The "Blue" Hirth 54R Motor

[Go Go Diablo]

I have some theories why occasionally, you can find a Blue Hirth motor in a Diablo most often found in the 500. But before I expand on that topic, I'd be curious to hear others thoughts.

I've said this before, but for this topic, let me say it again. I'm believing more and more that the 54R motor for the Diablo is a special motor meaning it's not a 54R1, R2, R3 or R4. The Diablo is the only Hirth motor I know of where the recoil is offset 90 degrees. But in addition to that, the 24mm taper on the PTO shaft is unusual also. It seems because of that, finding a seal kit that has both correct seals and also the paper gaskets for the seal housings is almost impossible.

One more revelation is the data plate on the Diablo motor does not note the model. Every other Hirth motor I've seen has stamped on that little metal tag the model. But this motor just states 300cc. To me, it's another indication the motor is special.

Any ideas why the occasional blue? Also would be interested in your comments about the "Special" motor comments.

Bruce

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This motor is going into a 500 restoration. First motor I painted blue and it looks pretty cool.

[Red Devil 500]

What color of blue is that motor as mine is the blue one as well ??

[Go Go Diablo]

I'm not sure I can accurately describe the color of blue. It's a color I matched up from color samples at the paint store and I've not had luck in the past passing on any paint color information that others have been able to match.

However, regarding your 502 Sean, you will want to paint your motor Hirth red because all 502's should have the red motor.

Bruce

[Red Devil 500]

Very good and it should be the same red as the body of the machine ?

[Go Go Diablo]

Nothing is ever that easy

The Hirth red is slightly oranger than the Diablo red. I've painted the motors the same as the chassis on my first restorations, but now use the slightly oranger color. It offers a little contrast and looks better in my opinion.

If the next question is to tell you what color Hirth red is, my answer would be the same as above regarding the blue color. However, I have spray cans of what I consider to be Hirth red if you need one. Like the blue, they are specially mixed to match. But there is a good chance you can find a standard color that will work on the shelf somewhere for a lot less.

Bruce

[cookiemike]

I bought two of the 502's and they both had the "blue" color engine. The motors are the originals. The person I bought them from said his parents bought them new from the dealer. they are serial numbers 20057 and 20062. maybe Bolens used some engines left over from the 500's. I am keeping mine the blue color when I restore them.

[Go Go Diablo]

Based on your serial numbers, yours were some of the very first 502's built and your assumption could very well be correct. Thank you for sharing.

Bruce