would a Clinton A-300 work on a motorbike?

J

joey1320

Member
Ran across a local guy with a few vintage engines, one of those is a 1949 Clinton A-300, which according to him, runs great. I'm in talks to buy it, and would love to install it on a nice cruiser frame.

Looking online, the engine has an output of 1.6hp and I'm thinking this may be a bit on the low side. Does anyone here have any experience with this type of engine, specifically on a motobike?

Here's a pic of the engine.
00E0E_gkyMHIx7VYo_600x450.jpg
 
rubber seals only last 15-20 years. that engine might have no rubber seals due to the model year. it could have copper washer seals instead. either way it could use a few things in the long run so you better be one step ahead.

find a parts diagram and post it up if you can. the points/ ignition too. is it 4 stroke?

if you need help with engine stuff then you should get a predator engine or something newer.
 
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It is a 4 stroke engine. I'm having issues saving the parts diagram to photo bucket to post but I did take a screenshot of the exploded engine view, so I'll work on that.

Now doing more research, it seems the Clinton engine(not this model) was used on a minibike called the "Doodlebug". I was able to search online and see a bunch of those running, so I'm thinking it will have enough power.


Here's a different version of the same engine running. I gotta say I really like it ;)
.wee.

https://youtu.be/jmXTUWEIw-A
 
That's a great old motor, I bid on one on ebay and got beat out by some sniper(now I know how it feels-lol). 1.6hp is governed, I believe there were different ratings on the same engine maybe up to 2 1/4? If you are going to run it ungoverned(I would, just be sensible) it will make more that the listed rating and would be excellent for a nostalgia bike build. My old Maytag engine was 5/8hp@ around 16/1800rpm governed. After removing the governor it will turn around 3000(sparingly) and is a real power house probably making 1-1 1/2 hp.
 
If I was to get the engine, I think I would try to mount it on my brothers vintage worksman bread bike. That would be a sweet build. Not sure he would go for it haha.
 
I had the E350 vary similar same rating. It is a very heavy little engine so I would definitely use a strong frame like you mentioned. Also check the diameter of the shaftkme was a odd size.
 
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When I was nine my Dad bought me a 'Doodlebug'. It had a 2 horse Briggs with a kick starter. Later we ran Clinton 2 strokes on racing gokarts.

Geared right I'd say that little engine will pull you and a bike just fine. If nothing else it's a piece of history. I'd like to have it just to restore and look at.

Good luck. Let us know what you decide to do.

Tom
 
I vote yes on your Clinton because it looks right, is part of our national heritage... a bit of 'Americana', if you will. If you want simple and easy, then a Predator is a good choice, but if you want classy, go vintage. I'm having fun right now with a 199cc flathead Tecumseh 4 stroke.
SB
 
Well the seller is kind of MIA, so not sure what is going to happen. I have emailed him twice and told him I'm a 100% buying it, but no replies :(

Man what a bummer... I hope he does respond and I can pick it up this weekend.
 
Them are KOOL engines i have one and got it to run and run strong,they are a lot like Briggs of that area. All i did was fine wet-dry sand paper the points cleaned it up and it started right Oh i had to pull the head and free up the one valve,just needed a little oil and tap on it up and down a few times and it was free. There is some parts on ebay for them,GO FOR IT.............Sent a PM ...................Curt
 
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