Commando head work

maylar · Mar 22, 2009

I had a valve job done on my 850 a couple years ago with new bronze guides etc. After only 5000 miles the motor is smoking at idle again. Intake guides were reamed too loose and need to be replaced again. I'm not gonna use the same machinist.

Even though the guy took great care to remove the old guides without damaging the bores, I suspect that oversize guides will be required.

Anybody have recommendations for a shop in the US that can do this right and not take 2 months to do it?

Thanks

kommando · Mar 22, 2009

Have the current guides relined provided the oil is not leaking around the guide. Relining is the best method as you dod not run the risk on the guide bore in the head wearing out or a guide going in cocked to one side and the seat being ruined.

t7275tr · Mar 22, 2009

I recommend Leo Goff at Memphis Motor Werks. 901 757 1009.He is an expert machinist and has been building Norton engines for 35 years.

JimC · Mar 22, 2009

I second the recommendation of Leo Goff.

rond944 · Mar 22, 2009

I'll third the recommendation of Leo Goff . Go to the Memphis Motorwerks website and read about the machining capabilities they have . Combine that with his experience and care and you have a great combination . I plan to deliver my Mk III to him tomorrow for a rebuild with a few extra touches thrown in

Ron

JimC · Mar 22, 2009

Do google search: "Leo Goff Norton". It's sure to impress. Then do another google: 'Leo Goff Bass". Some people are just flat talented.

I once asked him which was his greatest love, music or motorcycles. He said that motorcycles had taken him a long way in life. Guess he's a practical man, as well.

RoadScholar · Mar 22, 2009

Leo Geoff +3

I sent my head and barrel; super work.

Leo was a Norton Dealer in the '70s, and stays in practice.

RS

BrianK · Mar 22, 2009

Google search didn't bring up his web site, could anyone supply it? thanks - BrianK

JimC · Mar 22, 2009

This is the shop where Leo performs his Norton magic:

broken link removed

This is his music:

broken link removed

A google search of "Leo Goff Norton" will bring up many reference to Leo's motorcycle exploits.

rond944 · Apr 3, 2009

Maylar , I was up at motorwerks today . Talked to Leo Goff and a guy named Babe DeMay . Leo was enlarging some valve spring seats on a head for one of Babe's AMA flat track racers . Told him of your problem . He called relining the guides "tractor technology." Said that guide bores get cracked because peope hammer them out and in . Another quote was " throw away the hammer and punch. " Said that if you use the proper equipment and BORE the old guide out , along with proper installation of the new guide then you won't run the risk of cracking the guide bore . I think you're on the right course of finding a machinist more competent than the one you used previously .

pkeithkelly · Apr 4, 2009

I used Rabers to do the head on my Mark III last year. Pricing was reasonable and they know their stuff. Sent the head via UPS (reasonable cost), and had it back all done within 2 weeks.

One advantage for me was they were relatively close (they're in San Jose, CA).

http://www.rabers.com/home.html

Good luck.

maylar · Apr 4, 2009

Well the head is at Memphis now, so I'll report when it comes back home. But after talking with Leo on the phone, I think I made the right decision. Thanks to the forum for pointing me in his direction.

rond944 · Apr 4, 2009

Well , that was probably your head that I saw in work on his bench right next to my recently completed 750 Ducati race engine . I'm sure you;ll be happy with the results .

Ron

Commando head work

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