E: Engine Cometic timing cover gasket and quill clearance

[Martyn Goodwin]

In my early Vincent days I put a timing chest together and didn't change spindle the oil seals in the cover. This was with the standard thin paper gasket and you all know the result.

Returning from California I adjusted the valves one morning and then discovered it would not start, so I slacked them off some and it ran.

On disassembly I found that the cam bushes were worn right through to the cams in places. I ended up dialing them up and boring the cams and making oversize bushings, and a good cleaning, new spindles, and NEW RUBBER SEALS, and has been good for many years.

The lesson is of course replace the seals especially if you fit a new slightly thicker (Cometic) gasket (which that bike now has)

I'm older now and very marginally wiser - but not much!

Hi Robert,

I fit new rubbers whenever I open up the timing case - cheap insurance.

Martyn

 

[mercurycrest]

I was given a Cometic timing case gasket for test evaluation at the B.C. International Rally in 2003. I just stuck it in there and put the cover back on as the rubber seals were OK. I've had the cover off several times since, it's been trouble free and still there. Two thumbs up.

 

[david bowen]

Just checked 3, OP9/2 quills in my workshop they vary in length by .040 thou so I can see no problem with gasket size

 

[Robert Watson]

Hi Robert,

I fit new rubbers whenever I open up the timing case - cheap insurance.

Martyn

Too soon old, too late smart, although that was maybe 12-15 years ago, and I had new seals, just forgot to fit them!

 

[greg brillus]

You know how toilet paper is double sided.................

 

[vibrac]

Rubber seals any gaskets any washers top guides all valve securing hardwear if I remove them I renew them

 

[erik]

can i buy the cometic gaskets for Vincents in europe?or Germany?regards Erik

 

[bmetcalf]

Only through Paul Holdsworth in Chicago unless the recent UK bulk order has extras. Maybe a European attendee to the North American Rally in May could bring back a few if organized in advance. I can contact Bev Bowen to see if he has any suggestions.

Paul's contact info Click here

pl_holdsworth@yahoo.com might be a better email, try both.

These would be a good candidate for a VOCSC item, but I don't know if that has been discussed in the past.

 

[vibrac]

Only through Paul Holdsworth in Chicago unless the recent UK bulk order has extras. Maybe a European attendee to the North American Rally in May could bring back a few if organized in advance. I can contact Bev Bowen to see if he has any suggestions.

Paul's contact info Click here

pl_holdsworth@yahoo.com might be a better email, try both.

These would be a good candidate for a VOCSC item, but I don't know if that has been discussed in the past.

I understand it was investigated but without success perhaps the supplier could be approached from the USA side?

 

[Robert Watson]

My understanding was that the VOC wanted and exclusive at the time and Cometic said no, but that is a 12 or 15 year old memory, so highly unreliable.