New Norton(ish) Owner

André Bourbonnais said:

Still new here trying to figure out the adding a picture option. Lol

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Only VIP members can upload images. Non-VIPs need to use an image hosting site like Postimage https://postimages.org/
(But, not Photobucket) then copy and paste the "Hotlink for forums" link for each photo into your forum message.

There are two oil lines that run to the timing side (right side) of the case for providing oil to and from the crankcase to the oil tank. The breather hose come from the back side of the case between the motor and the gearbox if it is fitted with this type of breather. Stock was just a fitting with a bit of foam or gauze in it. The modification is a reed valve breather that attaches to this spot. Other locations depending upon year for that breather hose is the back side of the timing chest high on the right side behind the cylinder. Or front left off the end of the cam. These lines also run to the oil tank but to the top as opposed to the back side which is wear the actual oiling lines go.

I realize I am visualizing this as though the bike were complete, which from you description it may not be. So you would be looking at a pile of parts perhaps. Regardless, become familiar with either Old Britts web site or Andover Norton as both supply blow up drawings of parts groups and can be really useful for figuring out what you are looking at.

Below number 44 is the breather line. The other two are for oiling. And in the drawing at bottom the typical '72 breather can be seen (#46).

rvich said:

There are two oil lines that run to the timing side (right side) of the case for providing oil to and from the crankcase to the oil tank. The breather hose come from the back side of the case between the motor and the gearbox if it is fitted with this type of breather. Stock was just a fitting with a bit of foam or gauze in it. The modification is a reed valve breather that attaches to this spot. Other locations depending upon year for that breather hose is the back side of the timing chest high on the right side behind the cylinder. Or front left off the end of the cam. These lines also run to the oil tank but to the top as opposed to the back side which is wear the actual oiling lines go.

I realize I am visualizing this as though the bike were complete, which from you description it may not be. So you would be looking at a pile of parts perhaps. Regardless, become familiar with either Old Britts web site or Andover Norton as both supply blow up drawings of parts groups and can be really useful for figuring out what you are looking at.

Below number 44 is the breather line. The other two are for oiling. And in the drawing at bottom the typical '72 breather can be seen (#46).

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Yeah Ive ordered alot of stuff from them. Shes not in pieces except for the engine being off for painting purposes. I do have the 2 lines leaving the side but is that standard and a conversion is available?

André Bourbonnais said:

Shes not in pieces except for the engine being off for painting purposes. I do have the 2 lines leaving the side but is that standard and a conversion is available?

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The two oil lines (feed and return) are standard and separate from the engine breather line which, on your '72 model would be connected between the breather assembly (attached to the lower rear of the crankcase, items 46-53 on the previous drawing) and the oil tank.




The '72 "Oil Tank Breather" would normally connect to a spigot attached to the air filter backplate.
The Oil Filter was introduced during '72 (from 208754) so your 203xxx wouldn't have had it originally but it was available as a kit to fit earlier models.



If the breather has been modified it could look like this:


https://www.oldbritts.com/n_c_case.html

L.A.B. said:

The two oil lines (feed and return) are standard and separate from the engine breather line which, on your '72 model would be connected between the breather assembly (attached to the lower rear of the crankcase, items 46-53 on the previous drawing) and the oil tank.

The '72 "Oil Tank Breather" would normally connect to a spigot attached to the air filter backplate.
The Oil Filter was introduced during '72 (from 208754) so your 203xxx wouldn't have had it originally but it was available as a kit to fit earlier models.



If the breather has been modified it could look like this:

https://www.oldbritts.com/n_c_case.html

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Awesome. Let me check when I get home. If mine doesn't have one (don't think it does) are the kits easy to find and install?

André Bourbonnais said:

Awesome. Let me check when I get home. If mine doesn't have one (don't think it does) are the kits easy to find and install?

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The kit is available as part 064283/P.
https://andover-norton.co.uk/en/shop-details/16307

Not difficult to install but requires two holes to be drilled in the cradle.
http://www.norvilmotorcycle.co.uk/techtalk13.htm

L.A.B. said:

The kit is available as part 064283/P.
https://andover-norton.co.uk/en/shop-details/16307

Not difficult to install but requires two holes to be drilled in the cradle.
http://www.norvilmotorcycle.co.uk/techtalk13.htm

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Awesome. Thank you

So...this is cause my original set up doesn't have an oil filter right? Cause I didn't see one. Lol

So a reed valve breather and a oil filter kit would obviously be an improvement. Thanks guys. I believe no machining is involved on the breather right?

Also.. is this necessary, can I keep me there?

OPTIONAL - You will no longer need the original cam rotary valve and spring - best to remove them whenever its convenient.

André Bourbonnais said:

So...this is cause my original set up doesn't have an oil filter right?

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Yes, at least, not what you might call a proper oil filter, only a gauze oil tank strainer, the scavenge sump strainer having been deleted from eng. 200000.

André Bourbonnais said:

Also.. is this necessary, can I keep me there?

OPTIONAL - You will no longer need the original cam rotary valve and spring - best to remove them whenever its convenient.

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The timed rotary breather valve at the LH end of the camshaft was fitted to pre-72 models.

Your '72 model should have the breather at the lower rear of the crankcase as described above so doesn't have the rotary valve.

http://www.jsmotorsport.com/technical_reed_valve_breather.asp

Replaces the early 750 Commando and Atlas vent on the left case.
OPTIONAL - You will no longer need the original cam rotary valve and spring - best to remove them whenever its convenient.

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I really appreciate the info. Thanks. Looks like Im gonna be busy for a while. Haha.

Just FWIW...you can find many threads here regarding oil, what kinds to use, how to improve oiling, how to stop wet sumping and at least a few "discussions" about whether or not you really need an oil filter. Then you can get down to the fine print of whether you want a full-flow filter, on the suction side of the pump, discharge side or on the return line, whether to put magnets in your tank, strap them on your filters or put them on your knees to aid in kicking your bike to life. You're not just going to be busy, you will undoubtedly learn about stuff you never wanted to think about, like whether or not nano particles will save your engine but kill you. Good luck, there is lots of reading. You could of course just decide that Norton knew what they were doing and put the stock set up back together. It might be a little like accepting flat-earth theory (it is just a theory right?) but you have that right!

rvich said:

Just FWIW...you can find many threads here regarding oil, what kinds to use, how to improve oiling, how to stop wet sumping and at least a few "discussions" about whether or not you really need an oil filter. Then you can get down to the fine print of whether you want a full-flow filter, on the suction side of the pump, discharge side or on the return line, whether to put magnets in your tank, strap them on your filters or put them on your knees to aid in kicking your bike to life. You're not just going to be busy, you will undoubtedly learn about stuff you never wanted to think about, like whether or not nano particles will save your engine but kill you. Good luck, there is lots of reading. You could of course just decide that Norton knew what they were doing and put the stock set up back together. It might be a little like accepting flat-earth theory (it is just a theory right?) but you have that right!

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Thats exactly what Im gonna do. Bring her back to life then upgrade where needed.

I grew up in Ottawa running Nortons as the best bike available . Short season. Drove home in fresh new snow several times . Dead slow and straight, no brakes or leanings. Then put it away for hibernation.