Norton Commando Engine disassembly (cylinders and timing side)

[@motorp742]

Remember when you got your asr cover back it had a pull pin holding in that ball. Use that for your install 😉

[@motohomeless9168]

Yeah, problem is I either lost it in my move or threw it away. I can make something similar up with what I have laying around.

[@motorp742]

@@motohomeless9168 I think it's pretty much a paper clip thickness of metal 👍

[@motohomeless9168]

@@motorp742 Yeah, I was thinking about using a wire hangar to do it. Are you the guy that does the conversion?

[@576rl900]

The description you were looking for is cam lifters (or followers). To remove the cam sprocket nut, normally you would still have the cam chain and left-hand thread crank nut and gears on the engine. Then you can insert an aluminum (or steel) rod into one of the holes in the crank flywheel which will prevent the crank from turning. Alternatively, remove the pistons and insert a rod through the connecting rod small ends and use wooden blocks on the crankcase to prevent the crank from turning. Then with the proper size socket (preferrably a 6-point) and breaker bar, apply strong force counter clockwise to remove the cam sprocket nut. It is not recommended to use and impact gun, but if all else fails..... These are normally torqued to around 50 ft-lbs, but some "mechanics" use the "torque until it breaks, then back off a 1/4 turn" method. If it requires that much force or you have to split the nut with die grinder and cut-off wheel, you likely will damage the camshaft. However you remove the nut, examine the cam bearings carefully and replace if the thrust face is damaged.

[@motohomeless9168]

Thanks. I tried the method you described to remove the nut. I think the hulk must have put it on. Even with 1500 ft lb capable impact, it was not coming off. I have no idea why it wont come off. I've tried everything short of cutting it off, so I think that is going to be the next move. I hope I don't damage the cam. They are expensive to replace!

[@576rl900]

It is possible to separate the cases without removing the cam sprocket if the cam is re-usable. It won't be easy. I'm not sure how you removed the cam chain without removing the sprocket, but since the chain does not use a removable link. the chain and sprockets need to be installed as a unit. If you split the cases with the cam still in the timing side case, you will need to remove the intermediate gear shaft. When you re-assemble you would install the chain and sprockets, heat the case side and press the intermediate gear shaft through the sprocket and into the case until it seats against the circlip. I would consider this a last resort.

[@steveaustin62]

You've got me hooked now, the nut has to go.

[@576rl900]

Be careful not to allow the aluminum connecting rods to bang against the crankcases. Protect them with cardboard tubes (toilet paper rolls) or plastic bottles with the top and bottom removed (or buy some of those plastic mesh protectors). Any rod nicks will need to be polished out before re-using.

[@motohomeless9168]

Will do! Thanks!

[@johnAdamson-uk1dd]

I have had the same issue, I have to say before I invested in an impact driver, so yours must be tight, I ended up very carefully drilling the nut and spitting with a chisel, I don't envy the job my Commando was/is a 1970 so doesn't have the tacho drive so is just under 1/4" thick and it was easy to see where the thread ended, if you choose to drill and split I would probably source a new nut first so you determine where it is safe to drill.

[@motohomeless9168]

Yeah….i thought it would be good to have the nut first as well, but I already started cutting it. 😂