961 Valve clearance adjustment??

Has any one on this ere forum adjusted the valve clearances on their 961, and did you come across any problems. The reason I ask is a Norton dealer here in Blighty advised me not to touch them and just to leave them alone as they will be OK.

They don't have clearances, they have hydraulic lash adjusters. Once the preload is set, they shouldn't need touching again.

There is a whole section on adjustment in the manual so it must be possible. Suppose you have had the head off for some reason, will everything be the same when you pop it back on.?

No, there's a section for preloading the lifters via the adjusters on the rocker arms, where you're essentially setting the piston of the lash adjuster to a midpoint. You're not adjusting clearances as there are no clearances. Head off and on, you carry out the preload procedure again (to be honest if you've only replaced gaskets with no other repairs etc..then it'll be fine to leave the adjusters alone)....but in normal service they're maintenance free.

S. Bodycote said:

No, there's a section for preloading the lifters via the adjusters on the rocker arms, where you're essentially setting the piston of the lash adjuster to a midpoint. You're not adjusting clearances as there are no clearances. Head off and on, you carry out the preload procedure again (to be honest if you've only replaced gaskets with no other repairs etc..then it'll be fine to leave the adjusters alone)....but in normal service they're maintenance free.

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Thanks for your advice - really valuable. I'm planning to do a head retorque and inspection this winter - there have been a few reports of rocker bushes seizing onto the shaft and Ollie at Thiel offers an upgrade service- have you heard anything about this problem?

To be honest I'd never seen that until signing up to this page. Did anyone record engine numbers for all the ones failing, as it would be worthwhile in an aim to work out if it was a batch concern over a design concern? I'm trying to catch up with the aftermarket world, as during my time at the factory we were pretty much cut off from what other people were doing and improving. Hence me signing up to Access Norton.

S. Bodycote said:

I'm trying to catch up with the aftermarket world, as during my time at the factory we were pretty much cut off from what other people were doing and improving. Hence me signing up to Access Norton.

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No surprises there. It seems that Skinner in particular spent his energy stamping on any outsiders who were trying to fix problems or improve the breed. The Cotes, Egli, Thiel, and various dealers all suffered strong arm tactics to silence them instead of constructive discussions to address root causes.

A bit like TVR did some years ago, shortly before warranty claim costs finally sent them under !

If you have the knowledge Mr Bodycote, and the enthusiasm, it seems theres a gap in the market for a business kinda like Mick Broom had looking after Heskeths.

After the last 40 961's are made TVS's attention will move on to other platforms, so there is an opportunity to be the 961 go to person not tied to the factory. This site will show you all the issues you did not know of when in the Garner/Skinner bubble.

S.Bodycote, you say 'during my time at the factory', did you work on the engines as in building or servicing or were you in another department ?.

I started on Production, a couple months later I moved to engine build (if anyone ever see's a failed part with SB initials on it, give me a nudge....not seen one yet). I eventually left and went back to the car motortrade (Im a qualified car and motorcycle mechanic, but cars tend to pay a better wage...so I was lured back). After around a year I was invited back, where I joined the V4 R&D team.....to be honest I REALLY enjoyed that, really interesting and learnt loads! I saw the V4's through to the very early stages of production. I then took over the Service and aftersales workshop....which is where a few of you met me.
I'm currently just getting the ball rolling with setting up on my own, some of you may have seen the post on the Norton 961 Facebook page, which is where Ive been most active.
On another note, I need to be careful what I post in future, as I just received a letter from Norton HR for posting a video without their permission. I'm ok to post anything from SG's time there, but nothing from TVS ownership.
Cheers
Stu

S. Bodycote said:

To be honest I'd never seen that until signing up to this page. Did anyone record engine numbers for all the ones failing, as it would be worthwhile in an aim to work out if it was a batch concern over a design concern? I'm trying to catch up with the aftermarket world, as during my time at the factory we were pretty much cut off from what other people were doing and improving. Hence me signing up to Access Norton.

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I got hints of a few problems from servicing, who I generally got on very well with, such as the MAP sensor, relays and crank sensors and was sent replacements, but issues like the clutch basket rivets were denied outright despite several photographically documented accounts on this forum. These denials from the factory meant it was pointless documenting failures as they would not be investigated as a 'normal' company would and despite the requirements for ISO standards I would not expect to find any traceability data.

Following reports on this site I asked Skinner directly if non-Bosch sensors were used and was told curtly that he was not going to compromise an expensive bike to save a few pennies. That has since been shown to be untrue. Exactly who knew what and who authorised the purchase of what we will never know.....

peebee said:

Has any one on this ere forum adjusted the valve clearances on their 961, and did you come across any problems. The reason I ask is a Norton dealer here in Blighty advised me not to touch them and just to leave them alone as they will be OK.

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Yes , I have done it and no problems . Be sure to use the 2.25 Turns from just touching specification on the adjusters NOT THE OLD 1 TURN SPEC . Motor must be cold of course. Any time the head is removed or head gasket replaced this should be checked/re-set . Also, don't forget to recheck head torque after 1,000 miles of run in .

S. Bodycote said:

On another note, I need to be careful what I post in future, as I just received a letter from Norton HR for posting a video without their permission. I'm ok to post anything from SG's time there, but nothing from TVS ownership.
Cheers
Stu

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Nice to know they read the forum ! Hopefully they’ll take note of what people are asking and wanting...

Big Indian brother watching.!!! As you say at least they are keeping their ears to the ground so to speak and taking notice, which is a 100 % more than the SG outfit did.

It appears it was traced back to my Facebook page. Seems a previous work colleague, who is still with Norton, dropped me in it.