Stator Installation Problem

I completely agree. Or having to pull the primary to swap out a counter sprocket.

I apologize if someone already said it, but I've seen times when the spacers are slightly different lengths and that causes the stator to be slightly cocked. Also, I've seen where someone has tried to drill out the stator holes and caused the laminations to spread, again causing the stator to be cocked.

On a Norton, getting the center support wrong will almost surely cause stator problems. To be sure it's right, I temp install the inner chaincase, with a gasket, but with no spacer on the center support and make sure the three chaincase to engine bolts are evenly tight. Then I measure the gap between the center support and chaincase with feeler gauges and use that measurement to find a washer or combination of washers that exactly matches. I also check that the inner chaincase is not being held cocked by the swingarm - this is often a problem on an 850, usually not on a 750. If the inner chaincase is touching the swingarm, I use two gaskets between the chaincase and engine (learned that on this forum).

I’m happy to report that I sorted this issue. When replacing the inner primary plates I had squished the felt such that the plates did not fit over the output shaft - they were hanging up on the felt. When I fitted the inner primary, it was flexing out at the rear, pushing the rear stator mounting stud forward. I refitted the primary plates, and with my Dremel sanding drum relieved the felt a little, re-oiled the felt and slid everything over the output shaft. The stator now has about .08” clearance from the rotor all around. Thanks everyone for the help.

Good spot Ben. Cudda gotten messy ...