Commando cylinder head re-conditioning in Devon

Previously Andrew Heathwood wrote:

Hello NOC

Does anyone know of a motor engineering firm in Devon experienced in 750 Commando cylinder head re-conditioning. My 750's head needs new valve guides and at least one of the studs has pulled the thread in the cylinder head.

Any and all replies appreciated.

Thanks, Andy

Not in Devon but I had my head repaired by Norman white at Thruxton Andover. He did a good job including replacing valve seats, welding up gouges in the head chambers and remachining and replacing exhaust threads.

On Google Dave Massam motorcycles list classic bike repair, you could investgate him.

Hello NOC

Does anyone know of a motor engineering firm in Devon experienced in 750 Commando cylinder head re-conditioning. My 750's head needs new valve guides and at least one of the studs has pulled the thread in the cylinder head.

Any and all replies appreciated.

Thanks, Andy

Andrew. As Anna said, it is straightforward enough; not needing a Commando specialist. If you don't feel like doing it yourself, any reputable engineering company, particularly specialising in engine rebuilds, can do it. Depends where in Devon you are? I am over the Tamar in Cornwall, and Bunts Engineering at Bridge End Garage, Wadebridge could be entrusted to do the work. They have done various jobs for me over the years, including grinding the crank on my 650SS etc. I am shortly going to take my Commando crank in to them. 01208 813655.

Whoever you get to do the job, you may want to do your homework on what guides you wish to use, maybe sourcing them yourself, along with valves, springs, caps, collets and heatproof washers. They can the lap the valves in, and return it to you with valve gear assembled. You may want to wait until the old guides are removed before purchasing the new ones, in case oversize guides are required.

While heating the head and removing guides is simple enough (provided the combustion end is totally free of carbon) its unlikely a simple lapping job will be enough. New guides usually need a small cut first (with a proper cutter) or you will be lapping forever...Oversized guides are a possibility and often needed if they are pressed out cold covered in carbon and ripping up the bores, just a thought.

I'm game to tackle most things (fixing washing machine is current project), but I wouldn't trust myself to do this. I live in Lincolnshire &went toNorman White, he did an excellent job, try & deliver/collect in personyouget the bonus of seeing the projects he has on the go & he is averyinteresting person to talk to.

If you do post make sure you wrapsecurely and put in lots of packing to protect the head. a replacement is not going to be cheap! (might want to insure it also)

Don't know where you are in Devon, but I would trust Dave Massam at Colyton, or Cox and Turner just over the border in Tintinhul in Somerset, recommended by the Norton Doctor himself! They did a good job on my ES2 head and there was at least one other Norton on the bench!