Manifold allen bolts

maylar said:

And you definitely DON'T want to Loctite those puppies. Accessing the 2 inner bolts is a major chore as it is. The threads need to be clean and the bolts need serrated heads so you can turn them with the tips of your fingers. I'm sure most everyone here knows exactly what I'm talking about.

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I agree after 20 odd years getting those out they still cause walk away for 10, then have another go.

I found if you have one of the long Allen keys, especially the ones with the ball on the long end, it will reach out past the carbs to make it much easier to put in. Only trouble is you can't use it when the air cleaner is on.



Dave
69S

Folks,

It's been a good twenty years since I machined any threads except for bit of tapping now and then in the garage, but a 5 deg included angle (i.e. 2.5 deg per side) ought not to be a big deal. I'd bet Norton used taps to cut hose threads that exceeded 5 deg variation from wear alone back in the good ole days. They probably also bought UNC taps sometimes and threw 'em in the same drawer.

BSW or UNC should be mutually compatible. If the threads are galling I don't think this is the reason.

I hope the threads just need a chasing with the tap and they'll be good, I just need the patience to wait for the correct tool.
I've wondered about allen wrenches with the ball on the end, can you grab a bit of an angle with those?

MIKE

With air cleaner on, access is very limited. Ball ends don't help. This is where you need a cut down Allen key, something every Norton owner's toolbox has. But if the threads are clean you only need the wrench to loosen/tighten - the rest is done with your fingers.

Removing the nut on the intake rocker cover helps a lot too.

although if a DPO ran a UNC tap through them, I suppose that is what would be needed).

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This DO did and they're a great fit thread wise. Outer replacement SS parts from Norvil have the larger hex so yes I have to carry two cut down keys.

openroad said:

I've wondered about allen wrenches with the ball on the end, can you grab a bit of an angle with those?

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A ball-ended key makes the job easier, but there's no need to buy a ball-ended Allen key/wrench.
Once you have cut both ends of your special carb Allen key to their ideal lengths, you can grind a ball-end on it.

Thanks, I like that.

MIKE