>>KJ 1200<<

[JoJo357]

Mid1920’s Henderson 4 cylinder motorcycle engine.<------



*M.A.D.*

[Steve Slocombe]

That's a sidevalve DeLuxe engine rather than the 1929-31 KJ. They were used for kit-built light planes in the 1920s and '30s. Later variants had the sump deepened at the rear so the oil pump did not lose suction when manoevering.

[ammorest]

Not being very familiar with pre 1929 Hendersons I was wondering if the Deluxe top end (cylinders etc.) would work on a KJ bottom end. Any ideas?
Dave

[JoJo357]

Heath-Henderson Ice Sled- 1924 <-----

*Man~oh~Man, you'd be the cats~ass on ice if you built this sled!



https://youtu.be/7seM8JlNECc?si=3KGde_U4UoBXOyS0 <-----YouTube *1924 Heath-Henderson Ice Sled.


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*M.A.D.*

[exeric]

Not being very familiar with pre 1929 Hendersons I was wondering if the Deluxe top end (cylinders etc.) would work on a KJ bottom end. Any ideas?
Dave

This should answer your question, Dave. This was my 1930KJ that did run. When I took the engine apart, I discovered it was running DeLuxe connecting rods on a KJ crankshaft. The DeLuxe used a narrow bearing surface so there was at least 1/8" of clearance on the wider KJ crank journal. Glad I didn't take that ride to Atlanta

kjorlando0002a.jpg

[Steve Slocombe]

Yes, a five bearing crankshaft on the KJ and three bearing on the DeLuxe. That exhaust pipe looks set to keep your right leg warm Eric.

[exeric]

This a pic of the same KJ after much misery, and hard-earned discovery. In retrospect, I should have left it as it was cosmetically and just concentrated on the motor. I got a NOS intake head from Toney Watson, and cylinders from Dave Leitner, and all the other Hoo-Haa from AMCA members, and National meets. I believe that KJ was cursed which left a bitter taste in my soul for Henderson KJs. I know that is irrational because I love all Hendersons but that guy just had a voodoo curse. Our friend 'Ammorest' also has a KJ he rebuilt from a typically 'restored' '60's vintage example that needed his talent for detail, and dogged pursuit of what was needed to be correct. His KJ is the best example of a KJ I have seen and only another person who has been down that road can appreciate what he accomplished. I hope my old KJ found a good home and likes it's new owner more than it did me.

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[exeric]

I should add that I first met Toney Watson at the AMCA Florida meet at Cypress Gardens because he had the correct KJ connecting rods. Toney was a true gem of the AMCA and he helped, and educated me, and many, many members. I would have had irreparable brain damage from hitting my head on a wall had it not been for the help, and selfless advice of people like Toney. and many others in the AMCA. . . . If you're a new member of the AMCA, do yourself a favor and get involved with this club.