£758.00
1920 vintage motorcycle Douglas WD engine 2-3/4 H.P.
Also for the Douglas W20 Model.
This is a spare lightweight Douglas 2-3/4 hp engine. My machine is from 1915, so the barrel fins on this engine are incorrect for my earlier machine. However, they are correct for a 1920 engine as this was the period when there was a significant change to the finning. Douglas added some more fins. Also, on earlier engines, the front cover was stepped, and in two pieces. As you can see, the cover on this one is broken, but it demonstrates that it is flat, and not stepped.
I suppose I am trying to say, in a long-winded way, that this is a correct 2-3/4 hp 1920 Douglas WD engine. Ignore the green paint. I am sure that was added later.
On the subject of green paint, after WW1, Douglas received the army surplus motorcycles and refurbished them. They sold them into the civilian market as “refurbished”. I doubt that the Army Air Corps, or regular Army, ever painted their motorcycles this tone of green.
The main indicator of the year-of-manufacture is the engine number. The full number is shown in the images. It is 48***. If you would like to check on the numbers, please take a look at the page with a table that shows the Douglas WD engine (and W20) with numbers in that range.
The W20 model was for one year only. But, the WD carried over for a few years. I think it ran from 1920-23.
Swaps for this Douglas WD engine
Wanted anything Douglas Veteran (pre 1915). I am happy to discuss part-exchange of suitable Douglas parts in exchange for this engine. Also, if you have a Pre-1915 Douglas motorcycle to sell, please contact me.
Condition of the 2-3/4 hp 1920 vintage motorcycle Douglas WD engine
Please assume that the whole engine needs a rebuild.
The engine number is clear and un-molested. You can see it in the images. There is a link above to a page that will show you all of the number ranges per year.
The good bits. It’s mostly complete. The cases are in decent condition and do not have any cracks or repairs. The crank is fitted and it turns freely. In fact, as you turn the flywheel, every turns as it should. It has all of the timing gears etc (as shown) with the exception of the magneto wheel. It even has the little valve lifter mechanism that is usually missing in engines that are “spares”.
The fins are pretty good. One or two chips, but very good for a 100 year-old set of barrels. The barrel bores are OK. They have surface light corrosion and will need a hone at the least. There are no obvious score marks though.
The not-so-good bits. As you can see, the front cover is broken. I don’t have the other piece. There are no pistons. (it does have the conrods though). The cylinder heads don’t have any of the valve parts.
There are nuts and fixings missing.
Why buy this Douglas WD engine?
If you need a 1920 to 1923 Douglas 2-3/4 H.P. engine for your project, this is a great opportunity to buy one. Although the engine number is for a 1920 year, it is suitable for many years.
If nothing else, it’s a good spare engine to have.
I am not especially bothered if it doesn’t sell as I will still keep it for my own 1915 Douglas as a spare. Unless, of course, you happen to have a 1915 engine for a swap.
Other vintage pre-war Douglas motorcycle spares and parts
Apart from this Douglas WD engine, I have a few spares. I don’t add them all on here as I generally keep parts for my own Douglas Project. In the first instance, please have a look at the Douglas parts for sale here.
If you don’t find what you need, contact me.
Sometimes, I put a notice up on TheTimingChest Facebook page letting everyone know that something interesting is about to become available. It may be worth following the page.
BUYER NOTES
Shipping is an additional cost. Please check on postage cost before you buy. I will provide a quote.
1920 vintage motorcycle Douglas WD engine 2-3/4 H.P. Also W20 Model
International shipping available. Please ask. Combined shipping available.
Viewing: Please come and check it over before you buy. It is at PE28, near St Ives in Cambridgeshire.
Shipping: I usually ship to most destinations. If you don’t see a price, please ask. Thanks. International shipping available.
Collection: If you don’t want it shipped, I have plenty of space. If you can’t collect for a while, it’s not a problem. However, I will need to be paid very soon after the sale. Thanks.
Payment: Good old fashioned money on collection is preferred. I can accept payment through PayPal or by bank transfer as well. EUROS, I can take euros. Message me for a price and how to pay.
Import Taxes: Please note that IMPORT DUTIES are not something I can control. If you are buying from outside the UK, there is a chance that you will have to pay import taxes. Import taxes vary from country to country. If there are charges to pay, it is the buyer’s responsibility to research the cost and pay the duties. The price that you see on my advert is for the item and not the item plus whatever taxes might be due.
