RRussellTx - 1974 Commando 850 Project

htown16 said:
As I recall those are both a sliding fit on the shaft and in the gear. Are they new replacement bushings? I replaced the bronze bushings in one rebuild with new and they were tight, so I gently relieved them with some fine grit emery paper. A better option might be to have them reamed at least the inner clearance.
Click to expand...
I have everything apart and mostly cleaned up. I am getting ready to go back together after I finish sealing the case with the ShineSeal that showed up yesterday. I also need to do some more blasting with #8 bead to try to get the aluminum to close up a little better before I seal it.

The bushings don't have much wear so I was not planning to replace them. I am following along with the series of videos below. If you go the 7:32 mark of the video link below you can see what I am asking about. The ones that came out of my transmission do not slide. They are stuck solid. I soaked in in mineral spirits for a few days. Heated them in the oven and quenched in oil. Tried the freezer. Looking for more options before I get brutal...



Thanks for the help!
 
RussellTx said:
I have everything apart and mostly cleaned up. I am getting ready to go back together after I finish sealing the case with the ShineSeal that showed up yesterday. I also need to do some more blasting with #8 bead to try to get the aluminum to close up a little better before I seal it.

The bushings don't have much wear so I was not planning to replace them. I am following along with the series of videos below. If you go the 7:32 mark of the video link below you can see what I am asking about. The ones that came out of my transmission do not slide. They are stuck solid. I soaked in in mineral spirits for a few days. Heated them in the oven and quenched in oil. Tried the freezer. Looking for more options before I get brutal...



Thanks for the help!
Click to expand...

If your #8 bead is glass oxide then it is risky to use it on aluminum internals . The aluminum is soft and the beads can become imbedded in the aluminum only to find their way out later and into bearings , etc . Soda blasting much safer .
 
Sintered bronze bushes.

No, the sleeve gear is probably original Mk2/Mk2A (064991) type so there may only be the one groove at the outer end.
RRussellTx - 1974 Commando 850 Project

The mainshaft circlip is in the parts book item 53.
andover-norton.co.uk

Andover Norton Parts Drawings - Andover Norton Factory Parts - Commando Parts

Andover Norton Parts are the only Norton spare parts in the market manufactured to original drawings, within the factory-approved tolerances, from the correct materials, and with the correct finish.
andover-norton.co.uk
 
Last edited:
L.A.B. said:
Sintered bronze bushes.

No, the sleeve gear is probably original Mk2/Mk2A (064991) type so there may only be the one groove at the outer end.
RRussellTx - 1974 Commando 850 Project

The mainshaft circlip is in the parts book item 53.
andover-norton.co.uk

Andover Norton Parts Drawings - Andover Norton Factory Parts - Commando Parts

Andover Norton Parts are the only Norton spare parts in the market manufactured to original drawings, within the factory-approved tolerances, from the correct materials, and with the correct finish.
andover-norton.co.uk
Click to expand...
Yup, I got all that, he pointed out the circle in a later video. My sleeve gear is good and exactly like the one in the video. It even has the 3 bushes like the one that failed in the video.

I'm trying to figure out the layshaft 3rd, and mainshaft 2nd being stuck in my transmission.
I believe they should spin like in the video at 7:32 minutes but I can't get them to free up.

Thanks for the help, much appreciated!
 
RussellTx said:
I'm trying to figure out the layshaft 3rd, and mainshaft 2nd being stuck in my transmission.
I believe they should spin like in the video at 7:32 minutes but I can't get them to free up.
Click to expand...

Yes, they should.
 
I don't think heating will help, seems like bronze would expand faster than the steel gear. You might try this stuff, l've used it before. Find a socket the exact same size as the bush and use as a driver,
www.crcindustries.com

CRC® Freeze-Off® Super Penetrant, 11.5 Wt Oz

Give your rusty, seized bolts, nuts, and fixtures a new life with CRC Freeze-Off® Super Penetrant. This one-of-a-kind spray will target rusted surfaces, parts, and equipment corroded by the elements. Packed in a light, aerosol can, its trouble-free application guarantees fast and effective...
www.crcindustries.com www.crcindustries.com
 
Little more explanation. Use a socket the size of the bush or perhaps a shade smaller on one side. Use a socket on the other side that is a little bigger than the bush. If you have a bench vise large enough put them in it and have the small socket push the bush into the larger one as you tighten it. If you don't have a big enough vise use a bolt with washers on it and a nut. Put the bolt through the sockets and tighten the nut. Slow and even pressure should remove it without any damage. You probably don't even need the freeze off but it's good stuff to have around,
 
htown16 said:
Little more explanation. Use a socket the size of the bush or perhaps a shade smaller on one side. Use a socket on the other side that is a little bigger than the bush. If you have a bench vise large enough put them in it and have the small socket push the bush into the larger one as you tighten it. If you don't have a big enough vise use a bolt with washers on it and a nut. Put the bolt through the sockets and tighten the nut. Slow and even pressure should remove it without any damage. You probably don't even need the freeze off but it's good stuff to have around,
Click to expand...
Thanks, I was using the heat to try to get oil between the bush and the gear. I finally gave up on that route and put it in the freezer for a bit and then just pressed it out.

Looked pretty black in there and I’m soaking it now to try to clean up.
 
L.A.B. said:
Eh, circle, who, video, have I missed something?

Are you using the 850 Mk2/2A parts supplement?
Click to expand...
Spellcheck strikes again. I meant the circlip that you mentioned.

I thought you saw in the video where he did not find the part number for it so you were helping me out by telling me where to find it.

I have the parts book and know where the circlip is because he corrected his comment in one of his later videos.

In short, I’m good there and thanks for the help!
 
If your Commando has the later sealed swingarm pivot assembly then you won't find those parts in the Mk2/2A supplement (or on ANs web page) although they are available.
 
Schwany said:
Finish that Woodinville bourbon yet? ;)
Click to expand...
Sorry I missed your question!
Been away from the project with the holidays and the daughters home from college.

Still working on it!

It stays in my garage and my buddies all ask about it. I tell them about your recommendation and offer them a taste. They mostly seem to turn up their nose at my barware though...

I'm a beer guy but I have a taste every time I finish something major. Today I'm celebrating the gearbox completion.

RRussellTx - 1974 Commando 850 Project
RRussellTx - 1974 Commando 850 Project
RRussellTx - 1974 Commando 850 Project
 
L.A.B. said:
If your Commando has the later sealed swingarm pivot assembly then you won't find those parts in the Mk2/2A supplement (or on ANs web page) although they are available.
Click to expand...
I don't think I have the sealed unit but I do have 2 bushes in each side which looks different from the parts catalog. One that looks like the one in the parts catalog (maybe shorter?) and a very short spacer.

I don't think in need new bushes but should I get the single one that says it is the (Pre MK3 - LONG) 06.0447?

RRussellTx - 1974 Commando 850 Project
RRussellTx - 1974 Commando 850 Project

 
That's the through bolt type which has the longer pin and bushes. There shouldn't be any spacer.
 
L.A.B. said:
That's the through bolt type which has the longer pin and bushes. There shouldn't be any spacer.
Click to expand...
Understood, but I can assure you that that spacer came from the factory.

I’ll probably order the longer bushes and look at the difference.
 
RussellTx said:
Understood, but I can assure you that that spacer came from the factory.
Click to expand...

Curious as I'm sure nobody has reported finding a short bush and spacer before. The shorter bushes were fitted to the later Mk2 and 2A sealed assembly as I mentioned before (and not just the Mk3 as AN says).

I noticed the gearbox case has the boss for the Mk3 neutral switch which I wouldn't expect it to have unless the case had been replaced.
 
RussellTx said:
Sorry I missed your question!
Been away from the project with the holidays and the daughters home from college.

Still working on it!

It stays in my garage and my buddies all ask about it. I tell them about your recommendation and offer them a taste. They mostly seem to turn up their nose at my barware though...

I'm a beer guy but I have a taste every time I finish something major. Today I'm celebrating the gearbox completion.

View attachment 117879
Click to expand...
The holidays are good times with the family.... usually.

I'm on my second bottle of that bourbon since Thanksgiving in the USA. I celebrate breathing. I'll probably finish the second one off tonight and a can of Irish Death dark ale to bring in the new year.

I haven't done anything major with tools other than fix a couple of home appliances (clothes dryer and a 70-pint garage dehumidifier). Working on my son's Prius today.

My Norton is at a I can wait to do anymore upgrading stage. It could use some modern tapered steering head bearings, but to do it right I'd have to machine the races out in the frame. Or... get a longer stem and make some adapters that fit in the races so I could stack modern bearings, or something else more complicated. The front end is still kind of stiff for the street, but awesome when riding way over my head at my age. I was also thinking about putting the Magura solid billet clip-ons I have on the bike so I could get some of that cafe racer respect and the back ache that goes with it. lol

Your project is looking good. Don't add up the receipts. Have a Great 2025.
 
Just a quick update,

Gearbox is completed and in the cradle. Also, the swing arm is installed.

The gearbox functions but is not exactly smooth/consistent...
I took it apart and checked everything more than once so I'm at a loss if this is not normal.

Also picked up a few parts while I'm waiting on Big D cycles to finish with the engine and carbs.


RRussellTx - 1974 Commando 850 Project
RRussellTx - 1974 Commando 850 Project
RRussellTx - 1974 Commando 850 Project
RRussellTx - 1974 Commando 850 Project
 


Write your reply...

Similar threads

N
  • Locked
New Norton Owner/ 74 commando 850 project
2
Replies
29
Views
2,680
mikegray660
M
F
  • Locked
Project: 1974 Commando 850
Replies
13
Views
1,074
fr8shkr
F
Back
Top