Hi All,

Recently I became the proud owner of a Matchless G3L.
The bike is ex-dutch army, it's a mix of parts.
The front and rear frame are of a G3 but the front forks are '41 G3L.
Mudguards also seem to be G3L.
The bike stood still for almost 10 years.
My question is, what would be the correct procedure to start a bike which has been standing still for so long? Are there any things i have to pay attention to before trying to start it?

So far i have:
Drained the oil from the oil tank and sump and put new in it (new oil filter also),
Checked the points,
Cleaned the petrol tank (which was very rusty)
And checked the ignition (has a good spark).

Do i have to top up the oil pump before starting it?

https://goo.gl/photos/ksRHzRHUwpQ2b3Fv7

Thanks,

Niek

email (option): niek.baeckeATtelenet.be

Niek, it would do no harm if you removed the rocker cover and applied some engine oil to valves, etc.. Remove the sump plug just to check there is no oil pooled up down there. Then If you use the kick start to turn the engine over with the spark plug out......for a couple of minutes, that will get oil circulating. Did you check the timing? You will find out if it does not start, or misfires! When engine is running, check return oil flow in the oil tank.....it can take a minute to begin to flow back.....which seems worrying at thevtime! Good luck.

Here's another one for sale not too far from me in S.Devon....

Ebay 161952106498 .....Ian

email (option): ian@wright52.plus.com