andyz

Hi All, I've now half-stripped the engine to find a rusty bore, worn-out small-end and big-end. My biggest problem, however, is removing the primary drive pinion! I've broken 2 3-leg pullers so far and the damned thing still won't come off! Does anyone have the correct tool for this? Help! And, by the way, its definitely from 1979, it was registered in the UK on October 1979. Many thanks, Andrew

Many thanks for your replies! This looks like a great forum! Cheers, Andrew

Hi All, I've just purchased a 1979 Cota 349 as a first foray into the world of classic trials, after years of motocross and enduros. The bike had been laid up for a few years and the owner claimed that it had been completely rebuilt (whatever that means) previous to this. After putting new oils in the primary and gearbox and fresh fuel in the tank, it fired up, second kick, but it seems very rattly! So rattly in fact that its a bit emabarassing riding it in my back garden! The noise seems to be mostly from the top end, possibly piston slap and small end, but its hard to tell. Should this engine be mechanically quiet, or is a bit of rattle normal? If its not normal then could anyone suggest the most common source of rattling on this type of engine. The other area of concern is the lack of any protection of the swinging arm from the top run of the chain. I believe that the rubber tubes which were fitted to these bikes originally are not easy to find, so how does everyone else stop the chain wearing through the swinging arm? With those minor items sorted, I'll then be looking for any classic trials going on in Kent, UK and surrounding areas - suggestions very welcome! Many thanks, Andrew