I'm thinking this can't be good...

DogT · Oct 24, 2011

I was apprehensive about digging into my bottom end, but am glad I did. It really isn't that bad, but then mine was running fine, I just wanted to upgrade a few things. Good luck.

Dave
69S

1up3down · Oct 24, 2011

Mark, unless you have been mentored in hands on Commando engine rebuilding, I would get the motor in the hands of someone very experienced and well regarded to handle your upcoming work.

It really is that easy to screw things up and make it much more expensive and regretful later, trust me I know this!

Winter is coming, great time to make some phone calls and line up your rebuilder.

Best wishes if you do decide to take this on yourself.

Torontonian · Oct 24, 2011

You can do this yourself ,plus you should take a nice big photo of the damage and hand deliver it to the P.O.and then he will feel so rotten that he will pull out his checkbook and write you a consolation check.Yeah.Waitin' for our photos.

FastFred · Oct 24, 2011

Oh dear. just swear very loudly, kick the back tyre and then use it as an opportunity to fit a 920 kit. I can't wait for mine to blow up... :roll:

pete.v · Oct 24, 2011

chapmanmd said:
Thanks for the replies.

The PO of the bike claimed "recent rebuild". How much of that if any is true remains a mystery.

I didn't have a chance to pull anything apart over the weekend. I am a complete nOOb to Norton's, but somehow, I'll get through it.

Now I just need to make the decision as to whether I just say, "damned the torpedoes", dig into and learn as I go or just crate up the motor and send it to someone who can say this ain't their first rodeo and will do it right the first time. Don't get me wrong, I've rebuilt plenty of motors, but I've never been inside a Norton. I know that there is the personal satisfaction of having done it myself, but I can also make the argument that I would like to have the bike back on the road someday.

Look for yet another build thread coming to a theatre near you soon.

Thanks again all for the condolences and input. You guys, as always are the best.

Mark

pete.v · Oct 24, 2011

chapmanmd said:
Thanks for the replies.

The PO of the bike claimed "recent rebuild". How much of that if any is true remains a mystery.

I didn't have a chance to pull anything apart over the weekend. I am a complete nOOb to Norton's, but somehow, I'll get through it.

Now I just need to make the decision as to whether I just say, "damned the torpedoes", dig into and learn as I go or just crate up the motor and send it to someone who can say this ain't their first rodeo and will do it right the first time. Don't get me wrong, I've rebuilt plenty of motors, but I've never been inside a Norton. I know that there is the personal satisfaction of having done it myself, but I can also make the argument that I would like to have the bike back on the road someday.

Look for yet another build thread coming to a theatre near you soon.

Thanks again all for the condolences and input. You guys, as always are the best.

Mark

Most everything, short of grinding crank journals, is quite straight forward. The more you do it and deeper you get into it, the more comfortable you become. You will, without a doubt, create a bond between man and machine that is both profound and rewarding.

There may be stuff you will need to send out and some stuff you can do yourself. There is just too much knowledge and valid support here to not give it a try. If you get too overwelmed.....well then go to plan "B".

Some of the best Norton minds in the entire world are right here.

As far as advise goes, be careful. I have done almost everything you could think of from crankcase machining to cam timing, gearbox, you name it. But make no mistake, I could not have done it without the support of the forum.

Do not make the mistake in assuming that anyone persons advise is solid. Search for past posts and get a consensus. Compare it to the manuals, although anything other than torque spec are useless to me because of all the update i have done. I use the shop manual the most.

Find people who have actual experience and watch out for those who are just damn confusing and/or are critical and opinionated. Use common sense and your own intuision. Make us proud.

chapmanmd · Oct 25, 2011

Some of the best Norton minds in the entire world are right here.

Agreed, PV, without a doubt.

That's why I have now reached out to one guy in particular from this forum to do the rebuild. I am 100% confident that I made the right decision.

I guess I'm turning in my man-card by going this route, but I openly admit that I need help with this one. I'm quite honestly afraid of what I would find in there given the severity of 'all hell breaking loose' when it went down. Besides, having the motor and gearbox gone for awhile gives me the chance (and an exuse to justify to the wife) to lace up new wheels, replace isolastics with those of the vernier type, get a Lansdowne kit ordered and put in, repaint the frame, send the tins off to Vermont for paint, etc.

It's gonna be a long winter and the 270 degree XS will just have to wait. At least that one is far from blown up and is only begging for brake upgrades and a new paint scheme.

Thanks again for all of the wisdom guys and I will be starting a build thread with pics soon.

pete.v · Oct 25, 2011

Sounds like a solid plan, no lose of respect from me.

There is a huge difference from being brave and being smart, they rarely coexist. In this instance you seem to show a bit of both.
Man card retained with honor.

chapmanmd · Nov 22, 2011

Quick update...

Intake stem seal popped off of the freaking valve. The rest of the valve train looks ok though. There are other issues though... Keyway in the end of the crank is all buggered up and the rotor is all kinds of sloppy...

This motor is coming apart. Stay tuned.

Bernhard · Nov 22, 2011

moorejm said:
I'll put money on thet stelite tip on a cam follower (tappet) has come off. I had a similar pile of small bits in the sump on a Commando I bought last year. The tappets, cam, one piston and one rod were toast. Luckily it didn't mess up the cases or the barrels... although one bit lodged itself into the cam gallery. Oddly enough it was running okay but another five minutes and it probably would have imploded. Good luck !
Mick

What a load of twaddle!!!!
Even if a stelite tip or part of a stelite tip came off it would only likely to be on one and not both cylinders!!!!

chapmanmd · Nov 22, 2011

Right cylinder seems ok. Left cylinder, not so much.

I'm thinking this can't be good...

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