first time tearing into my 850, what to look for

ill be rebuilding my 850 commando this winter and im looking for some pointers, and things i need to know before i start. im very capable of rebuilding the engine, im just looking for info on specialty tools and special tricks. thanks guys.

Lots of information on this same topic in this thread:

gasp-another-silly-newbie-joins-the-fold-t8330.html

You can also find almost everything you need through the search function on this site, and/or through the Clymer & rebuild how-tos on the Old Britts site (www.oldbritts.com). Post pics!

Well, you found the right place. How long have you had it and how familiar are you with internals? And yes, pics and specifics.

Torque wrench, whitworth sockets, whitworth box-end spanners and appropriately sized hammers, clutch spring compressor, crank sprocket puller, rocker spindle puller, timing cover seal guide, valve spring compressor, valve guide driver, wristpin puller and basic tools. Did I leave anything out?

Advil, chiropractic hotline, single malt scotch.

Duct tape, electrical tape, BFH, At least 2 types of super glue, misc. wood blocks, ratchet straps, propane torch, and for good measure a welder, lathe and a milling machine.

I have uses all of these in one form or another over the last 15 years.

Idler gear puller, and lots of old English sailor swear words.

Dave
69S

Danno said:

Torque wrench, whitworth sockets, whitworth box-end spanners and appropriately sized hammers, clutch spring compressor, crank sprocket puller, rocker spindle puller, timing cover seal guide, valve spring compressor, valve guide driver, wristpin puller and basic tools. Did I leave anything out?

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Lathe, mill, press, tooling for line boring, hot air gun, you know....the basics.

Seriously, you can do an awful lot with very little with these Nortons. Knowledge is king, and confidence will instill action. You will find ample of both here in this forum. Take it one step at a time, some one will alway be around to help. Get into it and come back with a spacific problem and you will surely be impressed with the amount of suggestions and advice you will be inundated with. The real trick is to weed through crap. This is usually done by sorting through like minds. Although doing a search will help to find answers, it can sometimes feel like a rowboat in the ocean. It pay to be anal with neatness and labeling.

I wholeheartedly second what pviss has to say about doing a lot with a little. As a competent amateur wrencher, I am always intimidated by something new; but I tore into my '68 and removed & renovated the forks, then the carbs, then started a bunch more little jobs. It's one of those things that you get into and realize that it's not as bad as you thought it was going to be. Of course, you then find out it's worse- kidding, sort of. My amateur perspective is that I am now prepared to do just about anything to my bike- but knowing before I start that no matter how small the job seems on a used Britbike, it is going to turn into something larger. 'Cuz there will always be some small part that needs replacing, some strangely sized and somewhat stripped nut, some arcane little connector that's corroded, or (worst) something that somebody else worked on and did it badly, so I spend 2 hours UNdoing the bad work, THEN I can do the actual work I set out to do, and do it to my standards. But this forum has been a HUGE asset- I have never seen so much collective wisdom on a topic. Thanks to all, and good luck to you!

Refer to the factory manual and parts book numbers. Buy genuine OEM parts or parts recommended by reputable vendors i.e. Colorado Norton Works, Old Britts etc'. Don't trust stuff on Ebay.

Mick

askdoctorday said:

Advil, chiropractic hotline, single malt scotch.

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After my experience tonight, I'm inclined to agree.

I always look for a swimsuit model to step through the door of my shop. So far it hasn't happened...

so I would say patience is the key.

vintage cycle said:

ill be rebuilding my 850 commando this winter and im looking for some pointers, and things i need to know before i start. im very capable of rebuilding the engine, im just looking for info on specialty tools and special tricks. thanks guys.

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In addition to all the other great suggestions, get the Mick Hemmings engine and gearbox rebuild DVDs. Lots of great info there!

1. Go through the carbs totally and completely. Treat these as a project in themselves. Lots of info around.

2. Check the wiring with a fine tooth comb. Re affirm all grounding points. Study the diagrams while sipping on the scotch in the peaceful evenings.

3. Wheels, bearings and brakes. I have a 7' piece of "straight" aluminum channel to lay accross the wheels to check for alignment.

4. Primary cover! Go through the clutch and check primary chain. Refill with ATF. Check for leakage from the crank seal. Cheap and easy to replace.

5. Timing cover. Service the oil pump and check the cam chain. Special procedures and precaution are to be observed here. We'll cross that bridge when we get to it. You will need a new sealing washer for the pump. If a purest, change the points, if not, now would be a good time to add a Pazon Ign. unit (Best for the money (Tri-Spark may or may not be the best, priciest)). You can buy 3 Pazon's to 1 TriSpark and have 2 spare contol modules in your vest pocket(they are small). Although mine has never gone bad, they are the weak leak link in any EI unit.

6. Fluids. Isolate the oil tank or remove it and flush till pristine inside. This is a common place for sludge. Clean out the gas tank. Go to the local bike shop and get some fresh fuel line.

7. Tuning, timing, clearances ETC. Do a pressure test on the cylinders. Could be anywhere from 100 to 180 psi. The important thing here is equality.

8. Isolastics and swing arm. The isolastics need to be cleanded and re-adjusted. The boots store moisture and raise havic. I took my booties of and wire wheeled the coller and endcap to shine. Looks good. The swingarm should be checked for 140w and play.

By this time the weather may be breaking and you will have to decide if you want to venture into the gearbox now or save it for next fall/winter. Either way, you should verify the condition internally. Prenty of details availble.

I believe these are the basics and the eccentials and I am sure other will add to this list. But, this is what you should initially look at. Unless serious issue prevail, this should get you safely down the road.

Assuming that the bike has been sitting for a long time and the motor mounts have not been renewed before, consider replacing the isolastic rubbers (at least the front) and moving to the vernier adjustable type.

I didn't see any one ask, why are you tearing into your Commando? Maintenance or is there a problem?

vintage cycle said:

ill be rebuilding my 850 commando this winter and im looking for some pointers, and things i need to know before i start. im very capable of rebuilding the engine, im just looking for info on specialty tools and special tricks. thanks guys.

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You will need a credit card tool ,made of plastic , has a chip and magnetic stripe. Make sure you have a good Just Over Broke as support. Enjoy the rebuild.