No idea what the problem is yet but the outer part of the gearbox - the part that drives the belt - seems to have collapsed resulting in no drive.
Driving along this morning with headphones in, it suddenly started slowing down. I removed my headphones to hear a loud grinding noise. I pulled over and removed the wheel expecting it to be a dislodged drive transfer plate on the wheel. Oh, how wrong I was :'(. I pedalled it slowly due to a dodgy freewheel - I have already emailed Karl to check if be has one - and I nursed it to school and was only 5 mins late. (Note to self: must wake up earlier ;)).
Now awaiting recovery in the form of a minibus/estate car taxi.
That's really annoying! Let us know when you find out what's happened!
Can't be bothered to go an diagnose the fault right now - may do later - but here's the obligatory 'on the recovery truck' picture.
(http://i839.photobucket.com/albums/zz311/kamilb1998/Sinclair%20C5/81157450-7FB8-48CE-ADE7-C92B4D170E67-1993-00000307A7D0FC3B.jpg)
Nice looking bike! What batteries do you use in yours?
Hi Kamilb - sorry to hear about your breakdown- I think you do more mileage than anyone else and really test the reliability of the vehicle - so it would be interesting to know what the fault is - if you need any help / parts etc i'm sure between us we can help - Marty
Well, this is quite clearly the component that failed. Now got to find a replacement.
(http://i839.photobucket.com/albums/zz311/kamilb1998/Sinclair%20C5/BC4CC8FE-C033-4890-AEEB-E7414C4FCA4B-1993-00000317DEBD8947.jpg)
Hi Kamilb - due to the mileage you do it maybe worth considering one of Chas's metal ones ?
Quote from: radiomarty on 08, January, 2013 - 17:39:17
Hi Kamilb - due to the mileage you do it maybe worth considering one of Chas's metal ones ?
Yeah, will be dropping him an email.
Your not having much luck with your C5 lately :P :P
Hi it looks like the large bearing failed Check it out ..Also are the two small bearings that go inside the gearbox ok..
Quote from: C5 ENTHUSIAST + RESTORER on 08, January, 2013 - 19:39:45
Hi it looks like the large bearing failed Check it out ..Also are the two small bearings that go inside the gearbox ok..
Yeah, I guess it could have done. It did feel a little slower than usual like something was causing drag.
Did you get my email about the metal gearbox insert?
How will you be commuting to and from school :-\ :-\
Quote from: Luke Salsbury on 08, January, 2013 - 19:47:40
How will you be commuting to and from school :-\ :-\
Will have to get the bus.
More reliable the bus, I would rather use a C5 it would be more fun
Quote from: Luke Salsbury on 08, January, 2013 - 19:51:40
More reliable the bus, I would rather use a C5 it would be more fun
That's why I use the C5. I wouldn't say the bus is more reliable, it broke down a couple of time too in the year that I was on it - the Sinclair has only really broken down once in over a year.
Can you remember what a bus is........ ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
As a car driver since I was 17, some 25 years the only time I get near a bus / coach is on holiday to and from the airport..... ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Lance
I have been out and have removed the large bearing and it looks like it failed - seems to have seized. Those 2 weeks of rest don't seem to have done it any good ;)
Uh hum... bus driver here... ::) Just because I make an about of targeting cyclists and making cars swerve shouldn't give us a bad reputation :o
Quote from: danny7147 on 08, January, 2013 - 20:10:19
Uh hum... bus driver here... ::) Just because I make an about of targeting cyclists and making cars swerve shouldn't give us a bad reputation :o
you left out trying to squash bikers as they squeeze through gaps that are far too small and closing (ahem, not speaking from experience of course... ::)) .. ;D :P
Hi there Kamilb Yes I received your email and I do have a metal gearbox insert but you will also need a new bearing as well check them out on the Chas section And get back to me .
Bye Chas
Quote from: C5 ENTHUSIAST + RESTORER on 08, January, 2013 - 22:04:46
Hi there Kamilb Yes I received your email and I do have a metal gearbox insert but you will also need a new bearing as well check them out on the Chas section And get back to me .
Bye Chas
Chas, I have a spare bearing from when I replaced my gearbox casing & the three little cogs in July. So I would only need the metal gearbox insert unless they require a different bearing?
Hi there Kamil Email sent Thanks I will post the insert as soon as I get your posting details .
Bye Chas
Hi there Kamil posted your gearbox insert this morning 1st class . (You will find it best to fit the large bearing on the insert first then into the gearbox outer case ...all the best Chas
Thanks Chas, I hope it gets here tomorrow. I can't wait to stop commuting by bus - only been 2 days and I've already had enough ;)
Quote from: kamilb1998 on 10, January, 2013 - 19:54:01
Thanks Chas, I hope it gets here tomorrow. I can't wait to stop commuting by bus - only been 2 days and I've already had enough ;)
The axle and motor mount should be with you soon as well so hopefully you'll be back on the road asap ;)
Received all the bits in the post today, will be off to rebuild it this evening and will post progress on here.
Well, I have got it all back together now. Was too dark to take any pictures outside by the time I finished at 9pm so I only have a couple from installing the new gearbox insert.
It also seems to run much quieter now, with this new insert. I have only taken it around the estate as I had to use my phone as a torch to see where I was going. Will take it for a longer run tomorrow and adjust everything to eliminate any untoward noises & squeaks.
(http://i839.photobucket.com/albums/zz311/kamilb1998/Sinclair%20C5/gearobx%20rebuild/IMG_1303_zps023a2a3f.jpg)
(http://i839.photobucket.com/albums/zz311/kamilb1998/Sinclair%20C5/gearobx%20rebuild/IMG_1304_zps083d9670.jpg)
(http://i839.photobucket.com/albums/zz311/kamilb1998/Sinclair%20C5/gearobx%20rebuild/IMG_1305_zpsec7184dc.jpg)
Took it for a run today and didn't break down again. The motor seems to run quieter and the replacement axle and motor mount have also made a big difference - the bearings were really noisy on the old items.
Great news bud :) :)
Great news , glad to hear you are back on the road.
Nice to see you up and running, how is Chas's metal gear as I get a very little vibration (motor not mounted) from mine but once on the c5 it goes.
Lance
Not quite sure what you mean, Lance?
As if there is something not quite central as its been machined from a solid block. I think it is one of the three pins for the three internal gears.
Lance
Still not quite sure what you mean? :-[