what you mean on that...
Thats the only thing I think about...

The problem for me is the cost of suitable engines :S
I havent got much of the paper with the queens head

I look around but even the underpowered diesels cost too much

I might have to just build one with a moped engine and CVT.
That way, I get an engine, gearbox, wheel, rear brake etc, and all definately working together...

And then just keep my eyes open for an engine for a bigger bike.

I have to be honest, apart from the trobike styled bike, I want an off roader, of which I though a smallish diesel (8-15hp) would be brilliant.

[Sphere]

I don't know the specifics of your financial situation, but I bought a NOS Hatz 1B40 from Ebay UK for the same amount some people buy entire cards (~500 euro). To be honest, I think it is even more important if money is tight that you make the right choice the first time instead of spending money on half-breed projects.

[IgorVigor]

I am looking at a max really of £100 for an engine :S

Thats the problem

I have bits of metal ling around and a few old bikes...
Its just the money to buy an engine (And if I sold bits of the bikes, I cant build a complete working bike, so the diesel would be useless :S)

Thats why I was thinking of the AVA1.

Apart from that, I still have the Ford Endura D 1.8 N/A...

[Crazymanneil]

You might find this thread from a while back interesting -

https://www.dieselbikeforum.com/view ... ?f=22&t=71

N

[IgorVigor]

I have read through that thread before.

Its very interesting, would just need to work out getting power to the back wheel...

I really would like a chain drive, as I can adjust the ratio's sooo much easier than a shaft drive.
(Plus they are cheaper, and more common)

Still toying with the idea of mounting the engine/standard gearbox transversely into the frame, weld up the diff, and then simply use one driveshaft with a sprocket welded/fitted on.
Would be fairly wide I know, but if I made sure the chain was on the right hand side of the bike, the front sprocket would be under the engine, so I wouldnt have to worry about width as much (and offset weight)

Thinking of this, I wanted to mention something I have seen with homemade tractors.
Many homemade tractors use a small petrol engine with a car transmission, which they connect together using a chain and sprocket/belt and pulleys.
Similar to connecting a brit gearbox.

Just a thought, as it would allow a small car gearbox, but using a diesel, you could up the gearbox rpm, which will put less torque on the gearbox...

EDIT:
Forgot to add, I also keep my eyes open for a Ford P100 in the scrappy...
Some of them used the Lynx branded 1.8 diesel (which is the same engine as the Endura D) but they were rear wheel drive, so no hassle of welding the diff and the propshaft leaves the correct way...

[IgorVigor]

I was looking on dieselbike.net.

I didnt realise there are sooo many pics of diesel bikes, if you look through.

Found a better pic of Lago's bike, with the 1.9D Citroen diesel.

http://www.dieselbike.net/privateproduction/bx19.jpg

The engine is mounted transversely.

Anyone know what geatbox was used?

Thanks...