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Project Saint

Energic motoculteur D9 – Project Saint.

An advert appeared for a “D19” Motobecane engined 1938/40 motoculteur, with no photos, a good price and just 1 hour 40 mins from the home. I rang and booked the visit not knowing what I would find.

Arriving at 14.30 in the afternoon on a Saturday I met the proprietor and trundled down a hill on a narrow road to an allotment. On the highest point sat the old Energic D9, undercover. On the first inspection, it was well rusted up and had obviously been at the ravages of the elements for some time. Corniche, as I will call him, said it was his fathers and it had been operated from new on this smaller holding. His father was a Maraichère and had worked this land and local plots producing vegetables, roots crops etc., for over 40 years. Now he had sold the land and had to clear it, including disposing of the Energic D9 before the new proprietor took it over in December. The motoculteur had been kept in a small lean-to, which had basically fallen down and had been in all weathers for 20+ years. The engine was unblocked (having some oil in the sump), but all the lever controls were jammed and corroded. It still had its original magneto and carburettor – that was good. Although at this stage I do not know if we have a spark from that weathered magneto.

We looked in the ruins for the plough/charrue (1 soc) which we later found under a tree with 1 outer double wheel/ bandages d’adhérence and part of a cultivator. Also found was a old piston, and Corniche recounted the story of his father replacing the piston with very limited equipment. I kept the old piston as history is very important and it will remind me further of the visit.

It took us an hour to manoeuvre the rusty D9 through the wet soil, down a slope and onto the trailer. With 4 wheel weights, it was quite a challenge approx 460 kgs!

Finally, we retired to his house for a brief chat, a final look for the other outer double wheel/bandages d’adhérence and then away home with my rust prize.

Energic project Saint D9 www.energic.info Energic project Saint D9 www.energic.info Energic project Saint D9 www.energic.info

Arriving at the barn at home, reversed in and admired the prize!

Energic project Saint D9 www.energic.info Energic project Saint D9 www.energic.info Energic project Saint D9 www.energic.info Energic project Saint D9 www.energic.info

The engine/moteur looked a bit grimy but was all there and the fans/ventilators were in place pretty rare on this 1930’s Energic D9.

Energic project Saint D9 www.energic.info Energic project Saint D9 www.energic.info

With metal disc axle joint covers this 411 model had had a hard life but was all there.

Energic project Saint D9 www.energic.info Energic project Saint D9 www.energic.info

That exhaust, original was pretty holey. Rust had had its way! The front fender was modified but I like the style.

Energic project Saint D9 www.energic.info Energic project Saint D9 www.energic.info

The Carburetor was original, and in one piece.

Energic project Saint D9 www.energic.info Energic project Saint D9 www.energic.info

The handlebars where bent upward, but where in tacked. (Not snapped at the support joints). And yes a chain guard – wow this gets better.

Energic project Saint D9 www.energic.info

Starting handle and a very rusty but original number matching engine cover/capot.

Energic project Saint D9 www.energic.info Energic project Saint D9 www.energic.info Energic project Saint D9 www.energic.info Energic project Saint D9 www.energic.info

The operating levers were… you guessed jammed/corroded and would be a priority in the restoration.

Energic project Saint D9 www.energic.info Energic project Saint D9 www.energic.info

Energic project Saint D9 www.energic.info

Corniche said that his father changed the segments (piston rings), but this looks like the piston was changed!

Energic project Saint D9 www.energic.info Energic project Saint D9 www.energic.info

Here we go……….. restoration time!

Energic project Saint D9 www.energic.info Energic project Saint D9 www.energic.info Energic project Saint D9 www.energic.info

Rust is the colour!

Energic project Saint D9 www.energic.info Energic project Saint D9 www.energic.info Energic project Saint D9 www.energic.info

Oxidation on the aluminium motor casing and more rust..

Energic project Saint D9 www.energic.info Energic project Saint D9 www.energic.info Energic project Saint D9 www.energic.info

Take that rusty chain guard off and yeah!

Energic project Saint D9 www.energic.info Energic project Saint D9 www.energic.info Energic project Saint D9 www.energic.info

Rusty chain, cogs etc!

Energic project Saint D9 www.energic.info Energic project Saint D9 www.energic.info Energic project Saint D9 www.energic.info Energic project Saint D9 www.energic.info

Energic project Saint D9 www.energic.info

The wheel mechanism all in place but rusted up.

Energic project Saint D9 www.energic.info Energic project Saint D9 www.energic.info

Hitch attelage in poor condition.

Energic project Saint D9 www.energic.info

Water in the oil….. soup!

Energic project Saint D9 www.energic.info

Cleaned the carb., up a bit ready for dismantling.

Energic project Saint D9 www.energic.info

Engine looking better.

Yup, a ceased exhaust valve………this one is really stuck….2 weeks soaking in miracle oil and WD 40 still not budging….. head will have to come off!

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Read more about Energic Wheel clutch pins here.

Read more about Energic Fan assembly and grease cups here.

Read more about Energic Motobécane engines and history here.

Read more about Energic motoculteur C7 B4L here.

Read more about Energic motoculteur D9 B5L here.

Read more about Energic motoculteur D9 S Bloc here.

Read more about Energic motoculteur C7 S Bloc here.

Read more about Energic History here.

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