The Diesel Project
 

Almost four years ago, I scored this Lambordini/Kohler diesel from work. 6.5 hp, electric start, less than 3 hrs on the clock.
https://live.staticflickr.com/8765/2...b67e7b53_z.jpg

The plan was to build a cheap to run motorcycle around it to commute to work on and only get fuel maybe once a month. Well, that fell flat for two reasons. One, I don’t commute anymore. Two, I could not for the life of me find a roller with a title.

Well, half of that has been corrected and the project is back on. Picking up this basket case of a Suzuki GS550 tomorrow morning.
https://chicago.craigslist.org/sox/m...147266998.html
Don’t care about the half an engine, but it has most everything else I need, save for a fuel tank. Most importantly, it has a title.:)

A lot of other stuff to do before I get to it but watch this space.:hi:

Best of luck with that, Cheesy! I've kind of got an ear to the ground for another frame like that so I can do one of the Harbor Freight engine conversions with a centrifugal clutch setup. I think the missus may be less than pleased if I bring another project home before I have both of the old Hondas up and running. The CB is close; the engine is back in the frame and runs. I just have to route everything back along the frame spine and button it up. Then go get tires and tubes and a few other odds and sods. In any event, please keep us posted with your build. I'm really looking forward to following your progress!

That right there is what we call in the construction business a project with potential, lots of potential. And potential cost a lot of money. :lmao: It will be interesting that's for sure. :tup: Sub

Cool project. That Suzuki chassis will be more than sturdy enough for that diesel mill.

stupid question...LOL what are the plans for driveline? GO kart/snowmobile style torque converter, harley style gearbox, or just straight centrifugal clutch?

It's been done before. You might get some ideas from this video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OiwXSquU4MI&t=349s

Not a stupid question. First choice is a Harley if I can find a seller that realizes those transmissions are NOT made of gold. Second choice is a torque converter. There are many other bits and bobs I need to scrounge to make this work.

Jerry-Thanks for the video.

Every once in a while I find Harley trannies for less than a few hundred bucks around here Cheese ,how much are you willing to spend on one because I would usually have to grab it quick and ask questions later ?

Appreciate the offer but I am not in a big hurry for a trans right now. Too much other crap to do. I snagged the Suzuki because I subscribe to ‘He who hesitates is lost’ while Mrs. C is “Good things come to those who wait”.

Here are two other videos that are pretty close to what you're planning:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=am1aewTGmcg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V18iYsvY5WM&t=484s

So here’s the haul. Frame w/lower half of engine-trans, fork, two front wheels, one rear, and seat. No tank, lights, gauges, harness, controls, rear brake pedal. A project no matter what.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...d65733e6_z.jpg

Another tranny that might work is a 3 speed box from a Cushman Eagle, Cheesy.
I don't know if it as rated for power and weight of your project.

You might be able to use the Suzuki bottom end, sans crank for your transmission, it'd just be a bit of welding some aluminum, and connecting the engine to the primary. You could try those aluminum brazing rods that I've seen. It might be easier than you think!

That is another possibility. Would probably need a jackshaft but won't know until I dig into it. And I do have a TIG welder.

Depending on the output/primary side, you might have to run a sprocket to a jackshaft to the other side, but that shouldn't be too hard. IMO it'd make it more interesting!