Norton 850 Mk 1 1974, Service Notes, Page: 19 / 48

smooth; finish with a stone or emery. After a while the ball gets flats on it they are very cheap, so polish
the operating lever and a new ball, and a nylon lined cable and you should have the clutch the envy of
others (except Vincent Owners).
There are pattern kickstarts about with the top retained by a cap and roll-pin instead of the thread and nut
which is standard (as this fitting is similar to Ducati kickstarts I suspect that the pattern parts originate
somewhere in the middle of the Mediterranean). Problem is-the pattern parts often foul the exhaust pipe,
making starting difficult. The 825 starter is a different shape at the bend and is about l in longer and will fit
the 745 making starting on told mornings a bit easier.
STOP PRESS: At the last minute a number of ex factory service releases have come to life. Here and in
other odd corners are the basic facts of importance. HEAD GASKETS. If there is any trouble keeping the
copper one, especially, oiltight then a smear of Silicon RTV or Plastic Gasket on both surfaces will help,
especially around the push rod tunnels but do be very careful not to block the oil drain hole. Similarly
when using Silicon Clag as substitute for a base gasket don't block the oil drain hole it can cause
disasters.
CON ROD NUTS should only be used once we are told correctly, but new assemblies when supplied
have nuts to retain the big end cap for machining. Therefore these nuts have been used once. so discard
these nuts and use the new ones that should be supplied with the rod.
REAR WHEEL SPACER: This was made of improved material as Part No. 065290 to overcome the early
soft ones' loosening the wheel spindle while in service! P.S. For interest sake the rear spindle nut and
dummy axle nut should be done up to 80 ft/lbs i.e., lots.
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