What to do with 2 k model engines/cases

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What to do with 2 k model engines/cases

Postby Thekidd1220 » Tue Jan 31, 2023 10:09 pm

Hello all,
I recently acquired two k model cases with some parts to go with them. As seen in the pics one is a shot blasted 52 case in pretty good shape, the other is a 54 case, with some casting broken off, but has some of the guts in it. Came with heads and jugs that are in good shape. There is a frame locally that I could pick up for a song. There is alot missing from the motors, so don't get me wrong, I don't think this will go together in a month. I've built two or three OHC v-twin Jap bikes in my past, but nothing in this rough of shape with so little to start with, and no Harleys. Thinking this could be a good 2-3 year project. My question is: Do I even have enough to start with or are the parts I'll need to source difficult enough to find that this isn't worth it?
I know this is a basic question and there are a lot of variables, but I figure the people here know an impossible task when they see one... then again maybe not :lol:.

Thanks for your comments!
Attachments
kmodel1.jpg
Treasure trove or Trash pile?
kmodel1.jpg (124.72 KiB) Viewed 9816 times
kmodel3.jpg
kmodel3.jpg (123.56 KiB) Viewed 9816 times
kmodel5.jpg
kmodel5.jpg (120.3 KiB) Viewed 9816 times
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Re: What to do with 2 k model engines/cases

Postby panic » Tue Jan 31, 2023 11:14 pm

Not impossible.
Depends on how much you want to do this, and how much money you can devote to it.
As a bike to ride, the KH is far superior, it's actually fast.
[url="http://victorylibrary.com/L-BK.htm"]The Linkert Book[/url]
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Re: What to do with 2 k model engines/cases

Postby Thekidd1220 » Wed Feb 01, 2023 8:48 am

Thanks for the reply Panic.
The KH case has the guts in it, but is in the worst condition. But good to know that's would be the one to build.
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Re: What to do with 2 k model engines/cases

Postby JohnF » Wed Feb 01, 2023 9:40 am

I see a left side case extra to the left of the KH cases. Would you be interested in selling it? If so, please post more photos of it. Most of the parts needed are available depending on time and dollars. A Spare Parts book and early 57 to 61 Service Manual will be a good friend as is this group. If going for a rider verses an original restoration would allow for some wiggle room with dollars required. Thanks, and good luck.
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Re: What to do with 2 k model engines/cases

Postby Redpan » Wed Feb 01, 2023 9:55 am

A good serial number is the best place to start.
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Re: What to do with 2 k model engines/cases

Postby panic » Wed Feb 01, 2023 10:16 am

I don't see it in the pics, but not all 1954 cases have trap doors, much easier to work on. I've heard that the first KH to have a trap door is 54KH2621, but I'm not sure this is accurate.
What carburetor is that? The K would be M-53 with booster venturi, the KH M-53A, A1 with a single large plain venturi. Both are $$$.
I suggest you sort through the cams, great data on this site on identifying cams. They're tough to find, $$$ to make, and nothing else (Sportster, 45) can be used.
[url="http://victorylibrary.com/L-BK.htm"]The Linkert Book[/url]
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Re: What to do with 2 k model engines/cases

Postby Thekidd1220 » Wed Feb 01, 2023 9:28 pm

Thanks all,
I attached a picture of the serial numbers on the cases, I forgot that the 54 is actually the half case, the case with the crank in it doesn't appear to have serial numbers on it (Sketchy). I also attached a picture of the carb. I'll look up the trap door and see if there is one on the case with no serial to begin to figure out what that is. Going to look over everything tonight (first real chance to sit in the garage, drink a beer, and stare at it), so I may be moving this thread over into the parts exchange tomorrow. Appreciate all your input!
Attachments
kmodel8.jpg
Left Side case only
kmodel8.jpg (79.2 KiB) Viewed 9652 times
kmodel7.jpg
shot blasted case
kmodel7.jpg (65.58 KiB) Viewed 9652 times
kmodel9.jpg
carb
kmodel9.jpg (81.76 KiB) Viewed 9652 times
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Re: What to do with 2 k model engines/cases

Postby JohnF » Thu Feb 02, 2023 9:03 am

Hello, I am interested in buying the 54Left side case, mine is cracked pretty bad. Would like to see more photos of the case showing full view of outside and inside. PM me if interested in selling. Thanks, JohnF
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Re: What to do with 2 k model engines/cases

Postby panic » Thu Feb 02, 2023 10:42 am

That's an SU carburetor, probably a 4 bolt flange H6 or HS6 (1-3/4").
How to tell K from KH empty cases: the KH has much deeper connecting rod relief notches under the deck, same with cylinders (K cylinder # ends in -52, KH in -54).
[url="http://victorylibrary.com/L-BK.htm"]The Linkert Book[/url]
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Re: What to do with 2 k model engines/cases

Postby Thekidd1220 » Sat Feb 04, 2023 10:17 am

Thanks again for all the input,
After thinking on it, this is more of a project than I want right now. I'll clean up everything, take some better pictures, and move it over to the parts exchange.
Panic, I tried to compare the rod relief on the bottom side between the known 52 and 54 cases to identify the case without a serial number. Should it obvious by the eye or will I need to take measurements?

Thanks
Justin
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