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Model 7 clutch adjustment access

Submitted by alan_thomas1 on Sun, 06/08/2023
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Heavy Twins

Hi there, 

I've a problem, my primary chaincase is off at the moment, it has no clutch adjustment açess hole in it as found on later models, so before refitting it, do I;

1. Leave it as is with no access to the clutch adjustment.

Or

2. Cut a 40mm circular hole in the chaincase and use the rubber bung as used on later models.

The primary chaincase does look like it is ready for cutting, as on the inside of the case there is already a centre punched mark and an area marked for thehole position, see photo.

Originality is good, but sometimes to update something makes life a whole lot easier in the long run.

Please, thoughts & comments most welcome on what I should do.

 

Attachments
20230806_132322.jpg

Submitted by ian_soady on Sun, 06/08/2023

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... the Model 7 had the mushroom type cluth lifter and the laydown gearbox, in which case there is no adjustment at the clutch end. The mushroom ensures the clutch lifts squarely.

I could of course be wrong.....

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 07/08/2023

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I cut the hole into the primary case of my ‘63 Atlas about 20k mls ago (AMC gearbox) - I never used it once… For the rare occasion that I need to adjust the clutch I prefer to take the primary cover off and check everything inside - chain, squareness of clutch, alternator gap and lead, then give it some fresh oil. The only pain is getting the cover sealed properly.

Submitted by david_cooper on Tue, 08/08/2023

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Ian is correct.  Should be no centre adjuster.  Picture of the actual clutch would help.  It might have a later one.

Submitted by barry_carson1 on Tue, 08/08/2023

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hello,

i had this type of clutch on my model 7 on a laydown box . it had the clutch rod then a single roller bearing then the mushroom rod .

sorry about the blurred photo, i think my camera needs glasses

 

barry

Attachments
barry clutch.jpg

Submitted by alan_thomas1 on Thu, 10/08/2023

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Just for a for little clarity, please see the 2 attached pic's, one of the clutch centre adjuster along with the laydown gearbox that my 1953 Norton model 7 dominator is fitted with.

As far as I am aware these are all correct fitments to this bike, it has matching No's that are certified by the N.O.C. database, of course its an old thing & could quite possibly have had some improvements made over it's life time, although no to many, it's still running 6v electrics.

So, would you recommend cutting the adjustment access hole in the primary chain-case to access the centre clutch adjuster, or, leave as is & take of the chain-case when the clutch may need some adjustment?

Simples???

Looking forwards to some more comments, I'm new to Norton's, so its learning and taking advise when needed.

Thanks all.

Alan T

Attachments
1953 Norton Model 7 centre clutch adjuster.jpg
1953 Norton Model 7 laydown gearbox.jpg

Submitted by barry_carson1 on Thu, 10/08/2023

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hello,

if it were mine i would leave the cover as is . assume if it is a standard pressure plate for that year the hole would already be in the cover.

check that the pressure plate adjuster centre screw is not catching the metal outer chain case when the clutch is pulled in. and just adjust the clutch the gearbox end.

 

i am no expert. just trying to help

 

barry

Submitted by richard_payne on Thu, 10/08/2023

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Alan, the alloy plate with central adjuster was introduced with the AMC gearbox as the operating mechanism with the new design had no facility for pushrod adjustment at the "cable" side. There are several thicknesses of these but they are always AMC.

A laydown box originally had the plain steel pressure plate and any adjustment is carried out using the worm on the positive stop side. Regardless of which clutch you have (and the AMC has some advantages, such as the bonded back plate and lack of postage stamp inserts to fall out), you can use the early steel pressure plate.

There is very little clearance on the earlier chaincases, the later types look slightly more rounded.

Submitted by david_cooper on Thu, 10/08/2023

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You have the later AMC pressure plate, so probably have AMC clutch.  But unless someone has done something really clever inside your laydown box, you must have the spiral gear to operate the pushrod.

That means to have the benefit of being able to adjust the clutch in two places...unlike most of us.

You probably don't have the mushroom lifter, so you need to set the three mounting screws so it lifts square.

After that, you might as well put the cover on and forget the centre adjuster, because you can fine adjust the lever in the gearbox.  You're not likely to need to touch the centre adjuster often enough to make cutting the hole worthwhile.  Only the later Dommies had them in any case.

Hi David

Many thanks for the comments and information, it looks like it's a 'just leave it alone' scenario, and it's the old adage (if it's not broke, leave it alone!), which is what I shall do.

Thanks again.

Alan

 

Hi Barry,

Thanks for the comments, it looks like the clutch was not touching the outer case, so all well there, or was.

I've just replaced all the plates, spring buckets & spring's, so hopefully it will still have clearance when replacing the primary outer cover, I'll soon find out!

So, leave it all alone, no hole cutting, keeping it period.

All's well, thanks again.

Alan

Hi Richard,

There seems to be plenty of clearance on my outer cover over the clutch, so I'll leave it alone, keep it looking period, and it's working well, so it will stay as is.

Many thanks for the comments and information, your never to old to learn.

Alan

 


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