Engine is back together

chapmanmd · Jan 3, 2012

It might not mean much to you guys, but my first Norton engine is back together... Well, at least part of it. Don't even have any pieces left over that aren't broken. I feel like I've learned a lot from you guys and from the great guys at the local Norton Owners Association.

Frame is off to the sandblaster. I am figuring mid to late February "completion" of the rebuild/restoration. This just makes me happy. It's the little things.

Hobot · Jan 3, 2012

Congrates Mark, only real mechanics can rebuild a whole engine like you. My sense of self worth went up after I was finally able to too. Sure helps to know what all is going on inside while flying down the road and taking on other projects in life.

ctsbc · Jan 3, 2012

February 2012??

chapmanmd · Jan 3, 2012

Believe it or not, yes. I have some OUTSTANDING people helping me though this.

chapmanmd · Jan 3, 2012

only real mechanics can rebuild a whole engine like you

Real mechanic? Me? Surely you jest... I sure as hell know now that you are suffering from some sort of mental illness.

I'm the LAST guy you should EVER call a real mechanic. Besides, I can work the checkbook to keep the people at RGM, Norvil, Old Britts, etc happy with the best of 'em.

Hobot · Jan 3, 2012

Well just one Norton engine rebuild don't make one a professional mechanic but its way beyond first grade of just twisting bolts on and off. After mine I was able to deal with a big lawn mower engine I'd of farmed out prior. Then 20 hp genset with magneto issue very similar to Norton points systems. May not be a great full knowledge mechanic but definitely can't deny you are a mostly adequate one now.
Of course till it fires up and carries ya down the road a ways I'm always pensive as hell I screwed up by my own hands in the works.

chapmanmd · Jan 3, 2012

Oh, don't get me wrong... I've managed to breathe life back into many Bultaco and other two smoke engines as well as a Triumph or three. This is just my first venture into the fine art of reviving a Norton engine that was put together by its previous owner with a hatchet and apparently a Clymer's manual written in his non-native language. I have never seen such a mess in my entire life as when that engine came apart. I actually am grateful, now, that it blew up when it did.

When I first married the current wife, she once complained that the self-propelled Lawn Boy mower was too slow for her to cut grass. Next time she went out to cut grass, she had to run behind it. She was more than a bit pissed. I told her that sometimes you need to be careful what you ask for.

The knowledge of this group and your willingness to share that knowledge is second to none, and I thank you. I'll keep you posted on the completion coming soon.

swooshdave · Jan 3, 2012

chapmanmd said:
Oh, don't get me wrong... I've managed to breathe life back into many Bultaco and other two smoke engines as well as a Triumph or three. This is just my first venture into the fine art of reviving a Norton engine that was put together by its previous owner with a hatchet and apparently a Clymer's manual written in his non-native language. I have never seen such a mess in my entire life as when that engine came apart. I actually am grateful, now, that it blew up when it did.

When I first married the current wife, she once complained that the self-propelled Lawn Boy mower was too slow for her to cut grass. Next time she went out to cut grass, she had to run behind it. She was more than a bit pissed. I told her that sometimes you need to be careful what you ask for.

The knowledge of this group and your willingness to share that knowledge is second to none, and I thank you. I'll keep you posted on the completion coming soon.

I'm not sure I'd be bragging about building a Bultaco motor, even a chimp like me eventually figure one of those out. :mrgreen:

chapmanmd · Jan 3, 2012

Oh Swoosh... I know better...

The Spaniards definitely did something right in the simplicity dept.

As soon as this Commando is "done", I have a Bultaco Model 9 that I need to get to.

Speaking of mental illness...

Matt Spencer · Jan 3, 2012

Looks like those intake ports are adequate ; Nice Job . A tip , If youve got any bits left over , hide them somewhere . My brother worked on Aeroplanes , like 747s . If they had any bits left over when they put it back together , theyd get in a lot of trouble . So it was best to hide the fast .

champ7fc · Jan 3, 2012

I can identify with your work and the results. I finished my 750 engine last summer. It started out as a seized lump. Rebore, 20 over pistons and all new parts excluding the crankcase, crankshaft and rods. I had the head and barrels planed, alas they were not done properly and the result was a blown head gasket on her maiden voyage. Teardown removal and a trip to a different engine shop, replaned and balanced engine internals. Rebuild , reinstall and this last weekend success. A 4 year restoration is a reality. Now our New England weather closes in so I wait for the gods of spring.

Matt Spencer · Jan 3, 2012

Preferable to put the first 500 miles on it in the cooler weather , below 20 C , pref 15 C . For longivity . First 2000 really .

chapmanmd · Jan 4, 2012

Forgot a couple...

Ain't no 28.5mm no more...

Hobot · Jan 4, 2012

Hope the hogged out intake do dog down low. I was most surprised as were sports bikes when I scabbed on a 28.5 mm standard head on my Combat just to break in.
WhooweedoggieDooDoo once I got the exhaust opened up just enough. Everything I did after that as standard wisdom - CHO head and 6 mm vavles, dual 32 mm carbs instead of single 34mm knocked the power into the drink compared, bottom end, middle and top. Once tested the 'hot rod' set up over redline to find its power band didn't HIT until well into the red zone, then it damaged the engine.

Engine is back together

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