After one month in shop I got my speedster back yesterday. It was clean, no scratches, and every wire ,clamp and bolt appear to be in place. It runs better than ever. I drove it home 35 miles in 91*f very humid weather.It idles well, accelerates smoothly without any flat spots, and when I punched the accelerator at 3000 rpm (about 60mph) it moved out well -very good for a 1914. The oil temp (I have 2 gauges) stayed just below 200*F so I assume that it was previously too lean.
The following was done:
1. New pressure plate-the center of the old one (old style) was broken.
2.Cleaned excessive carbon from #2 and lapped valves.
3.Replaced after market Dist, coil, and wires with .009 with electronic module because of weak spark.
4. Replaced intake and exhaust gaskets.
5. Replaced aftermarket pulley on alternator with an original german one because the center was worn causing metal to metal banging noise.
6.Adj valves, replaced rocker cover gaskets, serviced and adjusted dual Webers.
7.Replaced engine tin to body seal- existing one was deterorating .
8. They spent a lot of time explaining what they did and showing me the defective parts that they replaced.
For WIW they told me to use 30 weight dino oil-They claimed it dissipates the heat better than synthetic and that zinc in oil causes carbon buildup. These two statements could raise a lot of discussion on the forum!
The shop (Freccia brothers in Greenich Conn) has been in business since 1922 and is on its 3rd or 4th generation of family.They were loaded with air-cooled beetles, vans and 2 914s. They said if I am satisfied to write a good review, if not bring it back. Obviously enjoy their work and are easy to talk to.
I am now waiting for the weather to cool down so I can put some miles on.
Joel
