1973 interstate reawakening

Finally some real progress!

The rotor key was a bugger to pull out.

I forgot to undo the two head bolts underneath towards the front but other than that it went smoothly. The centre nut between the inlets was already off, guess the PO had decided life was too short to put it back.

Is this a blown head gasket I'm looking at? 1973 interstate reawakening1973 interstate reawakening1973 interstate reawakening1973 interstate reawakening1973 interstate reawakening1973 interstate reawakening
 

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I had a bugger of a time removing the rotor key when I stripped down my bike. Of course, I forgot about that until I tried to get the new one in.

It would only go in half way, and bound up in the same spot even if I flipped the key.

1973 interstate reawakening


So I looked closer and coud see why. Look at the dent in the bottom right of the shaft key hole.

1973 interstate reawakening


I spent a good while with my grandpa's old toolmaker's files to get the hump out so I could get the key in finally.
 
That gasket doesn't look good at the push rod tunnels. Look at the carbon build up on the L piston there.

1973 interstate reawakening
 
I've never seen a head gasket flame ring that is so out of round. I wonder what could have caused that, uneven tightening? or just blowby?
 
View attachment 85869

Not my doing, and the missing bit is long gone

https://andover-norton.co.uk/en/shop-drawing/147/exhausts-mufflers-passenger-footpegs


That's the Mk3 (and later Mk2A?) type flared exhaust pipe so there should have been collet 06.5260 (or broken into two parts?) between the exhaust lockring and the pipe flare?

And, I think I see an incorrect (06.3995) sealing washer...

...behind what looks to be the correct (06.5259) spherical seating...,

...as 06.3995 washers wouldn't normally be fitted with that type of flared exhaust, only collets and spherical seatings.

Also, the long reverse cone Interstate silencers you have shouldn't fit that type of flared exhaust pipe system!
 
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https://andover-norton.co.uk/en/shop-drawing/147/exhausts-mufflers-passenger-footpegs


That's the Mk3 (and later Mk2A?) type flared exhaust pipe so there should have been collet 06.5260 (or broken into two parts?) between the exhaust lockring and the pipe flare?

And, I think I see an incorrect (06.3995) sealing washer...

...behind what looks to be the correct (06.5259) spherical seating...,

...as 06.3995 washers wouldn't normally be fitted with that type of flared exhaust, only collets and spherical seatings.

Also, the long reverse cone Interstate silencers you have shouldn't fit that type of flared exhaust pipe system!
Thanks, yes there was a collet split in two on both sides

I've pulled the ignition cam out but the timing cover is firmly stuck on. I was about to get stuck in with a sharp thin knife but had a surprise visitor to take care of. He loves all things mechanical!

1973 interstate reawakening

1973 interstate reawakening
 
Et voilà ! I need to order the next set of special tools to take the timing side apart now

1973 interstate reawakening
 
Big classic car show and parts fair today. Nothing interesting for British cars or bikes but there were a few nice bikes amongst all the mobylettes and terrots parked outside

1973 interstate reawakening1973 interstate reawakening
 
Getting closer to gearbox and engine out time!
 

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Apologies for the mess

Planning to lift engine then transmission out this weekend

Can I get by with a motorcycle jack under the frame and a wheel lift each end ?

1973 interstate reawakening
 
Can I get by with a motorcycle jack under the frame and a wheel lift each end ?

Yes, you need to support the frame somehow or the whole thing is likely to collapse or at least become unstable when the engine is unbolted from the cradle.
 
Regarding your new used tank, I would be inclined to remove the rust (electrolysis works very well) but to leave the small dent alone. The pinstriping looks good, is bloody difficult / expensive to get redone and is rather important for the looks of the finished tank. Interstate tanks are rather bulky, and without the pinstriping, I always feel they resemble a pregnant walus - large, shapeless and sort of flowing out everywhere.
My Commando came with an Interstate tank, no rust but a couple of small dents and scrapes, otherwise in really good shape. I tried to "improve" the dents, but was not happy with the result & ended up swapping it for a Roadster tank.
 
Apologies for the mess

Planning to lift engine then transmission out this weekend

Can I get by with a motorcycle jack under the frame and a wheel lift each end ?

View attachment 94914

A couple pieces of wood under the frame allows you to pull out the engine, cradle and swingarm as a unit, and remove the forks/triples.

1973 interstate reawakening
 
Regarding your new used tank, I would be inclined to remove the rust (electrolysis works very well) but to leave the small dent alone. The pinstriping looks good, is bloody difficult / expensive to get redone and is rather important for the looks of the finished tank. Interstate tanks are rather bulky, and without the pinstriping, I always feel they resemble a pregnant walus - large, shapeless and sort of flowing out everywhere.
My Commando came with an Interstate tank, no rust but a couple of small dents and scrapes, otherwise in really good shape. I tried to "improve" the dents, but was not happy with the result & ended up swapping it for a Roadster tank.

Thanks. I want to preserve as much patina as possible and this tank certainly looks the part. I'm not too hot on the red pin stripe but I can learn to live with it.
 
First time removing valves!
 

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