1973 Mk1 Rebuild, back from the grave!

Tony Pierce · Jan 8, 2021

pushrod seal installed

Primary assembled and mostly ready to go. I probably won’t torque down the cover until I am closer to starting it up just in case I need to check anything again. When final assembly is done, is just a new O-ring seal sufficient or do people use a sealant in addition?

jbruney · Jan 8, 2021

If the O-ring doesn't seal it something is surely wrong somewhere. Use a bit of Dow O-ring lube or yak semen to lube the ring helping it into the groove.... I had to opt for a little thinned lanolin from reloading supplies because that ring is one tight squeeze in the groove..... mine was at least.

gortnipper · Jan 8, 2021

I use a thin smear of silicon on the o ring before installing it. Helps the seal especially with Type F and easy to disassemble.

Do make.sure to snug it down with no oring first, and check for high spots/gaps around the circumference.

worntorn · Jan 9, 2021

Tony Pierce said:
I put a set of "Dunstall" rearsets, also from Don Pender on. I really like the feel, and as I am going for the "cafe" period correct look I think they will be spot on.

Right now I am working on the wiring and assembling the primary.
I am upgrading the wiring to EI and Tri-spark rectifier. I think I am going to keep positive ground, just because I think it will be simpler as I am using a modified lucas wiring loom (new).

I picked up a set of side panels from Ebay, and they look remarkably nice for the price. The old ones that came with the bike are in really rough shape, so I thought I would gamble on a set from India. I can't say I am disappointed.

I also picked up a set of new Amal Primer carbs from Greg Marsh. He has been super to deal with and highly recommend him.

My goal for this bike is to try and get it finished before my new baby arrives in May. I think as long as Mr. Comstock gets me the heads before too long I can get it knocked out even if I am working full time and going to college!

Those side covers look good.
Could you post the name of the Vendor, I'm in need of a set?
Plastic or steel?

Glen

Tony Pierce · Jan 9, 2021

worntorn said:
Those side covers look good.
Could you post the name of the Vendor, I'm in need of a set?
Plastic or steel?

Glen

The seller was vintage24x7. https://www.ebay.com/itm/Norton-Com...-/362912756727?_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l49292

Hopefully that link works.

worntorn · Jan 9, 2021

Yes, that worked, thanks

Glen

Tony Pierce · Aug 29, 2021

I am going to be updating this thread soon, as the project has made quite a bit more progress. I was at the point today where I wanted to kick it over and see if I could get it to run. I am not joking- it started first kick! I was baffled. Idle was too high, so I stopped, backed it off, and started back up again with one kick.

I am a bit nervous making sure it has proper lubrication, so I ordered a pressure gauge to fit to the bike before running it in on heat cycles. It was certainly exhilarating hearing it run for the first time!

August 29, 2021

youtube.com

jbruney · Aug 29, 2021

Sounding very good.

Tony Pierce · Aug 29, 2021

jbruney said:
Sounding very good.

Thanks! This forum was a huge help.

Tony Pierce · Sep 5, 2021

I installed the oil pressure gauge, and all was well! I ran one heat cycle, and it seemed to run great. I ran through the gears on the center stand, and shifting felt good. The only part I am a little uncomfortable with is that it felt like it was grinding a bit going from neutral to first gear. The clutch engagement felt good on the center stand and I am pretty sure that it is fully disengaged.

Besides the "grinding" going into first from neutral when running, does anyone have any more advice for breaking in the bike? Every single nut / bolt / part was disassembled and refurbished to some extent, so I am expecting a few gremlins, but trying to minimize them.

I was planning on one or two more heat cycles (maybe a short ride around the block), and then retorquing the head and base fasteners. I still need to also verify the timing with a light, and check plugs for combustion. The exhaust on one side was about 10F warmer than the other, so I think they are not set perfectly balanced yet.

https://youtube.com/shorts/254kNk9ZESg?feature=share

alan hodge · Sep 5, 2021

check exhaust nuts

Tony Pierce · Sep 5, 2021

alan hodge said:
check exhaust nuts

so far so good! Running new RGM nuts with Comstock rethread inserts in brass.

1973 Mk1 Rebuild, back from the grave!

Similar threads