It's good news week.....

Ian, 

Are the tappet clearances closed up? I find they usually are and it's because the head gaskets settle. So wise to torque head fastenings to 15 ft lbs - again! 

All original Electra strengthening plates had cut outs to allow rocker box removal. But to my knowledge Norton never explained how to remove the rocker covers. So here goes.
Front LH exhaust rocker. 
1. Screws out. 
2. Twist cover 90 degrees anti clockwise and roll out over the rocker post. 
3. If step 2. Does not allow removal. The valve is in the open position and the rocker raised. Turn engine on kick-start, and the rocker cap can be removed when valve closes. 

Rear LH inlet rocker. 
As above but in step 2. The cover must be twisted clockwise. 

For the RH the step 2 rotations are reversed. 

Can't think why Norton never published these simple instructions, leading to the myth of struggling owners with bastard files creating more clearance for rocker cover removal. 

I invite your comments this snowy day. 

Peter

Rear of a standard plate. 

Front of a standard plate. 

It is probably impossible to use a regular torque wrench on Electra head bolts with engine in situ.

I use a luggage scale, a short tube spanner, and a stainless steel bar with black tape on the end to stop spring hook sliding off the end. 

Bit of maths needed, but full scale pull on this device, at 90 degrees to an 8 inch arm, gives 15ft lbs near enough. 

Peter

Dear Ian and Peter, 
If it helps my early Electra (pre reg late 63 / 64 and 7" forks) has those cut outs on the strengthening plates and the rocker boxes go on and off without contortions.   I have sourced extra long Allen keys to reach the more inaccessible Allen bolts on the front rocker boxes which has transforned the job.   I have also managed to get the heads off without removing the strengthening plates but not the barrels.   As for torquing down the heads, as Peter says, absolutely essential to do several times in the first 1000 miles to ensure the engine is leak free and doesn't blow a head gasket as the heads settle.   I use a small torque wrench and the same collection of extensions as Ian and it only takes a few minutes.   All part of the joy of Lightweight Norton ownership!   
cheers  Nick

Not all Electras had cut-outs to help remove the Exhaust Rocker Covers. Very early ones DID NOT have them. There were cut-outs, however, over the Inlet covers.
Mine were crudely modified by a previous owner sometime before 1980, when she came into my life. And my friend Chris (or a previous owner) cut out the whole panel on his - (see photos).

The neatly curved ones shown above look like the ones Terry Brock/Ray Sage were selling in the 1980's/90's. Also Bob Nicholas (RIP) made a batch that he was selling on eBay.

Pictures are:
1) My Electra - No 1289
2) Chris D's Electra - No 1016
3) A real support bracket - from my Parts Bin
4) A Pattern part, made by Bob Nicks (RIP)

Took the photos of the two bikes in my shed this morning.
Am staggered by the condensation (& rust) I found.
Our delightful cold & wet wunters in the UK......
Have coated it all with WD40 now. (Bit late!!)

From Andy's info looks like my Electra 3XXX is fitted with Norton supplied plates as they left the factory. My notes on rocker box removal only relevant for those with original reinforcement plates.

Beats me why there was a need to make extra plates in the past. They hardly wear away!! 

Peter