1946 Model 18, girder forks

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Oct 30, 2021
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Hi

In 2019 I was lucky enough to find a low miles Norton Model 18. It seems very original and, after riding it for about 500 miles, this winter I decided to do a sympathetic refresh.

I had no idea as to the health of the mag/dyno so it has gone for a rebuild, the wiring was crumbling to the touch in places so I have re-wired the bike, I ordered up some clutch friction plates, and a couple of gaskets, and gone through the girder forks, checking and lubricating. I am now working on the transmission; it shifts fine, but was leaking a fair amount of oil from dried and broken seals. I think I have solved the oil leaks, but now have a question regarding main shaft end play.

When I was disassembling the clutch I thought there was quite a bit of movement on the main shaft. I measured it when the gearbox was on my bench and found 0.043" of end play, this seems bit much so opened up the gearbox thinking that the bronze main shaft thrust washer (part # A2/328) was probably worn, only to find that it was fine and actually measured 0.214", a bit more than the 0.208" typically quoted for new....

So.... I have a couple of questions....

Is 0.043" main shaft end play excessive? I cannot find a definitive measurement and have been quoted a maximum acceptable limit of 0.020". If it is excessive, is there a second location for a shim on the main shaft?

I greatly appreciate any advice. The Model 18 is such a blast; it's hard not to ride with a smile on your face and I am looking forward to using next Spring.
 
Because I just bought a "project" single I'd love to see pics Taking my mag/dyno to Doug Woods for rebuild next week Thanks
 
I will post a few pictures in the next day or so, I have taken the transmission out of the frame so it looks a bit strange at the moment. I am pretty certain that I will be chasing a few issues, once everything is back together. I can see some leaks are only going to reveal themselves once the bike is running again. All part of the fun.

Good luck with your project, I will post links to some of the resources that I have found over the last few weeks.

Andy
 
Thanks Just took my transmission apart this morning. All the gears are there! One stud pulled out and a half ass thread and larger bolt used. Lots of dirt and crud. As you said that is half the fun
 
Thanks Just took my transmission apart this morning. All the gears are there! One stud pulled out and a half ass thread and larger bolt used. Lots of dirt and crud. As you said that is half the fun
Hi Gene

Did you measure your main shaft end float before you opened the box up? Just interested to hear what the measurement was...
 
It had been taken apart before. So who knows if it was correct. Didn't measure but I can tell you it was lots. The previous owner seemed to like a hammer and lots of Indian Head gasket shellac. I mostly looked inside to make sure all was there. Clutch hub was loose and the shaft spline looks good but clutch hub is worn out. Not planning on rebuilding now just gathering parts
 
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