Norton Nemesis V8 rebuild - Episode 6

In this video I take a look at the oil pump (I didn't film the whole process as I was excited to proceed and completely forgot) , pan strainer and starter clutch sorting out a few problems and rectifying faults as I find them.
Note: All parts will be thoroughly cleaned before final assembly so any debris seen under macro cinimatography in this video will be cleaned off later.
The Norton Nemeses is a pre production prototype that was made in the late 90's with claims of a 200+mph top speed from its 1500cc fuel injected V8 engine.
As far as I'm aware, this is the only bike that has survived but if any of you know of other bikes please leave a comment. This bike is owned by the National Motorcycle Museum in Birmingham UK has been on display as a non running exhibit for many years.
I have already worked on the bike last year getting the engine to run after a few rudimentary checks, new oil and batteries for series 12 of Henry Cole's "The Motorbike Show" where Henry rode it for a few miles up to around 50 mph, but it wasn't running very well and was leaking a lot of oil and coolant.
Episodes of "The Motorbike show" can be seen on itvx player on line and some shorter edits are available on Henrys KZbin channel.
Over the coming months I will be stripping the bike to sort out a few issues with the V8 engine and hopefully make it run and ride how it was intended 25 years ago.

[@whiplash-u6m]

This bike is gonna be a lot better then when it left the factory.🙂

[@kingfishstacy]

I'm not sure that bike left a factory. Looks slightly rushed out of a machine shop

[@JIMWSMITH]

Well obviously it was absolutely appalling.

[@jlloyd2004mcs]

Considering it’s complete garbage, I tend to agree with you.

[@jonb3311]

A lot better than when the plans left the Drawing Office.

[@gasdive]

Putting it in the bin would be an improvement. So really anything is an improvement

[@Quake_Masta]

Allens videos are so calming in the middle of a chaotic life

[@JamesOStanworth-Wang]

Kind of like doing a meditation 😄

[@edwardmingolla6553]

Absolutely true!! I never went them to end !😊

[@davidelliott5843]

Watching him use those tin snips is amazing. I really struggle so usually end up filing for ages where Allen just slices off a sliver of metal.

[@Hiram8866]

This is what I think.

[@desertadam7279]

100%

[@johandelen1838]

19:05 "If it looks right, its gonna work proper." Absolutely.👌 It is simply astounding how shoddy some of the original workmanship is, which Allen now has to rectify.

[@zzota]

Hard to believe it came out of the factory like this, even for a prototype. Luckily Allen's working his magic on it.

[@scottcates]

gorillas fabbed it up

[@chriscanham7130]

Yeah- remind me again why Norton went titsup

[@motomat2]

Would put me off buying a Norton of the era tbh.

[@terrytopliss9506]

People these days throw the words genius and legend about to easily but in your case they really do apply. Your attention to detail is immaculate. Thanks for the video Allen.👍👍

[@keithgarland3404]

Allen, thanks for taking the time to produce these video's for us. It's a pleasure too see a craftsman at work.

[@AllenMillyard]

I enjoy making the videos but it does add a lot of time getting all the shots 🎥

[@kasperkjrsgaard1447]

@@AllenMillyardI can imagine that. Am I right in guessing that it’s a one-camera-operation, so in many places you’ll need to make the same operation two or three times in order to make the best video? However, your contributions is highly valued. Thank you so very much. 🙏🏼

[@adamrudling1339]

Next time don't forget to get some cakes in ❤

[@AllenMillyard]

@@kasperkjrsgaard1447 yes all shot and edited on my iPhone 15 pro

[@Thuddster]

Allen, please consider using multiple cams, and soliciting a collaboration with a skilled and suitable video editor. I feel compelled to urge you to capture more of yourself fettling the hardware, than setting up & capturing/processing video. Tempus fugit!

[@animalian01]

Allen improves the motor that a whole team at Norton couldn't do 🤔🤔

[@duncbee]

A master craftsman at work. Skills like his are very rare but so beautiful to watch as he makes very difficult things look very easy.

[@stephenscholes4758]

Very rare? You need to get out a bit

[@duncbee]

@@stephenscholes4758 How many world records do you hold?

[@robertbartender591]

Allen or The Eurovision Song Contest tonight🤔 tough one.

[@malcolmlane-ley2044]

If only it was Allen for 4 hours instead of that rubbish

[@Hairyegg]

Nil marks to the euro

[@markthompson9914]

No contest mate, Allen for the win EVERY TIME 👍

[@mryorkshire3623]

If only Allen could sing ....

[@rupertkingsley]

Allan Millyard. Such a great engineer they named a tool and bolt system after him 😂

[@dbmail545]

It's not enough that Allen is rebuilding a one-off prototype but he is sorting out everything done "quick and dirty" as well.

[@rogereade4950]

Dirty deeds done dirt cheap!

[@frankharradence5546]

This Norton video series draws you in; it’s like being in the actual workshop while Alan performs his methodical engineering magic. A real ‘page turner’ impatient to see the next episode….

[@gonegliding2966]

Your level of understanding and the no fuss approach to repairs is second to none. I'm once again enthralled by your videos. Thanks again for sharing Allen.

[@philliptaylor8270]

I feel that I speak for a lot of your observers when I say how we enjoy watching you work and your commentary. Thank you.

[@MrCyphermonkey]

You have to wonder what the person who last worked on that engine was thinking with some of the things done on it. The roll pin instead of a dowel is a prime example.

[@brucemitch928]

Thinking the same thing, you get the impression it was rush build job to prove the concept.

[@stephenbland7461]

I can’t help but wonder if the engine was originally assembled at Norton by unsupervised first year YTS apprentices, on a Friday afternoon.

[@richardraby6266]

Beggars belief!

[@SimonDavies-o1p]

Imagine being one of the people who assembled this engine, watching this and realizing how many mistakes Allen has to correct, i am always stunned at how easy he makes it all look.

[@lassikinnunen]

I wonder if they even got paid. The whole story of the actual building is still untold, the bike was more or less meant to get investors onboard.

[@redleadervfr-v4906]

Can’t believe Alan is having to do so many Modifications to this engine. What a shame he wasn’t there at Norton when they decided to build a V8 Motorcycle. I’m sure when you get this bike back together it will be a perfect V8 motorcycle. Thank you Alan for sharing this project with us👍

[@richardraby6266]

I cant believe what I'm seeing here, please tell me that it wasn't Norton who left the inside of this engine the way that Allan is finding it!

[@russellclay9506]

It looks like Norton engineers done some of the work and the office boys had a go!!

[@lasskinn474]

did whoever owned norton name when they did this even have their own staff?

[@Thomas63r2]

Its a pleasure to watch a master machinist and engineer at work. Your innate knowledge of how things should be is off the charts. I love how you make thoughtful improvements on the fly. The Norton 1500 V8 is lucky to have found you.

[@fallingwater]

I know it takes a lot of time to put together these videos, but they are absolutely invaluable in helping train the next generation of engineers. If I'd watched them twenty years ago I might have taken that road myself!

[@robw718]

It's a great pleasure to watch a true engineering craftsman at work: I'm finding this series on the Norton V8 fascinating as it involves correcting the design and manufacturing shortcomings associated with what is clearly a development-stage engine. Brilliant video recording of the process as well. 👍

[@Depinor]

A pleasure to watch Allen at work. Calm and nothing fazes. Great to watch👍

[@jamesrindley6215]

There is so much to learn from watching Allen work. The tidiness and cleanliness of the work area. The careful sorting and storage of parts. The methodical checking of every small detail. Success is no accident.

[@rjung_ch]

Thank you Allen, your improvements and detailed care will make this engine come to life better than it was. Cheers 👍💪✌

[@davidelliott5843]

Allen has probably saved that engine from self-destruction. It had so many really poorly made parts.

[@johngibson3837]

​@@davidelliott5843saved from a life of museum only mate, soon it will be able to actually be ridden

[@stephenpotts8170]

Allen even though it was a prototype I would imagine you were surprised at some of the engineering. Thank you I'm really enjoying this restoration.

[@ZX600E7]

I think you should put engineering in inverted commas 😂

[@rogereade4950]

@@ZX600E7 yes there seems to be many " Hold my Beer" moments when they built it.

[@mikeford5106]

Norton Quality engineering ! ... or the lack of ... in some aspects !

[@samteks125]

​@@rogereade4950It's almost like they were taking the p*ss here and there 😂

[@simoncaddick9085]

@@samteks125 They were.

[@sidecarbod1441]

It's like someone spent months designing and building that engine but was then without notice was given 3 days to finish it so the remaining bits were just lashed together! Anyway it will run as sweet as a nut once Allen has sorted out the dodgy bit!

[@lassikinnunen]

Something like that happened with the budget situation when it was made

[@michaelbean739]

Hey Allen. Your talent with a hacksaw inspired me to take a perfectly good Singer 221 featherweight cut it and add additional 3 5/8”. Thanks Mike, from America.

[@daverdaceng]

Allens voice and the clock ticking in the background - total Zen!

[@joncollins-oj8ve]

Allen, everything has been said about this series, your off the chart mechanical skills, the almost meditative way in which you deliver your descriptions of the work you are doing, the surprising simplicity of the tools you use and the little things that give the brain a moment to re focus... pidgeon, cakes, and hedgehogs! But just as much skill is demonstrated in the camera work, the zoom ins, the lighting, the degree of lens hold on a given subject and the accompanying sound track all in balance and harmony. As a motorcyclist this is the 'thing' I enjoy the most on social media bar none. Thank you.

[@neilhughes3823]

@joncollins-oj8ve **you’re**

[@michielderuyter6011]

@@neilhughes3823 Just imagine how many friends yoy could have if you where not like that😂

[@Motocentrick]

Allen is my favorite human being of all time.

[@kwameboxa567]

A great way to round off a glorious day, enjoying one of Allen's videos. Happy Days 😊

[@stephenrice4554]

Magnificent demonstration of how to make a silk purse from a sows ear . A lesson in making as well as you can down to being satisfied by the finish . Looking forward to the next one including the wildlife . 👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@j.w.3345]

Always amazed at your knowledge and skills. You make it look easy, but I know it's not.

[@metalmicky764]

I am dumbfounded at the crude workmanship of the Nemesis. Bygone Norton tuners and engineers would be aghast at the low level of skill evident in the whole bike. Thank goodness that the rebuild has been given to a man with the skill, passion and pride that the project deserves.

[@terrybuckwalter2340]

Thanks Allen. The design decisions that are made when producing an entire motorcycle are fascinating and the Norton Nemesis doesn't disappoint! The engineering "highs" and "lows" are intriguing leaving one to ponder what could have been. We'll never know!

[@1954Antony]

Maybe we'll have some idea when Allen has finished sorting it!

[@markwhite5465]

The relaxation I get from your videos is off the chart Alan, have a great weekend and thanks..

[@iainbroughton3186]

Mr Millyard, you are a genius and a National treasure

[@stuff0music]

My 73 Z1 Kawasaki had oil pressure drop near red line since new. I removed the oil pump, removed some material from the main pump body with sand paper on a glass surface and then “lapped” the gears in with grinding paste until the clearance was just right. No more oil pressure problems. It was fun watching you using similar procedures throughout this refresh. I’m always impressed with your work. Thanks for the videos.

[@shadowred1980]

This bike is going to be better than when it was first built. Allen, thank you for taking us along. :)

[@michaelcresswell5838]

Just got back from a ride, great to watch with a cuppa. Brilliant Allen.

[@alextripp1230]

Hi Allen, nice modification where you find necessary. Can't wait to see/hear it running again. Alex.

[@boatlover2296]

I love how peaceful it is in your shop, you can hear the clock ticking! Absolutely love watching this incredible craftsman work.

[@johnsnowdon2939]

Can you imagine the possible outcome if Allen had been part of the original design team for the bike? At the very least we may have had a properly screwed-together and running bike. I'm glad it's getting the attention it deserves now. Can't wait to see it all back together and running!

[@robertwells6454]

I am a Machinist and Fabricator that builds Wind Tunnels for a living & Allens work and abilities are well beyond next level. Cheer's 👌

[@axispowerdiesel]

Best rebuild on youtube right now

[@bobstupaksvegasworld4098]

Kudos to you Mr. Millyard. The Bob Ross of the motorcycle engine wizards.

[@graemewhite5029]

Let's just pop this happy little oil bypass valve over here....!

[@bobstupaksvegasworld4098]

@@graemewhite5029 Perfect

[@rogerthedodger5788]

My Dad gave me my first Swiss Army knife on my 9th birthday many decades ago. My friends all had them too. Never been without one in my pocket since. Sadly, the original slipped off the roof of a canal boat never to be seen again.. Loving every episode of the rebuild! Thank you.

[@ironhorsehero1988]

Delighted every time an AM vid pops up especially the Norton V8, just your every day nut & bolt rebuild with the odd redesign here and there but I love em, you just know that Norton is going to run better than it ever has. Brilliant

[@Hopalong..75]

You have my absolute favorite channel. Great job!

[@jimp730]

Another super-satisfying episode. Was I the only one surprised by the shockingly shoddy original workmanship of the oil suction filter? It's hard to believe this came out of the Norton factory ... looks more like something I'd make! Another well done to AM for breathing a special kind of magic on this rarer-than rare motorcycle!

[@alanottley]

Absolutely love the quiet calm and clock ticking in the background. You are still the Wizard!

[@robcarver3080]

At last, episode 6. Just watched it and I’m Really Pleased With That. Just perfect.

[@anthonyedwards4423]

The clock tick ticking is nicer than background music in most videos and reminds me this guy can make a clockwork.

[@ogri214]

My late father worked for Rolls Royce before WW2 rebuilding aero engines , he always said " if it looks right it will be".

[@AllenMillyard]

It’s so true 🙂

[@annon231]

Yours is a superlative attention to detail and finish. Watching you work in such a focused, relaxed expression of craftmanship is a joy. I have been binge-watching your work on this project and it has surprised me that the fitters who have previously worked on this machine have produced such a carelessly finished product. Much of the welding looks like the welds were left unfinished. Slap happy would be a suitable description of their effort with a disregard for quality assurance by the quality assurance supervisor. "Near enough" seems to be "good enough" for the inspector (If there was one), especially on those parts that are unseen after the final assembly. Beautiful work to provide a remedy, Allen. .

[@technodaz]

I love nothing more than watching you hand make gaskets, last time I tried to be fancy and took a photo sent it to a friend who used his cutter to make me the gasket and in only 3 days I had a lovely gasket that was mirrored and completely useless. Ended up just doing it it myself, having no punch I had some kids tent poles there which under the plastic covers were lovely and sharp and the perfect diameter :D gotta make do when you don't have the right tools.

[@ashleyhoward8926]

I used to use cornflake packets/boxes & a tube of hermetite red.

[@technodaz]

​@@ashleyhoward8926 I think at some point we've all been there lol.

[@nickhellen6303]

You see: you’re learning the Allen Millyard way. Do it yourself from nothing.

[@rickconstant6106]

@@ashleyhoward8926 That takes me back. The last time I used Hermetite red was on my Tiger Cub in 1972. I still remember the smell.

[@johncummins3860]

I still do !​@@ashleyhoward8926

[@petefirch]

Another great video Alan, really appreciated. Nice to hear Charley's setting a good example by backing off the booze.

[@philiprandall1399]

My life will be complete when, one day, I buy a motorbike and on close inspection I find parts stamped with "AM" and a date. That will be a bike worth holding onto.

[@G0ogs]

Best thing I’ve seen since the last one

[@philipjosephbarker7737]

Another great episode of true mechanical skill and patience, very relaxing to watch without the screeching of power tools or the constant loud Yadda,Yadda,Yadda, bombardment of product marketing or background product placements.Well done once more Allen.😃😃

[@oldbloke9270]

Hi. Have watched these episodes with great interest. All I can say is that if this incredible machine shows the technical ability and skill of Norton engineers no wonder they went pop!!! God help anyone who buys anything from Norton. I know things have changed but look how many years Skoda with VW's massive financial injection took to get over that classic joke "how do you double a Skodas value?".........simply fill it with fuel. I know Allen will sort this bike out and I look forward to seeing it run as it should. Stay safe all. Old Bloke

[@simonhall2682]

Really enjoying watching Allen sorting this bike out. It’s fascinating to watch his problem solving and how he sorts out complex issues with simple tools.

[@GT380man]

The pile of used parts reminds me of the saying, “The difference between a hoarder and a collector is that the collector knows what he’s got”

[@rickwall4176]

Not to be picky or anything, but man, the level of hokey engineering in this thing. That roll pin alone instead of a dowel pin is crazy.

[@peterwardle572]

You do not get phased by detail, you just quietly go at it until all is 'perfect' , even down to polishing the starter clutch, not required but a nice touch, great stuff.

[@sefton1972]

Top standard as always Allen. I still can’t get over how ramshackle the bike was put together by triumph.

[@ArapuniWizard]

Hi Allen. It's good to see you fixing up all the balls-ups made by the original manufacturers or whoever got their hands on it subsequently. They should have come to you in the first place! Well done. :)

[@jjp7216]

Good to know that I'm not the last person who knows how to fit a tapered shaft!

[@Nickster9973]

Allen you are a very talented man. It’s sad to think the skills you have will sadly be gone one day. A true tradesman. Love your videos.

[@ivofer8349]

More like an upgrade than a rebuild, this so therapeutic to watch and listen, love that saying " if it looks right it works right"

[@grahamorbell2557]

I don’t care which bike you pick next to restore , I just love your work , tell you the truth pick anything to restore , it’s Fantastic viewing. Thank You from Australia.

[@jimsound7888]

Mr Millyard........you are a total genius. I hope Norton finds out what you are doing

[@Eddie_Murphy1965]

Allen is the unassuming engineering miracle worker.

[@nev7711]

Hooked on watching this rebuild and Christian on LR Time. Both brilliant to watch smart guys fixing engines and sharing knowledge and their experience.

[@petrichor649]

That original engine is a bit rough and ready, rushed out for the press and backers no doubt. Nice to see its manifest problems resolved. Fantastic

[@2StrokeSmoke544]

I can’t believe how some of the welds are on them cases and also the construction quality. Glad you got your hands on it!

[@JR-bj3uf]

I saw a note in a service manual once that referenced "careful assembly." I think this would qualify as very careful and very capable assembly. The engine is all the better for it.

[@DrivermanO]

I psrticularly like the way that Allen resolves poor engineering on the original (less than ideal!) but when he makes a new part, he stamps it AM2024. Brilliant!

[@Afjmal]

Love the clock ticking in the background. Very relaxing🙂

[@gwylio]

Hey Allen. Everything that I've seen you do in your videos was taught to me as a 16yo fitter/turner apprentice 40 years ago. And I still think you're a flippin genius. Love your videos, mate. Edit. "Flippin" is better, apparently, haha.

[@someoldgit]

Hi Allen As usual another great episode nice to hear the therapeutic clock in the background 👍👍

[@philelliott5327]

Charlie Weaver and the hedgehog are in cahoots, no wonder the pigeon looks nervous. As always a top notch bit of fettling, can't wait to hear it run.

[@keithfarrell3370]

Thanks so much, Allen, for taking the time to show us mere mortals how a real engineer does what he does.

[@frankspeakmore7104]

I had no idea that Stevie Wonder tried welding before turning to playing the piano. Another highly informative video, thank you.

[@davelawrence594]

Clock ticking in the background & just watching you at your best is very calming indeed I could watch you do what you love every minute of the day perfection at its best!!!👌🏻👍🏻

[@thektmkid6990]

I love everything that Allen does, an absolute encyclopedia of knowledge

[@tomtruesdale6901]

That is such an interesting engine. Thank you for sharing the rebuild with us.

[@markspeller5722]

Allen, the depth of your knowledge is mind boggling. This is going to run as it always should have, had it been built properly.

[@steveparkes1]

A touch of sanity in this crazy world.

[@erich8258]

The craftsmanship in making the video is nearly as impressive as the moto work itself. I'm amazed by the camerawork.

[@ducatobeing]

That was fantastic! I could almost believe that I am capable of a job like that. I shudder to think what the result would be. Once again, the gentle, quiet voice and smooth competence shine through.

[@boag46]

You're a legend.

[@Pesmog]

Now that is a meaty looking water pump 👍👍

[@AllenMillyard]

It certainly is 😳

[@David_Walker16-3-51]

You seem to have mastered the technique of turning time into totally absorbing fascination. If you wanted to do 2hr videos, I wouldn’t complain.

[@MichaelIrons-d5v]

Man you are a genius, the care and detail; you put into this engine, is outa site sir, really enjoy your vids, so restful and calming.

[@MichaelIrons-d5v]

thank you SIR, looking forwards to the next episode m.

[@nickhellen6303]

Bloody marvellous! Don’t you all just love that shoddy British engineering and design? And then along comes Allen. . . .

[@richardmoorhouse8030]

Just brilliant…… I’ll be counting the days until the next instalment!

[@adriansmith1600]

Such a pleasure to see a genius like Allen at work. Seems he is exposing some ‘not so perfect’ Norton engineering,but he is such a gentleman and does not mention it. Thank you Allen.

[@morrisbagnall2690]

The most absorbing twenty minutes of this week. Thanks Allen.

[@Blahshog]

Really look forward to your weekly updates on the Nemesis build, that bike was always my favourite when I visited the museum, thank you for preserving an important part of British motorcycle history.

[@ChrisDonegan]

I haven't a clue what he on about but I can't stop watching.

[@DJAguitars]

I have a feeling this bike will be "just perfect" when it's all done! Great content 👍

[@richardjones3826]

Big Al, you are illustrious my eminence,, how this heap never blew up is beyond words, is Tracy cooking today, magic pure magic, juhaptergee