1972 Norton Commando Combat Rebuild (4) - removing the cylinder head

[@dducdude6315]

Now it is my turn to pull the head and cylinders on the MKIIa so thanks Mike !

[@brandibartolomucci789]

I miss my 1976 850 Comando that I had in the early 80's!!

[@TornadoCAN99]

I've recently installed the silicone rubber valve cover seals and really like them (Found on Ebay but I think JS Motorsports also makes them). Except for the orange colour that is! No more scraping stuck on bits of paper off the mating surfaces. Allows me to make valve clearance checks more frequently.

[@crozwayne]

I always took the head and cylinder off as a unit rather than risk bending or damaging the push rods

[@gentlerowdy]

always been fan of your videos Mike

[@TheMightyGarage]

Thank you very much Rahul! There should be more videos coming soon that I hope you will enjoy. Best wishes, Mike

[@54macdog]

Shaping up as a big, but really interesting, job.

[@thematey3592]

Hi Mike, thanks for taking the time to do such high quality videos. I have just started a restoration of my 1974 850 Commando and was hoping that you would have shown how you removed the dreaded 1/4"BSW rear centre head nut (I think it's #2 in the tightening sequence). I am having a Dickens of a time and I wonder how they even installed it in the factory. Would it be possible to show this nut when the head is being reinstalled. It would be very helpful. Also, If you have any suggestions on how I can remove it that would be great. Thanks...... Ian......

[@caahacky]

It's going to be wild inside that crank case. I visited the Lakeland motor museum near the foot of Windermere yesterday. They have some amazing stuff there including an impressive display of vincents (including a rapide) all in excellent condition. I took 4 photos if you'd be interested. Cheers John

[@TheMightyGarage]

Thanks very much John, I’ve heard about the place. I’m actually originally from Barrow in Furness I understand it’s in Ulverston? I heard on the Vincent forum that a few of the Vincent guys visited the museum during last year‘s rally, which I think was in Kirby Lonsdale. Best wishes, Mike

[@TheMightyGarage]

Forgot to mention John that I would be very interested to see the pictures… Can I send you my email address?

[@projectreturnofthemac6625]

That's a nice little museum. Do they still have the bluebird display?

[@caahacky]

Yes they do - very impressive to get up close even though a couple of the bluebirds are replicas.

[@TheDavey333]

No damage to the top end, so far but what lies beneath 🥴 can’t wait. Good video, you both seem so calm, do you get more up tight later on, we’ll see 😃

[@TheMightyGarage]

Hehe, the next video gets very interesting! Let's just say it is a catastrophe!

[@tadpoles10]

Thanks for sharing Mike. Me not being a Norton guy, is/was there a reason not to remove the engine as one apart from the weight? atb t ..

[@TheMightyGarage]

Hi Terry. I'm not certain but I don't know if it's possible to remove the entire engine including the cylinder head from the frame, but I could be wrong. It certainly is quite heavy, so that was the main reason.

[@grantsnell6782]

Good video. Are they Combat pistons? Mine had quite a dome on them.

[@Wooley689]

Mike, I just noticed, the coil is the same we use on Harleys, that is the stock replacement on my Ironhead, wonder what the pricing difference is for the brands.

[@TheMightyGarage]

Hmm, I'm not sure Wooley. I will ask Dave. Cheers, Mike

[@projectreturnofthemac6625]

Thanks for posting. It reminds me of when i used to visit Mick Berrell's commando race shop. It was like stepping back in time. Keep up the good work. Also, check out my classic bike build. i would welcome any advice / recommendations.

[@TheMightyGarage]

Thanks a lot for your note. Good luck with the Velo project! It looks great. Best wishes, Mike

[@oh8wingman]

Having owned three Norton Commando's one thing here I find puzzling. Why are you tearing the head off a bottom end that's going nowhere? Just pull the entire engine and get it on the bench.