INTERMEDIATE GEAR/CAM CHAIN SPROCKET

I'm in the process of assembling an engine from odds and ends and came across a perplexing problem this weekend. The intermediate gear/cam shaft sprocket becomes pinched when I attach the timing cover to the block.

For the most part the engine I'm assembling is a '75 Commando model with the cam chain inspection port in the timing cover and the timing port in the right-hand engine case. However, it seems that the intermediate gear I have is too thick to fit the designated space between the block and timing cover. This intermediate gear was purchased separately from all the other engine pieces.

I'm thinking perhaps a '75 Commando engine requires a narrower intermediate gear than other Commando models. Moreover, I suspect that the gear I purchased is designed to fit a pre '75 model and is causing an interference fit between the timing cover and block.

Can anyone confirm this suposition???

Thanks and regards,

Jason

:arrow:

Dynodave,

Thank you for the quick and knowledgeable response.

I'm certainly glad I didn't try to run this engine with the non-'75 gear installed!

A comprehensive list of '75 Commando oddities would be helpful to me and possibly other forum members. If anyone out there has such a list, please post it.

Thanks and regards,

Jason

:arrow:

One reason that I have never got into the later 850s is because of the fact that so many changes were made. The parts interchangability from 67 - 75 is HUGE. Those that brought the ES 850 would have been better of going "Jap". They wanted the "Jap" deal with the norton name on it. Hell, even the gear lever is on the wrong side !

Less grunt, a starter that is crap & too japanesey for my liking. Left hand gear change !!! Remember Pearl Harbour & Darwin ?

Now, all you blokes/sheilas that like the 850 ES models, it's ok 8)