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Matchless G3L User Manual

Matchless G3L
94 pages
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MAINTENANCE
MANUAL
AND
INSTRUCTION
BOOK
1955
350 c.c. and 500 c.c.
for
MATCHLESS
SPRING FRAME AND RIGID
SINGLE CYLINDER MODELS
PRICE 2/6 NETT
MATCHLESS
M O T O R C Y C L E S
PROPRIETORS : ASSOCIATED MOTOR CYCLES LIMITED
PLUMSTEAD LONDON S.E.18

Table of Contents

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Matchless G3L Specifications

General IconGeneral
Displacement348 cc
Transmission4-speed manual
Front SuspensionTelescopic forks
Rear SuspensionRigid
Front BrakeDrum
Rear BrakeDrum
Wheelbase54 inches
Engine TypeSingle-cylinder, four-stroke
Frame TypeSteel tubular

Summary

Introduction

Safety on the Road

Guidelines and warnings for safe motorcycle operation and road conduct.

Data Specifications

Capacities

Specifications for fluid capacities of various motorcycle components.

Carburetter Settings

Technical details for carburetter jet, needle, and air intake configurations.

Compression Ratios

Normal and high compression ratios for different engine models.

Gear Box Ratios

Ratios for different gears in touring and competition models.

Ignition and Lighting Data

Specifications for magneto type, point gap, and bulb voltages/wattages.

Oversize Parts and Pistons

Details on available oversize pistons, rings, and standard piston dimensions.

Sparking Plug and Valve Timing

Specifications for spark plug type, gap, and valve timing procedures.

Weight and Wheel Bearings

Vehicle weights and specifications for wheel bearing end play.

Controls Operation

Handlebar Control Levers and Switches

Operation of clutch, brakes, throttle, lighting, horn, and dipping controls on handlebars.

Foot Pedals and Indicators

Function of gear change, brake pedals, kick-starter, and dashboard indicators like ammeter.

Fuel, Oil, and Rider Access Points

Location and purpose of fuel/oil caps, footrests, and gear box filler cap.

Driving Procedures

Fuel Supply and Starting

Instructions on fuel supply, starting the engine from cold, and initial warm-up.

Stopping and Road Operation

Guidance on stopping the engine and general procedures for riding on the road.

Running-In Procedure

Recommendations for breaking in a new motorcycle to ensure longevity and performance.

Important Precautions

Critical safety advice regarding engine warm-up and seizure prevention.

Driving Notes

Gear Shifting and Clutch Use

Proper techniques for changing gears and operating the clutch for smooth riding.

Braking and General Riding Tips

Advice on braking application, avoiding clutch slip, and general riding practices.

Checking Oil Circulation

Oil Flow Observation

How to visually confirm engine oil circulation status before operation.

Lubrication Guide

Recommended Lubricants

Lists specific oils and greases for engine, gearbox, hubs, forks, and chains.

Engine Lubrication System

Explanation of the dry sump system, oil pump, and circulation paths.

Oil Circulation Paths

Detailed description of how oil is distributed throughout the engine.

Oil Tank and Filters

Information on the oil supply tank and its filtration components.

Oil Filter Maintenance

Procedures for removing and cleaning felt and metal oil filters.

Oil Feed Adjustment and Points

How to adjust oil feed to valve stems and common lubrication issues.

Gear Box and Component Lubrication

Hub, Chain, and Brake Expander Lubrication

Lubrication of hubs, chains, and brake expander bushes.

Brake Drum Bearing Lubrication

Specific lubrication advice for brake drum bearings on spring frame models.

Cable, Lever, Brake, and Steering Head Lubrication

Lubrication for control cables, levers, brake rods, pedals, and steering head bearings.

Speedometer and Stand Lubrication

Lubrication points for the speedometer drive and stand fixing bolts.

Lubrication Chart

Lubrication Points Diagram

Diagram and list indicating all lubrication points on the motorcycle.

Maintenance Schedule

Periodical Maintenance Overview

Recommended maintenance tasks at daily, weekly, and 500-mile intervals.

Scheduled Maintenance Intervals

Tasks required at 500-mile service intervals for oil, gearbox, and chaincase.

1,000 Mile Maintenance

Service tasks for 1,000 miles: oil change, gearbox oil addition, chain lubrication.

3,000 and 5,000 Mile Maintenance

Maintenance tasks for 3,000 and 5,000 miles: chains, brakes, carburettor.

10,000 Mile Service

Major service requirements for magneto, dynamo, and air filter at 10,000 miles.

Free Service Scheme

Inspection and Service Details

Outline of checks and adjustments included in the free initial service.

Engine Service Procedures

Accessing Engine Components

Procedure for removing the petrol tank to gain access for engine service.

Petrol Tank and Rocker Box Service

Steps for removing and refitting the petrol tank and rocker box assembly.

Decarbonisation Process

Cylinder Head and Valve Servicing

Procedures for removing cylinder head and servicing valves.

Valve Guide and Replacement

Instructions for removing, replacing, and adjusting valve guides.

Valve Grinding Procedure

Steps for grinding valves to ensure proper seating and seal.

Cylinder Head and Barrel Replacement

Guidance on fitting the cylinder head, gasket, and cover tubes correctly.

Piston and Cylinder Barrel Reassembly

Instructions for reassembling the piston, rings, and cylinder barrel.

Cam Contour and Tappet Check

Importance of cam contour and checking tappet clearance at specific piston positions.

Valve Timing Procedures

Inlet and Exhaust Valve Timing

Specifications for valve opening and closing points relative to piston position.

Camshaft Timing Marks and Resetting

How to use timing marks for camshaft installation and valve timing adjustment.

Tappet Adjustment

Preparing and Performing Tappet Adjustment

Steps for adjusting tappet clearances on 350 and 500 models.

Ignition Timing Procedure

Setting Ignition Firing Point

Procedure for setting the ignition timing using the magneto and contact breaker points.

Oil Pump Plunger Service

Removing and Replacing Oil Pump Plunger

Steps for accessing and replacing the oil pump plunger if necessary.

Oversize Parts and Cylinder Re-boring

Information on available oversize pistons and the process for re-boring cylinder barrels.

Removing Sparking Plug

Guidance on safely removing and replacing the sparking plug to prevent thread seizure.

Carburetter Service and Adjustment

Carburetter Function and Operation

Explanation of how the carburetter controls fuel-air mixture for different engine speeds.

Carburetter and Twist Grip Adjustment

Procedures for adjusting carburetter mixture, idling, and twist grip tension.

Air Filter Service

Maintenance requirements for the air filter, including cleaning and re-oiling.

Carburetter Tuning Troubleshooting

Common causes for poor idling and heavy petrol consumption related to the carburetter.

Transmission Service

Gear Box Operation and Kick-starter Cover Removal

Overview of the gear box, selection mechanism, and steps to remove the kick-starter cover.

Gear Box End Plate Examination and Re-assembly

Steps for inspecting gears and reassembling the gearbox after examination.

Front Chaincase and Clutch Assembly Service

Removing Front Chaincase and Clutch

Steps to dismantle the front chaincase and the complete front driving chain and clutch assembly.

Dynamo Chain and Back Chaincase Removal

Procedures for removing the dynamo chain and the back half of the chaincase.

Re-fitting Front Chaincase and Clutch

Steps for reassembling the front chaincase, dynamo sprocket, and clutch centre.

Fitting Clutch Plates and Springs

Procedure for installing clutch plates, springs, and pressure plate correctly.

Fitting Outer Chaincase Half

Instructions for reattaching the outer half of the front chaincase, including bands and seals.

Clutch Adjustment

Clutch Spring Adjustment

How to diagnose clutch slip and adjust spring tension for proper engagement.

Clutch Operating Mechanism Adjustment

Steps to adjust the clutch cable for correct free movement and prevent drag.

Clutch Cable Removal and Replacement

Procedures for detaching and refitting the clutch control cable.

Chain Adjustments

Front Chain Adjustment

Method for setting the correct tension on the front driving chain.

Rear Chain Adjustment

Procedure for adjusting rear chain tension using wheel spindle and adjuster screws.

Rear Chain Adjustment Notes and Refitting

Tips for rear chain adjustment, removal, and refitting, including dynamo chain adjustment.

Dynamo Chain Adjustment

How to adjust tension on the dynamo drive chain using the eccentric housing.

Engine Shock Absorber

Engine Shock Absorber Function and Lubrication

Explanation of the shock absorber mechanism and its oil lubrication requirements.

Fork and Frame Service

Steering Head Adjustment

Procedure for adjusting and tightening steering head bearings for smooth steering.

Teledraulic Front Forks

Introduction to the Teledraulic front fork system and its telescopic action.

Front Fork Topping Up

Instructions for checking and replenishing the hydraulic fluid level in the front forks.

Complete Front Fork Assembly Removal

Steps required to remove the entire front fork assembly from the motorcycle.

Fork Slider and Inner Tube Assembly Removal

Procedures for removing fork sliders and inner tube assemblies, primarily for dealer service.

Rear Suspension System

Rear Sprung Frame and Teledraulic Legs

Description of the rear suspension system and its hydraulic damping components.

Teledraulic Leg Oil Content Check

How to check and top-up the oil level in the rear Teledraulic legs.

Stands Operation and Removal

Prop, Centre, and Front Stands

Information on the operation, removal, and mounting of various motorcycle stands.

Rear Stand (Rigid Frame Models)

Specific notes regarding the fitting of washers for the rear stand on rigid frame models.

Oil Tank and Chain Guard Removal

Oil Tank and Battery Carrier Removal

Steps to remove the oil tank and battery carrier assembly.

Rear Chain Guard Removal (Spring Frame Models)

Steps to remove the rear chain guard on spring frame models.

Rear Chain Guard Removal (Rigid Frame Models)

Steps to remove the rear chain guard on rigid frame models.

Wheels and Brakes Service

Front Wheel Removal and Refitting

Detailed instructions for removing and reinstalling the front wheel.

Detachable Rear Wheel Removal (Spring Frame Models)

Procedure for removing the rear wheel on spring frame models.

Rear Wheel Removal and Refitting (Rigid Frame Models)

Instructions for removing and reinstalling the rear wheel on rigid frame models.

Wheel Bearings and Adjustment

How to adjust and maintain taper roller wheel bearings.

Front Wheel Bearings Dismantling

Steps for disassembling the front wheel bearings for service or replacement.

Rear Wheel Bearings Dismantling

Procedures for dismantling rear wheel bearings, including adjustment ring and seals.

Front Brake Cover Plate Positioning

Correct positioning of the front brake cover plate during re-assembly.

Brake System Components

Brake Drums

Information on front and rear brake drum construction and mounting.

Brake Shoes and Adjustment

Information on brake shoes, springs, expanders, and general adjustment methods.

Centralising Brake Shoes

Method for ensuring brake shoes are centered within the drum for optimal performance.

Front Brake Adjustment

Steps to adjust the front brake cable for proper shoe engagement.

Rear Brake Adjustment

Procedure for adjusting the rear brake using the knurled adjusting nut on the rod.

Brake Pedal Adjustment

How to adjust the position of the rear brake pedal for rider comfort.

Rim and Spoke Specifications

Details on rim drilling for spokes and interchangeability.

Tyres and Service

Tyre Pressure and Maintenance

Recommended tyre pressures and tips for tyre care and service.

Tyre Removal and Fitting

Step-by-step guide for removing and refitting motorcycle tyres for puncture repair.

Useful Information and Troubleshooting

Engine Starting and Misfire Issues

Common causes for engine failure to start, misfiring, and loss of power.

Overheating, Stalling, and Consumption Problems

Reasons for engine overheating, sudden stopping, and excessive oil/petrol consumption.

Steering and Tyre Wear Problems

Troubleshooting issues related to unsatisfactory steering and abnormal tyre wear.

Machine Care and Appearance

Abnormal Tyre Wear Causes

Factors contributing to unusual or premature tyre wear.

Cleaning the Machine

Methods for cleaning the motorcycle's exterior surfaces and metal parts.

Chromium Plating Protection

Advice on preventing and removing rust deposits from chromium-plated parts.

Electrical System Service

Ignition System (Magneto)

Details on the Lucas magneto ignition system, contact breaker adjustment, and lubrication.

Sparking Plug Service

Instructions for cleaning, gapping, and fitting the K.L.G. sparking plug.

Charging System Operation

Information on the Lucas dynamo, its output, and testing procedures for charging issues.

Battery Maintenance and Charging

Guidance on battery type, electrolyte level, maintenance, and charging.

Headlamp and Pilot Lamp Service

Procedures for removing, replacing, and servicing the headlamp and pilot lamps.

Horn, Fuses, and Electrical Connectors

Details on horn operation, fuse types, and snap wire connectors.

Terminals and Wiring Connections

Information on battery terminals, earth connections, and wire terminal types.

Legal Requirements for Drivers

Licensing, Insurance, and Regulations

Legal requirements for motorcycle drivers, including insurance and driving licenses.

Machine Legal Compliance

Machine Registration and Licensing

Steps for registering a new machine and legal requirements for plates and lighting.

Speedometer and Lamps Regulations

Requirements for fitting and illuminating the speedometer, and regulations for headlamps and rear lamps.

Manufacturer Guarantee

Guarantee Conditions and Exclusions

Terms and conditions of the manufacturer's guarantee, including exclusions and limitations.

Tools and Special Equipment

Standard Tool Kit Contents

List of tools included in the standard kit for maintenance and repairs.

Optional Equipment and Spares List

Available optional accessories and information on obtaining a spares list.

Decorative Badges

Monogram Badge Availability

Information on purchasing and fitting decorative monogram badges.

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