Hi all
i recently bought a 1936 Norton 16h an wondered if anyone could point me in the right direction for an engine rebuild please ,London areas if possible but not essential.
thanks
john
16 h
To be honest Jon there is a bit corrosion on the cylinder head possible need a replacement as some of the fins I think are a bit far gone I was thinking of making it cosmetically better but should I leave as is with its patina or polish up I’m in two minds to be honest,I bought it off an old boy who had it from 17 years old
john
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Interesting machine
As there seems to be no mechanical reason to strip it I would do a running restoration. Just address the items that need protecting and improving in the week, then ride it out on the weekend.
Drive chain looks to be out to maximum adjustment. What type of battery holder is it. I have a near side one that bolts at the top of seat tube; I’d donate that to your cause!
The responders have all given similar advise, get the basic safety stuff sorted and ride.
Cheers
Jon
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Patina
First glimpses would indicate that it's very original. If the mechanicals are sound and it was mine I would just get out and ride it. You will enjoy it. Just keep it roadworthy with good tyres and regular mechanical checks. Keep the patina of it's past life. Once it is restored you lose it's past history.
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16 h
Yes Ian thanks for your reply ,I fully understand the history aspect and to have something so old but still looking as it is ,it would be a shame to spoil its original look,the only thing that’s not original I think is the battery box ,which as you can imagine very very hard to find if at all possible
john
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Head Job
As a 37 16h owner, I would give the head and barrel a dry wipe or light brush. Then I'd use a fine (Ish) brush and touch up the rusty areas. As far as the head is concerned, that doesn't take much removal. Otherwise, if it's going OK then just enjoy it with SAE 50 in the engine, 140 or oil/grease in the G/box (Upright on this one) And grease your nipples. Primary as thick as you can get away with without slip and drag.
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If the orriginal owner has …
If the orriginal owner has kept it all those years and its still a tidy runner , he knows what its about. Unless you can obtain NOS WD parts ,any replacements (pattern bits from India or god knows where) should be carefully checked or avoided .Touch up rust and oil (ACF 50 is good) , Replace hard tyres and old oils ,charge and discharge battery to assess its condition.Check fuel tank and filter for rust flakes ,apply a little lube to mag points cam ,go round and look for loose nuts, spokes If brakes are non existant check for rusty drums and oil on linings .Brush rear chain with some EP 90 or spray gease and check slack.Make sure there is some slack on the primary chain and its picking up some oil . If it has cup and cone wheel bearings a little play is needed. Oil cables pivots etc . Ride it locally to get familiar with it. Carry tools that fit. and a spare plug gapped small. If you replace tires de-rust rim wells and paint ,rust flakes have punctured 2/3 tubes for me !.
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Civilian or WD ?.
Is it a 1936 civilian model with some WD parts or ex-WD ? I can't quite see from the angle of the photo. Civilian had "T" shaped batteries and WD the PUW7E with a hinged cover to the carrier. The differing frame heights mean that they're not a straight swap.
Paul Norman at Racing Norton makes replica wheel bearing dust covers.
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Copies of the T shape…
Copies of the T shape battery are easily found. I use a pair of 6v AGM batteries in parallel inside mine. Packed in with pieces of camping mat.
The main problem with the box is the lid fixing clips are not easy to find.
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David, could you post a picture
Of what it should be. If it's what I remember I will go in search of what's in the loft...
Cheers
Jon
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What is the reason for a rebuild John? Is there a failure, a performance issue or is it purely cosmetic. These motors are generally quite robust, top end is easily addressed. If it’s bottom end a little more of a workshop required. They are a reliable rugged machine, idea for single carriageway exploration.
By the way yours is a great looking machine
Jon