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General => General Douglas Discussion => Topic started by: pvn06 on 20 Aug 2020 at 11:32

Title: Douglas 2 3/4hp Models (and EW see post) - Valve Cap Washer Info Req'd Please
Post by: pvn06 on 20 Aug 2020 at 11:32

Hi folks, hope you are all well,
I am currently CNC machining Douglas 2 3/4hp model valve caps - CNC machined and milled from stainless steel billet, then polished . . . (will be listing on our online catalog shortly).

However, my question to anyone out there is - were original valve cap washers solid 'copper' or 'copper and abestos' (what was commonly called Copanda I believe)?  I am just talking to one of my gasket manufacturing companies to have a batch made . . . but thought it worth checking.
I was erring towards the crushable copper/abestos type (although I do not think it is abestos any  more) - I already have similar washers made for the Norton engines . . . but I know they will not be cheap, and it did occur to me that original washers may be solid copper.
If anyone can provide an update it would be greatly appreciated, thx.

ps - I have repro copies of both the Spare Parts list 1912-24 and instruction manual.  The spare parts manual does not mention material at all, but in the Instruction manual, there is reference to them in the section that talks about spares you should carry with you on a ride - it just says 'valve cap copper washers'?

Picture of one of the new 'plain' type valve caps attached, with original cap next to it . .. spot which is the new one!  I have also manufactured spark plug version in both 14mm and 18mm versions.  All dimensions copied from originals, including milled imperial Hex dimension.  As a footnote, I thought the same valve caps were fitted to EW models . . . but having a spare EW head, I found the cap holes are fractionally closer together and even original 2 3/4hp caps seem to 'just' foul (only by the smallest amount).  If demand is there from EW owners, may also make some with fractionally smaller outer OD for EW models.

Best wishes
Paul
www.RacingNorton.co.uk

Title: Re: Douglas 2 3/4hp Models (and EW see post) - Valve Cap Washer Info Req'd Please
Post by: graeme on 21 Aug 2020 at 11:03

Get in touch with Rod Lloyd (Lloydhansa Ltd) on facebook, there's a good chance he will have those crushable washers made up already

Title: Re: Douglas 2 3/4hp Models (and EW see post) - Valve Cap Washer Info Req'd Please
Post by: pvn06 on 21 Aug 2020 at 12:19

Many thanks Graeme. Actually, since posting this yesterday have done some more digging and found the correct size with one of my gasket suppliers . . . so have ordered and waiting for them to arrive.
Thanks for this though and appreciate it.
Paul
www.RacingNorton.co.uk