1974 Norton Commando 850 - Part 11 - timing check and carb sync

[@johnb5519]

Wow, you couldn't get much better than that. Good work guy's.

[@maaseyracer]

Mike, this in my opinion is where the Tri Spark shows its flaws. The big issue is that on some of the later Nortons the timing marks from the factory were way off. When I used a degree wheel and found 30 degrees before top dead center, then carefully slid the primary cover back on, I realized why I was having running issues on my 75 Commando. The timing marks were 4 degrees off! The Tri spark can only be timed accurately with a timing light and it is only as accurate as your timing marks.

[@daintree2455]

Love that orange Norton and she's running fine. Knocked the idle back a little as well,great job fellas.

[@TheDavey333]

What a good addition to your tool kit, Geoff is indispensable 😀 Don’t ride to fast, have a good day 👍

[@TheMightyGarage]

He sure is 😁 😁

[@bobstevens9040]

Man that bike's a beaut! I'd sell a kidney for that Norton

[@Kevin-cy9cv]

Sounding good

[@geoffgreenhalgh3553]

Better than new now.

[@quieroMOTERO]

I love your motorbikes ❤️

[@martino4414]

Still loving the channel Mike. Interesting and great filming. Very well done. 👍

[@TheMightyGarage]

Many thanks, Martin! 👍

[@gillestrombetta3019]

Hello Mike ,génial ta norton est magnifique et super les réglages 👍👍

[@MothershipVideos]

Very interesting thanks.

[@Cobra427Veight]

When I checked mine it was at 26 degrees, and my pipes were searing hot 🔥 set mine to the boyer spec , those hemi combustion chambers have no squish band poor tumble and swirl , probably better with more advance for fuel lag .

[@bsimpson6204]

I had a pair of vaccum gauges but they gave slightly diffrent readings on the same vaccum point (my mouth lol). You have to note the difference and compensate for it when balancing the carbs.

[@candymintz]

short vid but very sweet......i could use a workshop same size as this one.....

[@bruceferguson6637]

Feels good to get rid of the little gremlins.

[@practicalplinking6133]

ya took all the work out of it !! No gap adjustment or holding the A/A Unit advanced for static timing ! It's obvious you guys only want to ride.

[@TheMightyGarage]

😁😁! So true!

[@malcolmbennett3555]

hi Mike, nice series of vids on the orange machine. question on the battery used in this and the other Commando; what type and size do you use?

[@TheMightyGarage]

Hi Malcolm, apologies for the delay. The orange commando has a cheap battery in it that I would like to replace some time. This is the one that I have in the black commando and have been really happy with it. www.batterystuff.com/powersports-batteries/sYTX14AHL-BS.html Best wishes, Mike

[@malcolmbennett3555]

@@TheMightyGarage thank you Mike, Im looking to 'upgrade my battery given the CNW electric start system albeit my Commando now starts very quickly and has the 3 phase alternator and modern rectifier/regulator etc.

[@wdhewson]

With the isolastics allowing the engine with carbs to vibrate with a high amplitude, it's a wonder that the Amals can hold a float level and not froth the fuel.

[@bananabrooks3836]

Yes, thats why the JPN racers received flexible mountings, now THATS irony.

[@vorhese]

I sure wish preunit magneto were quicker to get timing perfect.

[@simonwootton-davies1179]

got a question, don't want to sound dumb but i'm doing the EXACT same job on my 850 mk3, is the strobe set at zero and use the 29 degree mark in the stator? can i use a normal strobe on a positive earth, i've had it running rough but way way too advanced as its blueing the pipes

[@TheMightyGarage]

Hi Simon, no problem at all. Yes, I'm sure that you can use a normal strobe from the store and it works just fine on our positive earth bikes. That's what we were using at Geoffs and I'm pretty sure that mine is also a regular gun/light from an auto-parts store. Geoff also hooks his up to the bike's battery, although I understand that some guys may prefer to use a separate battery if possible (to reduce electrical interference). Once you have set the timing or want to check your existing timing, you start the bike up and then rev it up to the desired RPM (revs can vary depending upon the ignition system you have and you can also check at different revs - for example at 3,000 or 5,000). Then point the strobe gun at the stator, which should have 3 slots/lines/grooves. When the bike is revving at the desired RPM, the big groove one in the middle should line up with the 29° mark on the indicator plate that is attached to the inside of the cover. If it's out of timing, then you can adjust the points or electronic ignition and then repeat until your timing is closer. Here's one of many articles on the AccessNorton forum. I hope this helps. Cheers, Mike www.accessnorton.com/NortonCommando/timing-mark-confirmation.6145/

[@simonwootton-davies1179]

I am using the tri-spark the same as you so that makes the job 100% easy for me cheers for your help

[@TheMightyGarage]

@@simonwootton-davies1179 No problemo. Good luck Simon. Cheers, Mike

[@kevindaly5093]

I'll take a stab at it. I'd say Geoff's next project is some form of Matchless or AJS. At least that's what the jampot rear shock absorbers are suggesting. Do tell mate.

[@TheMightyGarage]

Well spotted Kevin, yes it's a 1952 AJS 18S. It's in a bit of a state and Geoff intentionally bought it as a long term project intended to slow himself down, otherwise it would be running by the weekend 😉

[@kevindaly5093]

Yay! Got one! I'd love to see it when it's eventually done and off the lift. I'd say a video is in order in time. The American market longhorn handlebars intrigue me.

[@TheMightyGarage]

@@kevindaly5093 yes I will definitely take a vid. I’ve got a few clips already from when he bought it as a basket case. Cheers

[@trevorlock642]

He needs a bigger shed...

[@anthonycarty9433]

Yeah, looked awful cramped in there . Still , I suppose you've got to work with what you've got .

[@TheMightyGarage]

😁😁

[@MoeLarrycurly1]

🏍️🖖✌️👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@georgemartin5481]

With all the attention it's getting, how's 'Goldie' running compared to your other Nortons Mike?

[@davidhurley7998]

Hi I have a question for any one who can help,my dad as a Norton dominator 650 twin cylinder it only seems to be running on the left cylinder,but if you take the plug lead off the left spark plug it starts on just the right hand side cylinder

[@raymode101]

How much ?

[@TheMightyGarage]

29° BTDC

[@jimh.5286]

@@TheMightyGarage When someone says, "How much?," you're supposed to respond, "How much you got?"

[@TheMightyGarage]

@@jimh.5286 😉😉

[@pdm2201]

Something is wrong. The bike is not smoking.

[@TheMightyGarage]

😀😀😀