Mk3 Belt Drive Suggestions

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SquareHead

SquareHead

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Sep 27, 2012
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Hi Folks,

I want to convert my 1975 MK3, with Electric Start, to a belt drive primary. I specify electric start because some companies make belt drive for a MK3 but only if the electric start has been removed. Steve Maney is one such company.

Does anyone else have recommendations? From my research it looks like one of the issues is that the gearbox is not adjustable thereby making adjustment of the belt difficult, at best.

I would appreciate any and all suggestions, comments or opinions. I am not looking for pros/cons of belt drive. I have already made a decision to make the conversion. Now I just need to decide on which manufacturer.

Thanks much! You all have been a huge help in my Norton education!!
 
Installing a belt drive on a MK3 is no problem if you are removing the e-start.

If you want to keep the e-start then you must run oil in the chaincase or the sprag clutch will seize. The only belt that will survive in an oil bath is the syncroflex belt as used by RGM.

Unfortunately the need to run oil in the chaincase takes away many of the advantages of a belt drive. Jim
 
SquareHead said:
L.A.B. said:
RGM Motors sell an 'electric start' belt drive kit: http://www.rgmnorton.co.uk/buy/belt-dri ... er_799.htm
Click to expand...

I have looked at model. Looks like a good product, but does it need to run in oil? Jim has a very valid point!
Click to expand...

It needs to run in oil if you retain the electric start. You will leave long skid marks on the pavement if you try to run it dry.

Andychain probably has the best answer if you want to keep the e-start. Jim
 
L.A.B. said:
Have you read?:
rgm-motors-mk3-belt-drive-kit-t5401.html
Also:
rgm-belt-belt-drive-tension-t12452.
belt-drive-questions-t1574-45.html#p11582
Click to expand...

Thanks, LAB, I had read the first two threads previously. I was under the impression that RGM says you can run dry as long as you lube the sprag clutch "periodically". I have sent an email to them so I can get a definitive answer.

The main reason for conversion was to run without oil. If I can't, then no reason to convert, in my situation...
 
[/quote]

It needs to run in oil if you retain the electric start. You will leave long skid marks on the pavement if you try to run it dry.

[/quote]

LOL! That's quite the picture...
 

It needs to run in oil if you retain the electric start. You will leave long skid marks on the pavement if you try to run it dry.

[/quote]

LOL! That's quite the picture...[/quote]

I know two people who have tried it. At least one was lubing his with chain lube sprayed through an inspection hole. Maybe they forgot to carry their oil can.
Both locked up with lots of damage. One was at highway speed and he was lucky to walk away. Jim
 
Although I am sure there are others, the SYNCHROFLEX belted units have always been able to run wet or dry. But, of course, it you didn't have to why would you. But the option for ES units is there.
 
I also side with jim . the sprag HAS TO HAVE OIL or it WILL fail. every automatic transmission built has pressure lube to the sprag and with the MK3 IMHO the splash lube is also marginal for the sprag and dry with periodical lube in a dry app. is just asking for disaster.
 
Yes, Pete, I understand the belt can be run wet or dry, but as Jim is saying, the sprag clutch won't take running dry. I gotta say, I am trusting Jim on this one. Not that you are disagreeing...

Let me ask a question more directly. Does anyone run, or recommend running, an electric start MK3 belt drive dry?

I really appreciate all the input from everyone. Certainly not trying to start any kind of controversy or argument, just trying to get good, clear, information.

Thanks again!
 
SquareHead said:
Yes, Pete, I understand the belt can be run wet or dry, but as Jim is saying, the sprag clutch won't take running dry. I gotta say, I am trusting Jim on this one. Not that you are disagreeing...

Let me ask a question more directly. Does anyone run, or recommend running, an electric start MK3 belt drive dry?

I really appreciate all the input from everyone. Certainly not trying to start any kind of controversy or argument, just trying to get good, clear, information.

Thanks again!
Click to expand...
No dissagreement or arguement. Just that some people do not know that these belts can be run wet or dry. Just offering side info.
I think that anyone who runs an ES dry won't do it for long.
 
Torontonian said:
Yes, e.s. wet , but it seals up better with all those outer cover screws . :o
Click to expand...

Yeah keeps the oil inside where it can do the clutch plates the most good. :?
 
Squarehead

I have a mate coming next week from Springfield, Todd, he isnt a biker but I am
sure he can fit a Merc duplex chain in his bag :D :D :D :D :D
 
Here is the response I received from RGM

"Hi there Chris

Regarding your question on MK3 belt drive kits. Yes we do have a belt drive kit for the use on a MK3 commando, which allows the retention of the starter motor, for occasional use only. As the belt drive kit is mostly ran dry, there is no way of keeping the sprag clutch lubricated. this is why we recommend occasional use of the starter only.

If you would any more information on the product please do not hesitate to contact me or feel free to call me.


Thanks

Lawrence McDowell

NEW Website: http://www.rgmnorton.co.uk/"
 
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