- Joined
- Mar 17, 2010
- Messages
- 11
Greetings all,
I am a newbie to this forum and Nortons. I have acquired a '75 Mark 3 with 2900 miles on the odometer that has not run for over 25+ yrs. However, the amount of grease and filth on the bike led me to question that number. Now looking at the internals, I believe it is likely accurate.
My two choices were to do some minimum maintenance and get her running or go a little deeper. We have now passed that point:
I am now seeking advice at how far down the rabbit hole I should progress. My wish is to get a very nice looking bike, although not a show winner, that is as reliable as a British machine can be. Since I have it torn down this far I want to tackle anything that can be a known problem at this time. I have scoured this site and below is my checklist with questioned areas. I am looking for some feedback in this area and also anything I missed.
1. Engine top end....If bore is within limits, I was just going to clean up, repaint and maybe new rings. QUESTION: Is there any huge advantage to new black diamond valves vs stock @ 2900 miles??
2. Engine Lower end... I have concerns about the soft cam issue. How would you proceed? I have not split the cases but do have the top end off and cam wear doesn't look excessive but it shouldn't yet. I don't want to be back in here in 5000 miles if I can do it now. What is the best choice for a street machine and what else then needs replacing? I know I am opening a can of worms with this one. Also bearings -- did the mk3 come stock with superblends?
3. Gearbox .... Layshaft bearing a must....general inspection...maybe bushes??
4. Brake system...rebuild all calipers/mc and stainless lines. Probably no rebore until I see what I need (Currently riding a Guzzi with all drums)
5. Bought a Tri-Spark EI to fit.
6. Probably going to rebuild Amals.
7. How to inspect swingarm?? General tightness?? Probably drizzle some 140 wt oil in the top bolts with syringe.
8. New rubbers needed for isos ???
9. Dyno Dave starter (orig FULL of rust), batt cables, and clutch seal
10. New wiring harness ??? I am skeptical of 40 yr old wires.
11. Any rubber anything I encounter.
12. Polish everything shiny.
13. Ride it for a year, work the bugs out, and then hit Brent up for a new paint job and a fit a Corbin seat.
I have really enjoyed the many hours lurking around this site....what a resource and great group of users. I have owned this bike for five years and it's sat idle (too many other projects and job change.) This is my winter to do it.
Thanks in advance for your time and advice.
Best regards,
Doug Beck
Minneapolis, MN
I am a newbie to this forum and Nortons. I have acquired a '75 Mark 3 with 2900 miles on the odometer that has not run for over 25+ yrs. However, the amount of grease and filth on the bike led me to question that number. Now looking at the internals, I believe it is likely accurate.
My two choices were to do some minimum maintenance and get her running or go a little deeper. We have now passed that point:
I am now seeking advice at how far down the rabbit hole I should progress. My wish is to get a very nice looking bike, although not a show winner, that is as reliable as a British machine can be. Since I have it torn down this far I want to tackle anything that can be a known problem at this time. I have scoured this site and below is my checklist with questioned areas. I am looking for some feedback in this area and also anything I missed.
1. Engine top end....If bore is within limits, I was just going to clean up, repaint and maybe new rings. QUESTION: Is there any huge advantage to new black diamond valves vs stock @ 2900 miles??
2. Engine Lower end... I have concerns about the soft cam issue. How would you proceed? I have not split the cases but do have the top end off and cam wear doesn't look excessive but it shouldn't yet. I don't want to be back in here in 5000 miles if I can do it now. What is the best choice for a street machine and what else then needs replacing? I know I am opening a can of worms with this one. Also bearings -- did the mk3 come stock with superblends?
3. Gearbox .... Layshaft bearing a must....general inspection...maybe bushes??
4. Brake system...rebuild all calipers/mc and stainless lines. Probably no rebore until I see what I need (Currently riding a Guzzi with all drums)
5. Bought a Tri-Spark EI to fit.
6. Probably going to rebuild Amals.
7. How to inspect swingarm?? General tightness?? Probably drizzle some 140 wt oil in the top bolts with syringe.
8. New rubbers needed for isos ???
9. Dyno Dave starter (orig FULL of rust), batt cables, and clutch seal
10. New wiring harness ??? I am skeptical of 40 yr old wires.
11. Any rubber anything I encounter.
12. Polish everything shiny.
13. Ride it for a year, work the bugs out, and then hit Brent up for a new paint job and a fit a Corbin seat.
I have really enjoyed the many hours lurking around this site....what a resource and great group of users. I have owned this bike for five years and it's sat idle (too many other projects and job change.) This is my winter to do it.
Thanks in advance for your time and advice.
Best regards,
Doug Beck
Minneapolis, MN