-JdK- Mitchell Barnes contacted us about a jig he made (above) to hold the camshaft of a Norton SOHC engine to tighten or loosen the nuts at it's ends. If you wish to try this as an alternative to the method we use you can contact him at the email-address below.
Mitchell also wrote a workshop manual for OHC engines; I've got a copy and it's very useful. Below are his own words:
"Comprehensive workshop manual for all long stroke OHC Norton engines from 1930 to 1958 including Manx (long stroke only) and Inter. Over 18,000 words and dozens of diagrams. This book is written for anybody who owns and wants to rebuild or tune a single or twin overhead camshaft long stroke Manx or Inter engine. Much of the information in this book can also be applied to short stroke engines particularly up to 1959 including the section on building and timing the double knocker cambox. This is the manual that Norton should have written but didn't. Norton’s own Instruction Manual tells you how to pull an engine apart but, unless you happen to have an engine untouched by anyone since it left the Norton works, the chances of it being built from components matched at the factory with correct shimming and backlash are not high. Norton engines are complicated and time consuming to set up correctly requiring several assemblies and pull downs along the way. Most engines these days are built from components acquired from several different sources making the task of assembly even more difficult.
This manual is written in simple language for people like me with rudimentary mechanical knowledge and who have not had the benefit of engine components matched at the Norton works and have had to build engines from a pile of bits collected parts. Easy step by step instructions. Includes many tuning notes by Norton legends such as Lacey, Craig, Lancefield and Beart.
This book is in soft cover A4 format and measures 210mm wide (8”) and 297mm high (11”). Hard copy only. I have sold around 2,000 of these books and have had plenty of positive feedback over the years. Now in its 4th Edition, Postage at my cost.
Cost $AUD50
email: barnes2@iinet.net.au
website: www.bluespark.com.au"