I have tightened the sprague clutch nut to 85 lbs feet, (65 recommended by Alton), and it still comes loose at the drop of a hat. Any ideas, anyone, on how to stop this occurring? I have tried various Loktite and Gorilla glues, but nothing works. Daren’t tighten any more in case i strip threads.
Andy Bone
Your key/keyway is worn,…
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Thanks Peter, sounds right…
Thanks Peter, sounds right though not sure what to do about it, if the keyway itself is worn, rather than the key.
Trouble is, having had new knees and hips, I am not supposed to kickstart the old girl, even though I do. May be after thirty years of pleasurable ownership the time has come to sell it to someone with sound limbs! If you read Real Classic me and my Commando often feature, in fact on the front cover on issue No 50..
The new BSA Bantam looks a good bit of kit for an 84 year old...
bw
Andy
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Where are you located Andy….
Maybe there is someone close by who could give a hand for this modification. Even if you don't want to continue riding the machine should be in full working order for the next lucky owner!
:-)
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There is a modification so…
There is a modification so the starter drive doesn't go through the woodruff key. Look up alton starter mod on the accessnorton forum. This mod takes the drive through the engine sprocket tapped holes that are there for pulling the sprocket off.
This removes the extra umpty that the woodruff key has to withstand using the alton starter
The key then is only driving the alternator rotor, giving it a much easier life.
I hope i'm still able to ride my bike when i'm 84. Well done!
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Hi Paul, hope you are well, …
Hi Paul, hope you are well, (we met at the NOC get-together in at the pub in Cornish Hall end a couple of years ago, which was fun event).
The Alton fitting instructions do show a lipped spacer as being fitted under the nut, although I seem to have lost it, though how I have no idea. I don't remember fitting it when I bought the kit six or so years ago. I have dismantled the clutch assembly many times, in order to tighten the nut, but I do wonder how one could lose a spacer. The nut is itself lipped, to fit into a recess in the sprag clutch, providing more metal-to-metal contact. One would think a washer would lessen this effect. I have however a suitable shim, which might help, so I will try that.
All the best,
Andy
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Your key/keyway is worn, allowing the rotor to move on the crankshaft so loosening the nut. The woodruff key has to be a good close tight fit, especially with the alton kit fitted.