04-05-2020, 03:21 PM
Just out of interest, Ruairidh, how does your breakage record compare with your usage? I have heard that the 1 1/8" crank is the least likely of the Austin designs to crack. Peter Gledhill is running the original 1 1/8" crank in his 1928 chummy, which has been in his hands, and in more or less continuous use, since the early 1950s.
I have broken one 1 5/16" crank, resulting in minor damage to the crankcase, one Speedy crank which destroyed case and block and most associated bits and pieces, and one 3-bearing which I was able to drive the 120 miles home from Swindon thinking I had run a big-end! It was only when I dismantled the engine and the crank fell out in two pieces that I realised what had 'gone'.
I have broken one 1 5/16" crank, resulting in minor damage to the crankcase, one Speedy crank which destroyed case and block and most associated bits and pieces, and one 3-bearing which I was able to drive the 120 miles home from Swindon thinking I had run a big-end! It was only when I dismantled the engine and the crank fell out in two pieces that I realised what had 'gone'.