T120R 1968 Primary problem

After a short ride the other day(first one) clutch shocking . Took a delve into the primary for a look see , man oh man what a sight.

The case was full of metal filings , some ally some steel. The chain must have been mighty slack at some point it had sawed half way through an alternator stud worn the bottom of the case and wrecked the chain.









Ordered a new chain, adjuster, springs etc but forgot the stator bolts so just dressed them up as I recon they will be strong enough . I have a new drive chain to fit also and will get round to the fuel taps ASAP.

Jg

Typical for engines that have not had regular maintenance and proper periodic adjustments.

grandpaul said:

Typical for engines that have not had regular maintenance and proper periodic adjustments.

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Cheers Paul I have not had a chance to look at the engine yet, only the fuel tank and transmission . I will get to the good bits after fitting an EI it's on points , I was thinking about keeping them but they are probably worn also and maybe best just whip them out and move on.

Jg

As with any older bike, especially with unknown history and evidence of lack of maintenance, you really ought to consider going all the way in and cleaning out the sludge trap in the crankshaft, then back out with new bearings, etc., for a longer worry-free life thereafter.

You've already gone back together with the primary drive system, but that's not a big deal to pull back off. Once you install and time the ignition, you'll have that to do all over again.

...although, as I'm typing this, my guess is you'll want to enjoy the riding season that is now upon us, THEN tear it down this winter (if at all)...

grandpaul said:

As with any older bike, especially with unknown history and evidence of lack of maintenance, you really ought to consider going all the way in and cleaning out the sludge trap in the crankshaft, then back out with new bearings, etc., for a longer worry-free life thereafter.

You've already gone back together with the primary drive system, but that's not a big deal to pull back off. Once you install and time the ignition, you'll have that to do all over again.

...although, as I'm typing this, my guess is you'll want to enjoy the riding season that is now upon us, THEN tear it down this winter (if at all)...

Click to expand...

As you say Paul , the summer is nearly here and the decision is to be made. I think I will have a few runs on the wee girl , summer camp is only thirty odd miles a short ferry trip or about 80 miles and an even shorter ferry trip and a Saturday jaunt to tighnabruich ,so if it's running ok I'll just take it from there. But as you say if it has not been well looked after mechanically it's the chance you take. A few shakedown miles may reveal more mysteries.
Thanks again Paul .

Jg

auldblue said:

grandpaul said:

As with any older bike, especially with unknown history and evidence of lack of maintenance, you really ought to consider going all the way in and cleaning out the sludge trap in the crankshaft, then back out with new bearings, etc., for a longer worry-free life thereafter.

You've already gone back together with the primary drive system, but that's not a big deal to pull back off. Once you install and time the ignition, you'll have that to do all over again.

...although, as I'm typing this, my guess is you'll want to enjoy the riding season that is now upon us, THEN tear it down this winter (if at all)...

Click to expand...

As you say Paul , the summer is nearly here and the decision is to be made. I think I will have a few runs on the wee girl , summer camp is only thirty odd miles a short ferry trip or about 80 miles and an even shorter ferry trip and a Saturday jaunt to tighnabruich ,so if it's running ok I'll just take it from there. But as you say if it has not been well looked after mechanically it's the chance you take. A few shakedown miles may reveal more mysteries.
Thanks again Paul .

Jg

Click to expand...

+1 Jimmy. So long as you keep your ears open for any ominous sounds, ride it as is and enjoy the summer on it.

Hopefully I'll be able to post some pics of mine at the weekend.

Pity you live up in the arctic circle, wudda been good to meet up and compare notes.

Arctic circle you say....Well it is on my motorcycling bucket list, but that's for another day .

I have to say that I have been eagerly awaiting some images of the Birth year Bonnie as it may speed me up a bit in the workshop. Glasgow triumphs new dealership had a kind of open day this past weekend and we are thinking of having a Meriden thing later in the year . Met the guy( big Neil ) that sold me the A10 for £15 and bought my B31 in the early 80's. He now has 29 old bikes including an Egli Vincent .

I don't know what it is about this wee 650 , but after I started and rode it ,did that bit of work it's reminding me when I was working on the Commando..........I think I am feeling the Love.

And as for swoping notes , let's hope they're exhaust notes we're swoping Nigel and as they say " to infirmaty ,senility and beyond".

Jg

A family holiday and work commitments have conspired against me and I've not even picked it up yet Jimmy! Hopefully this Saturday...