Interesting Barn Find Engine

[AKwombat]

I recently bought several Hodaka restoration projects at an estate sale. One of them was a model 94 chassis with a 100 engine loosely bolted into the frame with nothing else hooked up. When I got it home I removed the engine from the frame and cleaned it up some.

The engine number starts with an E. According to the list in the Hodaka book, it is a 100B accessory engine. I removed the ignition cover, clutch cover, and cylinder.

attachment=4]
There is bit of exhaust stain on the piston dome, but I could find no other signs that this engine has ever been used. The outside of the engine is a bit weathered, but everything I could see on the inside looks new, with no signs of use. Kind of a cool find.

[matt glascock]

I'd say. Nice!!

[matt glascock]

I'd say. Nice!!

[dirty_rat]

Are you sure the frame wasn't a Dirt Squirt? That would explain the 100cc engine. Great find.

[taber hodaka]

I could be wrong, but I do not believe Hodaka ever put a E engine in a 100B. -- Clarence

[matt glascock]

The shifter cover is 1 down/4 up. Not an Ace motor. Toaster tank DS?

[Bullfrog]

Seems like what we have here is a "bitsa" (bitsa this and bitsa that . . . in excellent condition . . . woo woo!)
Ed

[AKwombat]

The engine number is E24648. I'm pretty sure the chassis is a 94 Wombat. Black frame w 18/21 wheels. When I am there tomorrow I'll confirm that with the data plate/frame number. When I bought the bike it was not complete. Basically a rough condition rolling frame with the engine about half bolted in. I think a bitsa project, like Ed says. Here are a couple more pics of the engine.

I could seen no signs of any use where the the primary gears contact, everything in the magneto looks new, including the breaker points contact surfaces, and looking down in crankcase when I had the cylinder off also looked new. I drained the transmission oil and it was clean. I realize this is a 50 year old engine, so I am curious what sort of inspections you guys recommend if I'm going to run it? Replace the seals and inspect/clean the carburetor? I had the cylinder and clutch cover off, so some new gaskets of course.
Thanks,
Chris

[AKwombat]

I looked at the data plate on the frame tonight and it is a 1972 Wombat frame, so this engine was not originally in that frame.
Chris

[Dale]

What a great find Chris. I think a nice running Ace 100 motor in a Wombat frame could make a great trailbike. Another option would be to look for a trade with someone. The "E" series motors are very desirable for folks with other brands of motorcycles that used this engine. Especially one in this nice of condition.

[AKwombat]

Thanks for the recommendations Dale. I think I will replace all of the seals, and then put this engine in the Wombat chassis. Should be a fun project.
Chris

[viclioce]

The Ace in a Wombat chassis will function like a 96 Dirt Squirt! I have a Wombat chassis with a Super Rat motor in it! It’s more comfortable for a bigger guy, I’m 192 lbs. now but weighed more 2 years ago, when I bought the bike. You can run 19/17” wheels like a Squirt, or choose to run 21/18” wheels like the Wombat! Victor