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Triumph makes a mechanic out of a man

The Bonnie Ref

A Hyperlink Junkie's Illustrated Field Guide
to the 1969 Triumph Bonneville


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Manual/Tech Bulletin icon Manual/Tech Bulletin   Parts Illustration icon Parts Illustration   Special Tool icon Special Tool   Photograph icon Photo   World Wide Web icon WWW Link   YouTube Video icon Video

Icon for left-handed thread LH Thread   Tips!Tips   Traps!Traps   CompatibilityCompatibility


Triumph Documentation


Workshop Manuals Manual icon

1969 650 General Data Manual icon

Triumph Service Bulletins Manual icon

Sources: Replacement Parts Catalogue & Service Manual DownloadsManual icon

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Parts


Sources: Replacement Parts Catalogue DownloadsManual icon

See Documents Section above.

Alpha-Numeric Part Number Conversion

Alpha-Numeric conversion chart

The British Motorcycle Fastener Database Parts icon

The now defunct Stainlessbits website was home to a list of British motorcycle fasteners. It was a flat-file table in html and was known to contain errors. The great thing about the list was that it included info like sizes and threads. That list has since been incorporated into a British motorcycle fasteners database hosted and maintained by Greg Marsh Enterprises. See below.

Greg Marsh Enterprises is home to the British Motorcycle Fastener Database. BMFD is a query-style database of AJS, BSA, Norton, Matchless, and Triumph motorcycle fasteners. Includes sizes and threads for many, many parts. Available for free to all for searching, the database also has an interactive add/edit mode for registered users, likely making it more complete and more accurate. Kudos to Greg Marsh Enterprises.

Triumph Error Database (Corrections to RPC Errors)Parts icon

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Hermit's 1969 650 Parts Lists: Hyperlinked & Illustrated Parts icon

Torque Settings Parts icon

Foot-pounds or pound-feet? Either gets the message across, but technically only one is correct for fastener and engine torque.

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Table Contents

Parts Suppliers


Parts Suppliers Parts icon

North America

United Kingdom

Phone numbers are as dialed from North America.

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Special Tools


Special Tool Lists & IllustrationsTool icon

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Other Online Resources


Triumph ModelsManual icon

Online Forums

Classic British MC Links - All links No ads

More parts sources plus over two-hundred links for services, accessories, books, clubs, history, tools, technical info, and more.

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General Shop Info


Abbreviations

Left-Hand Threads

Icon for left-handed thread You've leaned on it, heated it and pounded it and that part STILL won't come out! Duh, it's a left-hand thread! Don't drive yourself nuts, consult this illustrated list of the five left-hand fasteners on a 1969 Triumph 650. Or look for the left-hand signs below in The Bonnie Ref.

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British Motorcycle Fasteners: Threads

Resources

WWW icon Baconsdozen Kevin C. Bacon's history and descriptions of Whitworth (BSW), BSF, BSC, UNC, UNF, SAE, AF, and BA. Includes Bacon's own size charts with conversions to metric and decimal inch dimensions. A must-read, top to bottom, richly informative.

WWW icon JRC Engineering Whitworth and Other British Threads Graham White and Stephen Moore provide historical and technical perspectives on British threads - including a cogent explanation of BSW/BSF wrench sizes!

WWW icon TriumphRat.net "Nuts n' bolts" A thread about nuts and bolts - how can you resist? Some interesting bits on plating, stainless, sizes, threads, and Stuart's run at BSW/BSF wrench sizes.

WWW icon Naich.net "Ever Wonder Why Plumbers Get Paid So Much?" Everything you ever wanted to know about BSP. Maybe more.



Common motorcycle threads chart

SAE threads

UNF

UNC

The British standard threads

Note that while American wrenches are measured across the flats (AF) of the bolt head, wrenches for the bolts in the British standard thread family are measured by the diameter of the bolt's threads.

Chart of wrench size equivalents, Whitworth-BS

BA

CEI/Cycle/BSC

BSF

BSW

BSPP, BSPT

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Wrench Jaw Gap Sizes

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Loctite Thread Lockers

Resources

WWW icon TriumphRat.net Locktite discussion...

WWW icon TriumphRat.net John Healy, the only four places to use Loctite on a Triumph

Where to Use Loctite

Where to use Loctite thread locker on a Triumph 650 is a question that will elicit different answers depending upon who is asked.

The Loctite Gospel: According to John

According to John Healy (see link above), there are just four places to use Loctite on a Triumph 650:

  1. Mainshaft kickstarter nut - Blue (21-0594 UNF 9/16-18TPI Thin Ref.26, Fig.8, #7)
  2. Clutch nut - Blue (21-0586 UNF 9/16-18TPI Ref.1, Fig.10, #7)
  3. Rotor nut - Blue (70-3977 7/16-26TPI Ref.25, Fig.1, #7))
  4. The three flywheel bolts - Red (70-3907 Ref.6, Fig.1, #7)

The Loctite Gospel: According to Thomas

Thomas G. Gunn, Jr., in his seminal 1987 work "Overhaul Manual For 650cc Unit Construction Triumph Motorcycle Engines since 1963", suggests using Loctite in six places:

  1. The 6 countersunk screws (for 1969 models: 57-1040 Ref.8 Fig.10 #7) securing the inner/outer clutch center plates.
  2. The counter sprocket (for 1969 models: 57-1918/57-1916/57-1917/57-1919/57-1952/57-1953 Ref.12 Fig.8 #7). "The sprockets are now being "Loctited" to the 4th gear at the factory".
  3. Screw plug for the sludge trap (70-3905 Ref.4 Fig.1 #7) "The sludge trap plugs are now being "Loctited" at the factory".
  4. The 3 flywheel bolts (70-3907 Ref.6 Fig.1 #7).
  5. The nut (70-1310 BSC 5/16-26TPI Ref.15 Fig.23 #7) that secures the oil pipes and junction block to the crankcase.
  6. The 3 stator studs (21-1866/21-1867 Ref.16/17 Fig.11 #7).

It's interesting to note that out of John Healy's four places to use Loctite and Thomas G. Gunn Jr.'s six places, the only concurrence between the two lists is the crankcase bolts.

Other disciples have suggested using Loctite on crankcase studs, although in that application it's used more as a sealant than as a thread locker. In addition, amateur Loctite enthusiasts (now who said that?) have devised many other ingenious applications as well.

Loctite Thread Locker Characteristics

The most popular Loctite thread locker products (also see chart below for typical applications):

Loctite Red

Loctite Blue

Loctite Purple

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Sealants

Resources

WWW icon TriumphRat.net Which Gasket sealer, there are so many

WWW icon TriumphRat.net TR7RVMan on sealants, and how to know if your Hylomar is out of date

WWW icon TriumphRat.net "T100R gearbox assembly sealant"

WWW icon Britbike.com "Loctite plastic gasket"

Sealants: Where? and What Kind?

The following chart, an interpretation/extrapolation of the TriumphRat.net links above, summarizes opinions about which sealant and which thread lockers to use, and where. Green dot items are commonly recommended, while yellow dots indicate that extra caution is required. Red dotted scenarios may best be avoided altogether. Rationale for the classifications should be apparent from the product descriptions that follow.

Chart showing where to use sealants and what kind to use

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Sealant Product Characteristics

Some popular sealant products:

Loctite 518 Sealant

Hylomar Sealant

Three Bond 1130 Sealant

RTV Sealant

Wellseal Sealant

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Gaskets

Resources

WWW icon TriumphRat.net "Gaskets" Don't blow a gasket, get good advice here.

WWW icon Hermit.cc "Rocker Box Gaskets"

WWW icon Hermit.cc "Anneal and Install Head Gasket"

WWW icon Hermit.cc "Primary Chaincase Cover and Gasket"

Bearing Retainer

Loctite Bearing Products and their Characteristics
Characteristics / ProductLoctite 641 Loctite 660 Loctite 620
Henkel.com
Tech Data Sheets
641 TDS660 TDS620 TDS
Applications   Press fitting, repairing, retaining High temp slip fitted parts, retaining
Color Yellow Silver Green
Cure Type   Anaerobic cure Anaerobic cure
Fixture Time 20 min. 15 min. 60 min.
Gap Fill 0.15 mm 0.25 - 0.5 mm 0.15 - 0.25 mm
StrengthMedium strength High strength, gap filling, thixotropic Medium to high strength, gap filling, high temperature, high viscosity
Operating Temp 55 - 150C (-65 - 300°F ) -65 - 300°F (-55 - 150°C ) -55 - 230C (-65 - 450°F )
Format   Paste Liquid
Substrates Metal: Steel Metal: Steel Metal: Steel
Removal  Requires heat

Assembly Lube

Resources

WWW icon TriumphRat.net Recommended Assembly Lube

Assembly lube products are designed to provide lubrification to moving engine parts during initial start-up. An important advantage of assembly lube over motor oil is that while oil will drain away from parts relatively quickly, assembly lube coats parts and remains in place pretty much indefinitely, thus eliminating the need to compress the time between assembly and initial engine start-up.

In the TriumphRat.net thread above, Peg suggests using assembly lube for big ends, piston skirt (very sparingly), cam lobes and bushes, tappet blocks, rocker arms, and valve stems.

Applying Heat

Resources

WWW icon BritBike.com "Heating Engine Cases & Other Parts"

Oven, barbecue, hot tub - your choice.

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Lubrication


Routine Maintenance & Lubrication

Resources

Manual icon Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section A: Lubrication Table of Contents

Manual icon Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section A1: Routine Maintenance

Manual icon Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section A2: Recommended Lubricants

Trap!Oil products have changed a great deal since the '60s. The WS Manual lubricant recommendations are outdated and obsolete. For modern oil recommendations see individual sections below.

Engine Lubrication

Resources

Manual icon Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section A3: Engine Lubrication

Icon for manual Hermit.cc Percentage of Zinc Content for Popular Oils

WWW icon TriumphRat.net Comments & recommendations (UK & US) on crankcase oil/ZDDP (zinc) and gearbox oil/yellow metals

WWW icon BritBike.com Very informative synthetic oil thread

WWW icon 540ratblog "Motor Oil Engineering Test Data"

WWW icon Britbike.com "Crankcase vent tube discharge question" TR7RVMan elucidates upon Triumph crankcase venting

WWW icon Hemmings.com "Tech 101: Zinc in oil and its effects on older engines"

Diagram of Triumph Unit 650 Engine Lubrication System


Illustration of Unit Construction Triumph 650 lubrification system

Selecting an Engine Oil

According to an article ("Tech 101: Zinc in oil and its effects on older engines"), modern oil manufacturers have reduced the amount of 'zinc' (actually ZDDP [zinc dialkyldithiophosphate] or ZDTP [zinc di-thiophosphate]) in their products for various reasons, including prolongation of the life of catalytic converters. When used in older (classic) car and motorcycle engines, the low-zinc products fail to provide sufficient protection against start-up engine wear.

Here's a list that gives zinc content of a few oils on the market, In relatively cool climates, Shell Rotella 15w-40 seems to work quite well.

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Changing Engine Oil

Resources

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section A4: Changing the Engine Oil & Cleaning the Filters

Triumph specified an engine oil change interval of 1,500 miles. Of course the only oil filtering back in the day was the wire screens in the oil tank and the crankcase.

Even after I installed an external oil filter (see "Using an Oil Filter" just below), I continued changing engine oil (and filter) at 1,000 mile intervals. And to simplify things I change crankcase oil and primary chaincase oil at the same time. So far, oil changes are cheaper than engine rebuilds!

Capacity

Drain bolts

Some point out the difficulty in cleaning thoroughly around the crankcase oil drain plug due to its proximity to the crankcase joint and the angle at which they meet. They suggest that removing the crankcase drain bolt is a bad idea because of the attendant risk of contaminating engine oil with dirt.

Since only a small amount of oil (less than a quarter of a cup) drains out of the crankcase anyway, I adopted the practice of removing the drain plug once a year during winter maintenance to inspect and clean the filter screen. The same goes for the filter screen in the oil tank.

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Using an External Oil Filter

Resources

WWW icon Glenn "Phrog" Davidson's Norton filter head mounting bracket design

Icon for manual Colorado Norton Works Oil Filter Adaptor for Norton Filter Head

Probably the single most important modification one can make to a classic British bike is to install a modern external oil filter. It has been said that doing so can quadruple the life of an engine. That estimation may be slightly exaggerated, but there's no doubt about the extra protection afforded to an engine by an add-on oil filter

The most common retro-fit oil filter system utilizes a Norton-type oil filter head, connected in the return oil line between the oil pump and the oil tank, as diagrammed below.

Illustration of Triumph oil line connections for add-on oil filter

The go-to mounting bracket design is that of Glenn Davidson (see link above). The oil filter head and Davidson-style mounting bracket are commonly mounted at the bottom of the down tube, facing the rear of the bike at a height which gives just enough clearance between the filter and the center stand in both it's up and down positions. It may be necessary to grind just a bit off the "lump" at the bottom of the downtube.

Note that the Triumph oil tank connections and oil pipe junction block pipes are 1/4", while those of the Norton filter head are 3/8". The compromise is to use 5/16" (automatic transmission cooler) hose to make the connections between the filter head and the oil tank and oil junction block. It is a very tight fit on the filter head's 3/8" fittings, and somewhat loose on the 1/4" pipes of the oil tank and oil junction block, but once they are well-clamped the connections shouldn't leak.

Another possiblity is to replace the Norton filter head's 3/8" stubs with 1/4" ones. This mod was performed on my Bonnie's filter head recently so now I use 1/4" hose throughout.

Filters for use With standard Norton filter head

The following filters work satisfactorily with the Norton filter head, and others can be found on cross-reference lists online.

Colorado Norton Works Filter Adaptor

A simple double-threaded adaptor is available from Colorado Norton Works (see link above) which permits use of more widely available and potentially less expensive oil filters, such as the following:

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The Oil lines

Resources

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section A8: Removing & Replacing the Oil Pipe Junction Block

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section A9: Removing & Replacing the Rocker Oil Feed Pipe

Parts iconFig.23 Oil Tank & Oil Lines

Oil Line Connections for Stock Condition - No External Oil Filter

Traps!Incorrect installation of oil lines will result in catastrophic damage to an engine.

The oil pipe junction block connections described here are only for Triumph unit 650s. No less an authority than Mr. Pete informs us that connections for pre-unit Triumphs are the exact opposite.

In the following descriptions of oil line connections, "front" and "forward" reference towards the front of the motorcycle, and "rear" and "back" reference towards the rear of the motorcycle.

Feed Oil Line

The feed line is the rear oil line connection on the oil tank (union nut). The feed line goes to the forward connection pipe on the oil junction block. So oil tank rear to oil junction block forward. (Refer to illustration just below).

Return Oil Line

The return oil line is the front connection on the oil tank. It goes to the oil junction block's rear connection pipe. So oil tank front to oil junction block rear. (Refer to illustration just below).

Illustration of Triumph oil line connections without an external oil filter

Oil Line Connections When Using a Norton Filter Head

Traps!Incorrect installation of oil lines will result in catastrophic damage to an engine.

A Norton oil filter head is ordinarily installed in the return oil line as per the following diagram. Illustration of Triumph oil line connections for add-on oil filter

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Removing Oil Lines at Oil Junction Block

Removing the oil lines from the oil junction block tubes can be a bit difficult, especially if they have been undisturbed for a long time. The job can be made a little easier by removing the outer gearbox cover first.

In any case, it is wise to heed the WS Manual's explicit warning to avoid over-stressing the tubes.

Crankcase Breather

Resources

Parts iconFig.2 Crankcase

Parts iconFig.23 Oil Tank

WWW icon BritBike.com "Crankcase breather check?" A real pro tells how to test the engine's disc breather.

A 3/8" plastic tubing (70-5375 Ref# 39 Fig.2 #7) connects the engine breather pipe stub (70-2724 Ref# 7 Fig.2 #7) just forward of the gearbox sprocket to the Tee (70-5370) near the top of the oil tank. Also connected to the tee is the oil tank vent pipe ( 70-6356, Ref# 16 Fig.23 #7), and the oil breather vent tube (82-7353, Ref# 18 Fig.23 #7)

Tips icon The engine breather stub is in a constrained, out-of-the-way location. The best time to put the plastic tubing on it is with engine out of the frame.

If the engine's in the frame, this tip makes child's play of a #!@*& job: fasten a 1/4" or 5/16" wooden dowel about 10 inches long to the end of the tubing with masking tape and use it to push the tubing onto the stub. Work from the TS; prop up a mirror beneath the engine; shine a light up there. Putting the dowel toward the rear lets you see and lets you scrape along it with a sharp blade to remove by twisting. If a little tape gets left behind, no biggie.

Oil Breather Vent Tube

The oil breather vent tube passes on the left side just above the indentation in rear fender.

The first clamp is fastened on the left-hand side beneath the left nut holding the strap on top of the fender between the two upper shock mounts.

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Oil Pump

Resources

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section B33: Remove/Replace Oil Pump

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section A7: Stripping and Reassembling the Oil Pump

manual icon Triumph Overhaul Manual Assembling the Oil Pump

Parts icon Fig.3 Oil Pump

Photo icon  Oil Pump

WWW icon Britbike.com "Oil Pump Confusion Unit 650cc SOLVED!"

Compatibility   Although Triumph made several changes to 650/750 oil pumps, they are all interchangeable according to John Healy.

Changes in Triumph Oil Pump Specifications Over the Years
YearPart NoSpecs
1963 - 1966E3878Scavenge 0.437"/ Feed 0.374"
1967 - Early 1969E6928Scavenge enlarged to 0.487"/ Feed 0.374"
Late 1969 - 1979E9421 Scavenge 0.487"/ Feed enlarged to 0.406"
1980 and on71-7317Double check-valve pump
(Scavenge& Feed unchanged: Scavenge 0.487"/ Feed 0.406")
Source: Britbike.com

Oil Pressure Relief Valve

Resources

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section A5: Oil Pressure

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section A6: Stripping and Reassembling the Oil Pressure Release Valve

manual icon Triumph Overhaul Manual Assembling the Oil Pressure Relief Valve

Parts iconFig.3 Pressure Relief Valve

Oil Pressure Switch

Resources

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section H18: Oil Pressure Switch

Parts iconFig.6 Timing Cover

WWW icon The Bonneville Shop forum "A Guide for BSA and Triumph Oil Pressure Switch Identification", Dave Porter.

WWW icon TriumphRat forum Oil pressure switch for '70 T120?.

WWW icon TriumphRat forum Excerpt from another oil pressure switch thread.

If so desired, the oil pressure switch can be removed and replaced by a blanking plug.

When fitting either a replacement oil switch or a blanking plug, care must be taken to insure that its threads correspond correctly to those of the timing cover. Most timing covers are made for straight threads, but threads in some are tapered. Consult the links above to determine the correct part for your bike.

Traps! Caution! Fitting a straight-threaded part into a tapered-threaded cover can easily result in a cracked timing cover!

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The Oil Tank

Resources

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section E2: Removing and Replacing the Oil Tank

Parts iconFig.23 Oil tank

Icon for photo Battery Carrier/Oil Tank Mounting (2 photos)

Icon for WWW TriumphRat.net A thread with some interesting info on oil tanks, oil pumps, and oil flow

WWW icon Britbike.com A thread on repairing Triumph oil tanks

WWW icon Britbike.com Another oil tank repair thread

WWW icon BritBike.com Some ideas on cleaning oil tanks

Problematic Oil Tank Design - 1966

CompatiblityFrom 1967 to 1970 the unit 650 Triumph oil tank was unchanged. However, according to RF Whatley, Triumph made several modifications to engine lubrication in 1966, including a new (and problematic) oil tank design. Whatley tells us that the modified design was limited to several months of production and most were changed under warranty. However, an oil tank with the rocker feed coming off the top instead of the bottom is of the problematic 1966 design and should be replaced with a later model.

Removing Oil Tank

  1. Undo hoses
  2. Remove rubber-mounted screw-headed studs and nuts that go through the two top mounting tabs of the oil tank

    Punching them out through the rubber doesn't work well - use the water pump pliers to pop them out

  3. Battery holder must be removed before oil tank
  4. Remove bottom mounting bracket
  5. To remove the oil tank, swing the bottom outward to allow the tube sticking out of the froth tower to slide over the top of the frame bracket

Replace Oil Tank

Use Murphy's liquid soap on the rubber parts to help ease them in.

Oil Tank Mounting Adjustment

Important that tank "hangs" well to avoid rubbing and consequential wear.

One would think that the rubber mounting would incur the wear, but the wear that occurred after my very first re-assembly was to the tank's mounting peg, not the rubber.

A proper adjustment is obtained by rotating the "C" clamp mounting bracket until all parts of the tank are suspended clear of the frame.

Oil Tank Mounting Measurements

In case you ever need to know, HenryAnthony on Britbike.com forum informs us that the measurement between the barrels holding the rubber upper mounts is 4-1/4", and the measurement between the battery holder straps they bolt up to is 4-1/2".

Wet Sumping and Oil Drain Down

Resources

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section A21: Check Procedure for Wet Sumping

WWW icon TriumphRat.net Peg explains Triumph oil pump operation and describes wet sumping and oil drain down and their causes.

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Primary Chaincase Lubrication

Resources

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section A12: Primary Chaincase Lubrication

Owners of Models Late-1969 & On - Read This

Compatiblity Oil change info below does not apply to engines made after late 1969. Prior to that time, crankcases and primary chaincases were completely separate from each other, and each had their own oil supply. But starting in late 1969, Triumph modified crankcase breathing by venting the crankcase into the primary chaincase, and thus the two began sharing a common oil supply.

The late 1969 changes weren't documented in parts books or manuals until 1970. Therefore, if your engine is a late 1969 that shares oil, consult 1970 documentation for parts and oil change info.

Traps! While it is a common practice to use ATF primary chain case lube in engines whose crankcases and chain cases are separate, attempting to do so on engines that share oil between engine and primary chaincase would be disastrous. Know what you got.

Primary Chaincase Oil Change (Engines not sharing crankcase and chaincase oil)

Change primary chaincase oil at 1,000 mile intervals. Drain and replace with 350cc of 30w non-detergent oil.

As noted just above, a fairly common practice is to replace non-detergent primary chaincase oil with ATF - but NOT on units that share oil between engine and primary.

Draining the Primary Chaincase Oil

The chaincase oil drains slowly because it needs to flow past the primary chain tension adjuster. The drip, drip, drip flow of oil even when it's hot takes hours so I usually give it all day or overnight.

  1. Placing a wooden block beneath the front wheel tips the chaincase towards the drain for better drainage.
  2. Remove the drain bolt using an offset 7/16" box end reversed to avoid interference with the frame bolt there.
  3. I use a funnel and a 400ml graduated plastic cup and keep an eye on the amount of oil that drains out.
  4. After replacing the drain bolt, pour 350ml of 30w non-detergent oil into the inspection cap on top of the chaincase.

Traps! Avoid damaging threads in the soft aluminum case, go easy tightening the drain bolt.

Tips iconIf the volume of oil drained from the primary exceeds what was put in, it is likely an indication of a failed DS crankshaft seal allowing passage of engine oil into the chaincase.

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Gearbox Lubrication

Resources

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section A11: Gearbox Lubrication

WWW icon MachineryLubrication.com "The Effects of EP Additives on Gearboxes"

WWW icon Lucas oil representative 'Don't use our products with yellow metal' (2014)

WWW icon Britbike.com "Bronze-friendly gear oil recommendation?"

WWW icon TriumphRat.net Comments & recommendations (UK & US) on crankcase oil/ZDDP (zinc) and gearbox oil/yellow metals

WWW icon Hermit.cc Hermit's Gearbox Oil/Yellow Metal Experiment, with conclusion.

Gear Oil Compatibility

Opinions differ about using GL5 spec gear oils around the yellow metal bushings and thrust washers used in our Triumph gearboxes.

GL5 oils have high concentrations of sulphur and sulphur reacts with yellow metals chemically to break them down. So say those who believe GL5 is harmful. Yet many others say they've used GL5 for years without problems.

Why take a chance? I was always disinclined to use GL5 gear oil in my Bonnie's gearbox.

Oil companies say GL5 products are now safe because they've reduced active sulphur, which eats yellow metals, in favor of inactive sulphur, which is less harmful while still providing the protective qualities of active sulphur.

I don't find "less harmful" all that reassuring, frankly.

However, since doing my own yellow metal and GL5 experiment I do feel a bit more comfortable about GL5. But I still prefer good old GL4.

Potentially Harmful Products

For those who harbor doubts, the following list of oil descriptions are those which are said to be, at least potentially, harmful to yellow metals:

For other gear oil recommendations (including many in UK) see this link above in TriumphRat.

Oil Change Schedule

Draining and Replenishing the Gearbox Oil

There are three hex heads on the bottom of the gearbox: the 3/4" index plunger holder (57-2172); the 7/16BS (3/8W) drain plug with level tube (57-3851); and the 5/16" gearbox level plug (21-0543).

The level plug threads into the drain plug and together they are tucked just inside the frame member on the timing side. Since they are closer to the timing side I always removed and installed them from that side. However, access from that side is awkward due to the proximity of the frame, and recently I realized that it's actually easier to access them from the drive side.

To drain the oil, remove the drain bolt using a 7/16BS (3/8W) socket and a two or three inch extension to clear the frame. Remove carefully to avoid damage to the level tube extending above the drain bolt.

When replenishing the gearbox oil, replace the drain plug after removing the level plug and then add oil, slowly when approaching 500ml, until it overflows from the level plug.

Oil Leaking from Drain Bolts

Resources

WWW icon BritBike.com " How to stop oil and gear box drain plug leaks?".

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Front fork

Resources

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section A16: Front Fork Lubrication

Draining Fork Oil

Tips iconGavin Eisler's tip on draining fork oil:
"When changing fork oil remove RHS top nut, remove LHS drain screw, doing opposites stops oil gushing out the top as the bike settles. Read that in the manual, after doing it wrong for years, this saves a lot of mess. I like to flush the old oil with a little kerosene to get the last of the muck out."

Contact Breaker Assembly

Resources

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section A10: Contact Breaker Lubrication

Speedometer Gearbox

Swinging Arm Bushing

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The Engine


Resources

Icon for manual Triumph Workshop Manual 1969 Unit 650 c.c. Section B: The Engine

Icon for manual Triumph Overhaul Manual 650cc Unit since 1963

manual icon Triumph Overhaul Manual Engine Changes Relating to Major Engine Work

manual icon Triumph Overhaul Manual Service Tools for Complete Overhaul

Parts iconFig.2 Crankcase

Parts iconFig.14 Engine Mounting Plates, Footrests

WWW icon Britbike.com "Torque wrench settings", Rod bolt stretch, tappets & cams

WWW icon TriumphRat.net Advice on preparing for a complete engine tear down

WWW icon TriumphRat.net Engine Rebuilding Guys in the know tell us what to look for when rebuilding an engine (must-read)

WWW icon Triple Cycles, UK "Waking the Sleeping Beast" Starting an engine after a long sleep. Note: this article was written for Triples. StuartMac cautions us to add just one pint and not two to a Twin's craankcase through the primary chaincase since its crankcases is smaller,

Video icon Hermit's index to Lowbrow's 13-part 650 Rebuild Video Series.

Pre-Ignition & Detonation

Resources

Video icon  CycleWorld "What Is The Difference Between Normal And Abnormal Combustion In A Motorcycle Engine?" An overview.

WWW icon  Allen W. Cline, CONTACT! Magazine "Engine Basics: Detonation and Pre-Ignition" Detailed explanation.

Descriptions of pre-ignition and detonation found in the article and video above can be summarized this way:

Tip! "Generally detonation witness marks are not left in the center of the piston, they tend (note:I did not say always) to show up at the edge of the piston. Light detonation can most times be tolerated by a piston, heavy detonation often collapses the piston ring lands." Peg, Triumphrat.net

Tip! "Marks in the center of the piston are more likely to be the result of Pre-Ignition, a much more sinister problem. This problem tends blows holes in your piston crown, it destroys in seconds. (Pre ignition can be brought about by the heat generated by detonation)." Peg, TriumphRat.net

Things to beware of:

Kicking Back When Starting

Kicking back during starting is symptomatic of engine problems and potentially hazardous to the operator. The three most likely causes of kick-back are:

When considering timing advance issues it's wise to first check the alignment of the rotor's 38 degree line with actual TDC using a TDC tool or other method.

Spin speed can be a factor, particularly in the case of electronic ignition systems.

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Engine Removal and Installation

Resources

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section B1: Removing and Replacing the Engine Unit

Photo icon Hermit.cc Removing engine using chain hoist

Photo icon Hermit.cc Removing engine using floor jack & muscle



Illustrtion of Triumph engine mounting hardware

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Crankcase

Resources

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section B39: Inspect Crankcase Components

manual icon Triumph Overhaul Manual Separating Crankcase Assembly

manual icon Triumph Overhaul Manual Assembling the Crankcase Halves

Crankcase Junction Studs

Location and part numbers for 1969 Triumph 650 crankcase junction studs

Crankcase Cylinder Base Studs

Remove studs using two locked nuts. But use regular nuts, not your 12-point base nuts.

There are ten 14-0303 nuts on the bike. I use a couple of new 14-0303 i keep in spares inventory. (3/8-24TPI UNF)

When studs don't unscrew easily, just a tiny bit of heat on the case releases them right away.

Crankcase Hollow Dowels

On the 1969 650 engine there are three hollow dowels on the DS case and three more on the TS case. Several parts books, including #7, make a mess of the part numbers, locations, and quantities of these dowels. All the errors are described and corrected in this corrected illustration.

Tip! On his Triumph 650 Rebuild DVD, Hughie Hancox shows how to install the hollow dowels on the two crankscase cylinder pad studs with grooves for them: run them down into their crankcase grooves with a base nut. Now, why didn't I think of that?

Tip! Peg shares how to remove hollow dowels without crushing them: "I like to place a bolt in the dowel before gripping it so that it does not collapse, a little wiggle usually gets them out, they are not in very deep."

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Parting the Crankcases

This procedure is after that shown by Hughie Hancox on his "Hughie Hancox Triumph Unit 650" rebuild DVD.

  1. Remove crankcase fasteners:
    1. Remove the 2 screws (21-1873 UNC 1/4-20TPI X 13/16 U.H. Ref#18 Fig.2 Page 15 #7) at the front and rear of the crankcase cylinder pad and the hollow dowel at the front (70-3716 Hollow dowel Ref#17 Fig.2 Page 15 #7) (Note that this dowel's location shown in #7 Fig.2 is wrong - Corrected illustration here).
    2. Remove bolt at rear of primary case DS (14-6220)
    3. Remove bolt at front of the crankcase cylinder pad (21-1870, UNC 5/16-18TPI X 2 1/2 U.H. Ref#30 Fig.2 Page 15 #7)
    4. Remove bolt at rear of the crankcase cylinder pad (21-1869 UNF 5/16-24TPI X 1 7/8 U.H. Ref#32 Fig.2 Page 15 #7)
    5. Remove forward engine mounting stud if still present (21-1801 Stud UNF 3/8-24TPI X 3 7/8 O.A. Ref#16 Fig.12 Page 35 #7)
    6. Remaining 6 bolts, all accessible from the timing side
  2. If engine has not yet been removed from the frame, remove it now and set it upright on the workbench covered with cardboard to catch oil drips.
  3. Using hide-covered mallet, strike the DS end of the crankshaft, forcefully and repeatedly, pausing to see that everything is coming apart ok
  4. When the cases part, remove the DS half
  5. Securing the TS con rod with one hand and, allowing the DS con rod (protected with padding) to fall, pound on TS end of crankshaft to drive it out of the case
  6. Result: the timing side bearing comes out on the shaft
  7. Remove studs
  8. Timing plug
  9. Gearbox drain
  10. At this point, check the cam wheel bushes for excessive play by wiggling them
  11. Pin the lobe of the DS end of the exhaust camshaft in a vise and soft jaws (crankcase horizontal, camshaft verticle)to remove the LH exhaust cam nut (double-grunt)
  12. Likewise, the inlet camshaft nut
  13. Remove wheel with puller, but remember to put a bolt, or slug in the end of the shaft to protect the tang within
  14. Renew the intake and exhaust cam bushes: heat the case and drive out the old with a suitable (large) drift
  15. Removing the gearbox sprocket - grip in the soft-jawed vise
  16. Remove sprocket/high gear
  17. Check high-gear bush by putting it on a good mainshaft and wiggling for play
  18. Hook out the old oil seal
  19. Remove bearing circlip
  20. Warm the area
  21. To remove camshaft bushes from casing, use a tap to cut a thread into the insides of the bushes. Then remove the tap, heat the area, put the tap back in, hold it in the jaws of a vice, and use soft-faced mallet to strike against the case until the bush is extracted (1:35:01)

Reassemble the Crankcases

DS Crankcase Assembly

  1. When fitting the big ends of the rods, be sure the dots match up - see Assembling Connecting Rods.. below
  2. Place the DS crankshaft roller bearing outer race in freezer a half-hour beforehand
  3. Heat the bearing and camshaft areas of the DS case
  4. Apply bearing locker to the cold roller bearing outer race and drop it into the heated casing. If necessay, use a drift to tap it in all around
  5. With cases still hot from fitting the DS bearing race, use an old camshaft as a drift to drive in the camshaft bushes
  6. Note that 2 of the 8 cylinder base studs are shorter than the others
  7. Install four of the studs in the DS case, including the two short studs which go in the holes that have the recess for the cylinder base dowels
  8. Install the dowels over the two short studs (front and rear) by placing them over the studs and then putting on a washer from the engine bolt set and a nut and tightening the nut down until the dowels are home
  9. Note that none of these four studs go clear into the crankcase, so no locker or sealant is necessary
  10. Fit breather pipe and clip
  11. Fit the 3 stator mounting studs
  12. Fit the crankcase roostard (very long stud - top, rear of crankcase

TS Crankcase Assembly

  1. Heat up the timing side bearing area
  2. Plop in frozen ball bearing with scealant
  3. Fit the TS cam bushes (hole in bush must line up with hole in the crankcase) using an old camshaft as a drift (be sure to get pre-sized bushes or they'll have to be reamed)
  4. Heat the crankcase and install the gearbox TS bearing and circlip
  5. With case in vice fit the inside needle bearing (can use layshaft as a drift but use a soft-faced. Lip must be below the level of the thrust washer that goes over it - but remove the thrust washer for the time being after gauging the bearing depth
  6. Next fit the 2 studs on the gearbox,
  7. the oil junction stud,
  8. the two oil pump studs,
  9. and the 4 crankcase base studs, which must all be sealed as their holes go right through into the crankcase
  10. Install the high gear oil seal (open side to the bearing)
  11. Introduce the high gear through the gearb box and put on the sprocket (using a few drops of oil on the sprocket flange that runs on the seal)
  12. With sprocket supported on a vice, use a large drift to drive the high gear all the way onto the sprocket
  13. Fit the tab washer and large sprocket nut, bend tab over
  14. With the camshaft vertical in soft-jaws of vice and a few drops of oil around the bearing surface, lower the intake camshaft bush of the TS crankcase over the camshaft
  15. Fit the pinion to the camshaft key, using the keyway adjacent to the timing mark (dot)
  16. Start it witch a couple of taps and then use the cam wheel installer to tighten the camwheel all the way down
  17. Tighten the LH camsheel nut - Hughie says "fully tighten" and uses a breaker bar and socket. He bares his teeth and grunts as he give the nut a final tightening twist - looks like it could easily be 80lbs
  18. Install exhaust cam using same method, but use the larger threaded adaptor
  19. Fit the roller bearing to the DS crankshaft using locker - drive it home with a hollow drift

Assemble Cases Together

  1. Coat the crankcase surfaces with your choice of jointing compound
  2. Put drops of oil into the camshaft bushes and the timing side of the crankshaft
  3. Drop the TS crankcase over the crankshaft and camshafts
  4. If your engine has the timed breather, be sure to line up to the tang on the camshaft by rotating the intake camwheel as the cases go together
  5. Install the crankcase bolts
  6. Install the two crankcase screws
  7. Install crankcase and gearbox drain bolts and the indexing plunger using new fiber washers
  8. Fit thrust washer over the TS crankshaft with the chamfered edge towards the bearing
  9. Fit the key and drift on the pinion wheel with a hollow drift
  10. Oil the intermediate spindle and install the intermediate wheel with timing marks properly aligned with the camwheels
  11. Place a mandrill through the small ends and rest the ends on aluminum (or hardwood) blocks
  12. Install the engine pinion wheel nut and tighten (Hancox grimaces while tightening with a 10 or 12" box end wrench)
  13. Install the oil pump
  14. (stop 23:04)

Crankshaft

Resources

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section B36: Dismantle/Reassemble Crankshaft Assembly

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section B37: Stripping & Reassembling the Crankshaft Assembly

manual icon Triumph Overhaul Manual Measure crankshaft journals

Icon for manual Service Bulletin #67-15 "Roller Bearing (E2879) Crankshaft Drive Side on "B" Range 650cc beg.DU24875"

Icon for manual Service Bulletin Twin 14/72 "Metric Main Bearings"

WWW icon TriumphBonneville120.co.uk "Triumph Main Bearings Used by Year and Model" Info on C2, CN, C3

WWW icon BritBike.com "Weight of a 650 crank" Very informative thread - highly recommended Triumph crankshaft reading.

Video icon YouTube Lunmad - 650 bottom end inc sludge AND easy gearbox assy All under 20 minutes.

Video icon Lowbrow Triumph 650 Disassembly & Rebuild: Part 6 The Crankshaft   Begins at: 00:00.

Exploded view of crankshaft and camshafts

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Sludge Trap

Resources

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section B37: Stripping & Reassembling the Crankshaft Assembly

manual icon Triumph Overhaul Manual Installing the Sludge Trap

WWW icon VintageBikeMagazine.com "Removing Trumph Sludge Tube" Text and Photos

WWW icon Lowbrow "How to Remove the Trumph Sludge Trap Tube" Text and Photos

Video icon Lowbrow Triumph 650 Disassembly & Rebuild: Part 6 Sludge Trap Removal   Begins at: 09:25.

The sludge trap is a metal tube fitted inside the gallery that runs through the big end connecting rod journals. Oil is forced through the timing end of the crankshaft and through oil passageways into the sludge tube. There, centrifugal force separates the particles suspended in the oil - think of a washer in spin cycle with bras and panties flattened while the water flows away. Well, maybe not such a great analogy. Anyway, inboard weep holes permit the oil to lubricate the big end bearings and then return to the crankcase sump from where it's pumped back to the reservoir.

Although it's controversial and frequently maligned, the Triumph sludge trap is actually a relatively effective oil filter. Its big drawback is that it can't be inspected or cleaned without splitting the crankcase - a major job requiring complete disassembly of the transmission and engine, although not necessary the gearbox.

Some believe that no matter how full the sludge tube becomes, oil under pressure will always make its way to the big ends.

That's a theory, but the more widely accepted notion is that a plugged sludge tube will prevent oil from flowing to the big ends with catastrophic results.

It's also widely held that after a bike sits for a long time and is then restarted, dirt particles in the tube may break off and subsequently block critical oil ways in the engine, there being more risk for machines lubricated with non-detergent oil before storage and then drained and re-filled with detergent oil before re-starting.

So without splitting the cases, how does one know whether or not the sludge tube needs cleaning/replacing? Unfortunately we can't answer this question precisely, we can only make an educated guess based on service history and engine condition.

Factors Affecting Accrual of Engine Sludge
More Sludge DepositLess Sludge Deposit
High mileageLow mileage
Using non-detergent oilUsing detergent oil
Running dirty oilFrequent oil changes
No external oil filter (as stock)Fitting external oil filter

A sludge trap service interval of twenty- to forty-thousand miles seems about right for a well-maintained machine in good condition and fitted with an external oil filter. Without an oil filter (stock) one could expect a significant reduction of those figures.

On the other hand, it has been said that fitting an external oil filter quadruples the life of an engine, and it's certainly not unreasonable to expect that a sludge trap would fill more slowly under those circumstances.

Some suggest hypothetically that sludge traps on '70 and onward 650 Twins might fill up more quickly due to those models sharing oil between primary chaincase and crankcase and on the basis that the clutch produces even more sludge (think shock absorber rubbers) than the engine itself.

Sludge tubes can be quite difficult to remove as there are two hurdles: removing the cap, and removing the tube itself. Tubes don't always survive the extraction, caps rarely. However, replacement sludge tubes are not expensive. Also, caps for them are now available which have either hex heads or hex key sockets instead of the more difficult to remove slotted head on the stock item.

There are two ways to remove the tube: smack it out and pull it out. Pulling it out may contribute to higher rates of tube survival.

What size tap to use for tube removal? LowBrow video (link above) suggests 3/8"-18 N.P.T. Kevin suggests EZ-Out number 6, drill size 13/32-inch.

When replacing the sludge tube be absolutely certain that its alignment hole is actually lined up for the flywheel bolt before inserting and tightening the bolt (Grand Paul).

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Flywheel

Resources

manual icon Triumph Overhaul Manual Assembling the Flywheel

Icon for World Wide Web TriumphRat.net MB walks us through Triumph "Flywheel Evolution"

Icon for World Wide Web TriumphRat.net Heavy & light flywheel photos ID'd "The T120 Crank/Flywheel amateur spotters field guide"

Icon for World Wide Web TriumphRat.net Balance Factors "Dynamic ballance spec's. Does this look right"

Icon for World Wide Web TriumphRat.net A question of balance "Newly balanced crankshaft "

The three flywheel bolts are one of the four places to use Loctite on a Triumph, and the only place to use red Locktite.

Compatiblity Triumph made numerous modifications to the "B"-range flywheels between 1963 and 1971. As summarized below, MB listed major changes in the Triumphrat.net thread "Flywheel Evolution" (link above).

Changes to Triumph Flywheels From 1963 to 1971
YearChange
1963 - 1964Heavyweight flywheel - no timing slots
1965Slot for TDC added
1966Lightweight flywheel
Balance factor unchanged (85%)
1968Lightweight flywheel
Slot for 38 degree max advance timing added
First ones also had extra slots for timing plug re-positioned to the front of the engine, but later reverted to rear position after DU74052
1969Began w lightweight flywheel
Reverted to heavyweight at NC.02256 - much like 1965 flywheel, but with 38 degree slot
1971New flywheel - different profile
Same balance factor and slots as 1969 flywheel
Metric-sized timing side crank introduced at end of 1971 model year

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Triumph Crankshaft Balancing

Resources

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section B37: Stripping & Reassembling the Crankshaft Assembly

WWW icon VictoryLibrary.com "Parallel Twin Crankshaft Balancing"

WWW icon CycleWorld.com "Motorcycle Engine Balancing Act", Kevin Cameron

WWW icon TriumphRat.net Mr. Pete on crankshaft balance factor

WWW icon Britbike.com John Healy on crankshaft balancing

NOTE: the following information on crankshaft balancing and balance factor may contain factual and/or conceptual errors. It is based solely on my interpretation of forum threads and is pending further research.

The piston-rod-crankshaft kinetic energy of the parallel twin Triumph 650 is essentially the same as a single-cylinder engine - jumpy! Balancing a parallel twin for fewer vibrations (rider comfort) is likely to increase the stress on crankshaft and bearings, possibly to a destructive level. On the other hand, balancing for absolute minimum crankshaft/bearing stress results in intolerable vibrations for the rider.

A compromise is arrived at by manipulating the "balance factor". A balance factor is the percentage of the reciprocating weight of the crankshaft/rod/pistons that is used during the balancing procedure. The percentage given by the 1969 Triumph 650 Workshop Manual is 85%, which works out to a nominal 689 grams for a 650 twin.

For the parallel twin, a balance factor of around 63% is said to create the lowest possible stress to crankshaft components, but it also creates too many vibration at very uncomfortable frequencies for riders. Triumph specified a balance factor of 85%, which some say was later slightly lowered. It's possible that certain riders on certain machines could be perfectly comfortable with something like a mechanically kinder 75% balance factor.

There are potentially two sources of crankshaft vibration: reciprocal (up and down vibration) and rotational (side-to-side wobble). If a twin's crankshaft counterweights are out of balance from one side to the other it creates what's referred to as a "rocking pair". While a rocking pair can be completely balanced side-to-side, balancing up-and-down vertical vibration is, as already stated, a compromise between rider comfort (high balance factor) and reduction of stress to crankshaft and main bearings (lower balance factor).

Note that either static or dynamic balancing can use a balance factor to compensate for up-and-down imbalances, but only dynamic balancing can detect and correct a rocking pair.

It should also be noted that both static and dynamic balancing are done on a "dry" crankshaft. The addition of oil, including in the sludge trap, is said to effectively reduce the balance factor by 2 to 3%.

Finally, consideration should be given to whether the flywheel is of the heavy or the light type. The light flywheel is more prone to vibration than the heavy.

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DS Crankshaft Oil Seal

Resources

Manual iconTriumph WS Manual Illustration of correct DS crankshaft seal orientation

Manual iconTriumph Overhaul Manual DS crankshaft oil seal

WWW icon Britbike.com John Healy's explanation for orienting DS oil seal with spring towards primary chaincase

Video icon Lowbrow Triumph 650 Disassembly & Rebuild: Part 4 Timed Breather Disk   Begins at: 18:25.

Video icon Lowbrow Triumph 650 Disassembly & Rebuild: Part 4 Crankcase Breathing   Begins at: 17:55.

Video icon Lowbrow Triumph 650 Disassembly & Rebuild: Part 4 Orientation of DS Crankshaft Seal   Begins at: 20:33.

Video icon Lowbrow Triumph 650 Disassembly & Rebuild: Part 12 Orientation of DS Crankshaft Seal   Begins at: :33.

When replacing the DS crankshaft oil seal, note that there are differing opinions floating around as to its correct orientation. In spite of both the Triumph Workshop and Overhaul manuals clearly indicating that the spring side of seal should face the engine sprocket, i.e. the primary chain case, there are some (including John Healy, Todd of Lowbrow, etc.) who say this is incorrect. See the BritBike.com and Lowbrow video links just above.

Compatiblity Important to note that due to a different crankcase breathing method, 1970 and 1971 models are not, and should not, be fitted with the DS oil seal, even though the Replacement Parts Catalogues for those years erroneously illustrate and list it.

Engine Breathing Method and DS Crankshaft Oil Seal
YearEngine BreathingEngine/PrimaryDS Crankshaft Oil Seal
1963 - 1969Timed engine breatherNo sharing of oilOil seal required. Springs to engine sprocket
1970 - 1972Breathes via 3 holes btwn
crankcase & primary chaincase
Oil is sharedNO oil seal should be used, even though
erroneously shown in the parts books (J Healy)

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Main Bearings

Resources

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section B40: Renew Main Bearings

Icon for manual Service Bulletin Twin 14/72 "Metric Main Bearings"

Video icon Lowbrow Triumph 650 Disassembly & Rebuild: Part 5 DS Main Bearing Inner Race, Remove   Begins at: 38:25.

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Connecting Rods

Resources

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section B38: Refit Connecting Rods

manual icon Triumph Overhaul Manual Installing the Connecting Rods

Icon for manualTriumph Service Bulletin #317 "Self-locking nuts on big ends" (as shown in #7).

Parts icon Fig.1 Connecting Rods

WWW icon TriumphRat.net: "Unit 650 con rods" Discussion on used connecting rods and connecting rods in general including balancing and torquing.

WWW icon BritBike.com "Conrod reconditioning" "Round out" your general knowledge of Triumph connecting rod lore.

Assembling Connecting Rods and Shell Bearings to Crankshaft Journals

It is very important to cover rod shanks for protection against nicks and scratches at all times. Nicks and scratches create stress points which will develop into cracks which will develop into disaster. Small nicks and scratches should be polished out with strokes made parallel with the rods using emery cloth and begining with #180.

Great care needs to be taken to mark and then reassemble connecting rods, caps, and shell bearings in their original locations and orientation. If components are new heed should be given to location if crankshaft was dynamically balanced.

Connecting rod caps and big ends usually have small punches or other marks that indicate how they are matched up. Often the marks are placed forward on the journals, but if they were assembled differently they should be re-assembled as they were. If a rod binds on the journal it's probably because the cap is turned around on the rod or the rod is turned around on the crank. photo of big ends with caps, shells, and shell tanngs aligned correctly

Never put oil between a shell and its rod or rod cap - this area should be absolutely clean and dry. Always use an appropriate assembly lube between a shell and the crankshaft journal.

The shell bearings are pressed by hand into the connecting rods and their caps. When the caps are installed on the rods, the tangs should end up on the same side of the big ends as shown in photo to right. Otherwise the caps are on backwards and the rod will bind on the journal as noted above.

Note that the tangs do not fix the shells in place, they center the shells in the rods and caps, making the shells slightly and equally proud at each end. This way, when the caps are tightened down the resulting "crush" wedges the shells tightly into the big ends, preventing them from spinning. The slight bevel on the shell ends helps compensate for any distortion that might occur from the crush.

Shell bearing clearance (diameter clearance) for the 1969 Triumph Bonneville is listed as 0.0005" - 0.0020" by the Workshop Manual. A generally accepted way to measure the actual clearance is with "Plastigauge".

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Updated Torque Spec for Connecting Rod Bolts

CompatiblityThe exact moment is somewhat unclear, but sometime in 1967, Triumph introduced new connecting rods (70-9525) that were thicker and stronger at the small end compared to old ones (E3606 / E3606T). While the old connecting rods had CEI 26 tpi. bolts, the new rods were fitted with UNF 5/16" X 24 tpi. bolts and self-locking nuts.

The change in form necessitated a reduction in the connecting rod bolt torque from 28 lb.ft. for the old CEI bolts, to 22 lb.ft. for the new UNF bolts.

Distinguishing Between Older and Newer Connecting Rod Types

The Triump 650 Overhaul Manual says to measure the rod shank across the front or back 1" below the bottom of the wrist pin hole. According to the OHM, older style rods measure .550" while newer, thicker rods should measure .605". (Source: "List of Engine Changes Relating to Major Engine Work", Triumph 650 Overhaul Manual).

I've measured only one of my '69 T120R original rods - it was 0.606" on one side, and 0.596" on the other. Close enough for original.

Achieving Correct Connecting Rod Bolt Torque

Bringing the connecting rod fasteners to the proper degree of tightness can be accomplished by using either one (or both) of two methods: simply using a torque wrench, or by measuring a bolt's stretch as it is tightened.

The incomparable Mr. Pete (RIP) fills us in:

"Don't waste your time using Loctite on conrod nuts. Either tighten them up dry to 22lb.ft..s and risk thread damage on dry threads; or lubricate the threads with oil and measure the elastic bolt extension (0.004"-0.005"). Bolt extension is a better indication of bolt tension than torque measurement. The actual pre-load on the bolt is what is important.

The best way to tension rod bolts is to measure them with a micrometer. It will be easier if you flatten off the ends of the bolts. Measure the bolt before you start tightening. Use a torque wrench to tighten the bolt a little, and measure it again. Each time you tighten it, it should require a little more torque to move the nut. If the torque ever stops increasing,you have a problem and you should loosen the bolt and check its length. It should be the same as when you started or the bolt is junk.

When the bolt reaches 0.004"-0.005" extension, it's tight enough. If you plan to race it, go for 0.005" but no more.

If you can't get use of a micrometer, just tighten the nuts up dry with a torque wrench to 22lb.ft..s."

More on TriumphRat.net.

So while there's near universal agreement that the bolt stretch method is best, it is only possible if one is able to make the measurements with the required accuracy. To get a better sense of what this entails, check out this Britbike.com discussion.

In actual practice the most common choice is probably to use a torque wrench to tighten the nuts "dry" to the correct torque spec. This should work fine for new, good quality bolts, but perhaps not as well for used bolts, especially when their previous stretch is unknown.

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Timing Chest

Resources

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section B32: Remove/Replace the Timing Cover

manual icon Triumph Overhaul Manual Timing Chest, Removing & Inspecting

manual icon Triumph Overhaul Manual Timing Side Assembly

Parts iconFig.6 Timing Cover

WWW icon  TriumphRat.net " Timing cover removal '72 T120R" RPW, Codeman, and Rambo tell you everything you need to know to accomplish this delicate procedure with aplomb.

WWW icon  JRC Engineering "Triumph Timing Gears" Illustrations of timing marks for all year engines and special tools.

Video icon Lowbrow Triumph 650 Disassembly & Rebuild: Part 4 Timing Chest Disassembly   Begins at: 00:15.

Removing Timing Chest Cover

To remove the timing chest cover you must first remove the auto-advance unit. See link just above for tips on removing the AAU with or without the D484T special tool.

Note that unless care is taken, the idler wheel can fall off when the cover is removed. Placing the bike on its sidestand may help keep it in place. If it does fall off and none of the other gears have moved, simply replaced it.

Trap! Compatiblity If you're working on a '68, be sure to use puller GD523, not D484T. For details, see the Triumph Overhaul Manual.

Tip! The stock screws holding on the primary chaincase, gearbox, and timing chest covers are not Phillips - they are Posidrive screws. If you don't have a Posidrive screwdriver, pick one up and you'll be amazed at the difference it makes to use the proper tool. And, you won't be damaging the Posidrive screw heads.

One caution, though, the Posidrive heads grip so well that you may need to remind yourself to not over-tighten!

Disassemble Timing Chest

The cylinder head and the cylinder block have been removed and the transmission and gearbox have been disassembled prior to the steps below.

  1. Protect the connecting rods (3/4" water pipe foam insulation works well)
  2. Remove oil pump
  3. Place mandril through con rod small ends and raise it up with aluminum or hardwood blocks across the cylinders pad opening
  4. Remove the RH thread crankcase pinion nut (70-4565) using 11/16BSF socket. See Removing the Crankcase Pinion Gear just below for more details.

    Compatibility   Early 1971 crankshafts use nut 70-4565, later '71 crankshafts used SAE thread nut 71-2877.

  5. Slide out intermedite pinion (70-6159)
  6. Remove the crankshaft pinion using a Z121 crankshaft pinion extractor (61-6019) (if the extractor jaws won't fit behind the pinion wheel, remove the jaws and use a grinder to chamfer them on the outside until they do)
  7. Remove engine mainshaft key (70-1580)
  8. Remove TS crankshaft oil seal circlip (70-4569)
  9. Remove TS crankcase oil seal (70-4568) (70-6387 - .02 oversize for reground crankshaft) (Ref#4 Fig.6 Page 23 #7)
  10. Remove the contact breaker oil seal (70-4568) (Ref#4 Fig.6 Page 23 #7)

Removing the Crankshaft Pinion Gear

Resources

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section B34: Extract/Refit Valve Timing Pinions

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section B41: Renewing Camshaft Bushes

Video icon Lowbrow Triumph 650 Disassembly & Rebuild: Part 7 Checking Camshaft Bushings for Wear   Begins at: 09:08.

WWW icon BritBike.com 'Crank pinion gear' Discussion of techniques to remove the crank pinion gear

Trap! Before removing any of the pinion gears, eliminate compressed valve spring pressure on the camshafts: either slack off the adjustors or remove the rocker boxes entirely.

The difficulty in removing the nut securing the crankshaft pinion gear is keeping the gear from moving. That is the topic of discussion in this BritBike.com thread. This group of posters propose and debate several methods:

Posters do mention that jamming the timing gears should only be done with great care. An air wrench works well, and if the clutch and gearbox components are still in place, a clutch locking tool with a handle long enough to rest against the DS passenger footrest will work very nicely.

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Removing the Camshaft Pinion Gears

Icon for left-handed thread Inlet camshaft nut 70-1463, and Exhaust camshaft nut 70-4563 have left-handed threads. (Ref.33/34 Fig.1 P.13 #7)

Once again, the difficulty in removing the pinion gears is to keep them from moving. Using an air wrench eliminates this problem, or, just wait until the cases are parted and then grip the camshafts one at a time by their lobes in a soft-jawed vice and wrench off the nuts.

Valve/Cam Timing

Resources

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section B35: Valve Timing

Replacing Crankshaft and Exhaust Camshaft Seals

Replacing the Patent Plate

Resources

WWW icon  TriumphRat.net Patent Plate Removal

WWW icon BritBike.com 1967 Bonneville kickstart stop More useful patent plate tips from TR7RVMan in this kickstart thread

The patent plate mounted on the timing chest cover often gets polished to a shiny blank. If so, or if it has been damaged, spare replacements are available. Note that some repro patent plates are embossed and others are not.

The trick to changing the patent plate is removing the twisted pins that hold it on. Being hardened, the pins are somewhat brittle, so care must be taken to not break them off, making extraction even more difficult. The links above describe the most popular techniques and also cover what to do should things go wrong. Kadutz, on TriumphRat.net wraps it up nicely.

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Pistons

Resources

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section B22: Removing and Refitting the Pistons

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section B24: Inspecting Pistons & Cylinder Bores

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section B25: Table of Suitable Rebore Sizes

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section B26: Piston Identification

Parts icon Fig.1 Pistons

Photo icon Hermit.cc Removing Pistons

WWW icon BritBike.com: "T120 Pistons" (Manufacturers)

WWW icon BritBike.com: "New pistons question" John Healey checks in on piston taper and diagnosing piston problems.

WWW icon  Franz and Grubb "Triumph 650 piston installation notes"

WWW icon  TriumphRat.org "Stuck Pistons" Methods for removing stuck pistons

Compatiblity New Hepolite pistons were introduced in 1969. The new pistons had a heavier crown and used shorter grudgeon pins with heavier cross sections.

Removing Stuck Pistons

So, you landed that amazing "barn-find" but can't get the cylinder block off because the pistons are stuck. Here's a summary of methods to free stuck pistons from TriumpRat.org (see link just above in Resources for full details):

Chemical

Reputedly the three best rust/corrosion freeing solutions are:

Mechanical

In conjunction with soaking:

Gudgeon Pin Removal & Small End Bushes

Resources

Video icon Lowbrow Triumph 650 Disassembly & Rebuild: Part 2 Gudgeon Pin & Piston Removal   Begins at: 24:40.

Video icon Lowbrow Triumph 650 Disassembly & Rebuild: Part 2 Small End Bushings   Begins at: 27:00.

Photo icon Hermit.cc Simple gudgeon pin extraction tool Photo.

Traps!When working around the connecting rods, use plenty of padding to protect them from the sharp edges of the crankcase and the base studs.

Gudgeon pins (wrist pins) should move freely (but without side-to-side play) in the small end bushes of the connecting rods, and be of a tighter fit in the pistons, Sometimes they can be removed with just thumb pressure at room temperature, but other times it requires a little heat on the piston: 100C (212F) using a digital laser thermometer or the spit sizzle method. Chilling the gudgeon pins can also help.

If a wrist pin won't come all the way out even after heating the piston, you can use a simple extraction tool fashioned from a threaded rod, a couple short lengths of pipe, and some nuts and washers. See link just above.

Traps!Todd uses a drift to remove a gudgeon pin in the Lowbrow video just above, but as noted in the WS Manual, this is NOT recommended due to the possiblity of connecting rod damage.

Traps!In rare cases when the small end bushes require reaming that is best done with the connecting rods removed from the engine so that they can be reamed perfectly perpendicular to the connecting rod.

Piston Skirt Clearance

Skirt clearance is the amount of space between pistons and cylinder walls. Insufficient skirt clearance means near certain piston seizure.

It's possible to measure the clearance with feeler gauges but a more accurate method is to measure piston outside diameter with a micrometer and cylinder inside diameter with a bore gauge and subtract as follows:

Piston Skirt Clearance = Cylinder ID - Piston OD

The spec given by the 1969 Triumph Workshop Manual for piston clearance is 0.0106/0.0085 inches at the top of the piston skirt and 0.0061/0.0046 inches at the bottom. Top and bottom clearances are given because pistons back in the day were slightly tapered. John Healy offers us this explanation of the reason for the taper and why it's no longer of much concern.

Modern pistons are manufactured differently and have little if any taper, so clearance may well be the same top and bottom - all to be determined by careful measurements of course.

I think it's safe to say that when using modern pistons with effectively no taper, a top and bottom piston clearance of 0.005 to 0.0055 inches would be very acceptable.

Usually reliable sources have said on forums that clearances of 0.0041, 0.0037, and even less work for them, but for a variety of reasons those clearances are not apt to succeed on every engine built by any builder. The bottom line is beware of not enough clearance because the result is piston seizure.

Too much clearance? A noisier engine and probably increased wear to pistons, rods, etc.

Replacing Gudgeon Pins

Often gudgeon pins can simply be pushed in with thumb pressure. If not, either chill the wrist pin or gently warm the connecting rod small end where fit is likely the tightest.

Replacing circlips:

  1. Position one end into the groove in the piston
  2. Place thumb over them
  3. Use angled needle-nose pliers to put in the other end
  4. - Bend as little as possible! -

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Rings

Resources

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Gen Data & Sec B23 (obsolete)"

manual icon Triumph Overhaul Manual (1967) Ring Gap (obsolete, see below)

Icon for manualTriumph Service Bulletin #323 "Piston Ring Gaps" (obsolete, see below)

Icon for manualTriumph Service Bulletin (Twin) 1971 "Piston Ring Replacement"

WWW icon  Franz and Grubb "(Grant) Triumph piston ring installation notes"

WWW icon  Triumphrat.net "DIY Piston Ring End Gap Tool".

Ring Gap

Different Triumph docs through the years gave different ring gap specifications. The last revision was made in 1971.

Ring Gap Changes Over the Years
DocumentWhenRecommendation
Triumph Service Bulletin Twin 11/71:
Piston Ring Replacement
19710.012 - 0.018
Triumph Overhaul Manual:
Page 10, Step (d)
19670.010 - 0.017
Triumph Service Bulletin #323:
Piston Ring Gaps
1967
DU44934
H49837
0.015 - 0.020
Workshop Manuals, Gen Data and:
Section B23
1963 - 19690.010 - 0.014

The important thing is to have sufficient gap: a little too much isn't critical, but too little can result in the rings binding up and scoring the cylinder walls or even seizing a piston in extreme cases.

Keep in mind that ring gap determination must be proportional to cylinder size, an important consideration if installing so-called big bore kits. Dave gives a standard formula for gap calculation based on cylinder size here. Don offers a slight variation here. That thread is worth reading in its entirety as it includes much good advice.

When filing ring gaps the ends should be kept parallel with the ring's radius. If using a file consider doing as Don does which is to hold the file in a vice and not the rings. Emory paper can also be used: some move the paper through the ring and others move the ring across the paper (see "DIY Piston Ring End Gap Tool" just above in resources for an interesting take on this).

Installing Rings

Always install rings from the top and observe correct order and cylinder for each ring. Rings usually have a marking that indicates which side goes up. Orient the oil scraper rings with their gaps at six o'clock, and the compression ring gaps at three o'clock and nine o'clock.

One advantage of using ring compressors is that the orientation of the ring gaps doesn't change during installation.

Also See: John Healy on "dry" ring assembly.

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Cylinder Block & Tappet Blocks

Resources

manual icon Triumph Overhaul Manual Assembling Pistons, Pins, Rods, Cylinder Barrel

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section B20: Inspecting Tappets & Guide Blocks

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section B21: Renewing the Tappet Guide Blocks

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section B19: Removing and Replacing the Cylinder Block and Tappets

Parts iconFig.5 Cylinder Block

Parts iconFig.3 Tappet Guide Blocks

WWW icon  The Bonneville Shop "The Brain of Your Triumph B Range Engine- the Camshaft" Triumph camshafts and tappets through the years, explained.

WWW icon  J.R.C. Engineering "Understanding Triumph Tappet Blocks and Pushrod Tubes" Complete rundown of tappet blocks & PRTs on Triumph models from 1945-1982

Cylinder Rebore

Resources

WWW icon Britbike.com "Which Comes First, Piston or Bore?" Long, interesting thread, with broad con census on best procedure to follow, and many tips on re-boring a Triumph unit 650.

WWW icon Britbike.com "Mapping the bore" An experienced hand explains how to prepare for a cylinder re-bore. Learn some very interesting facts about cylinder topography and piston shape in the process.

WWW icon Britbike.com "Dry Ring Installation" A repost of John Healy describing the complete Triumph 650 honing process, followed by his take on "dry" ring assembly - or, as Mr. Healy would prefer, "dri-er" ring assembly.

WWW icon Britbike.com "Further to preparing the cylinder..." Mr. Healy offers more fine points on honing Triumph 650 cylinders, and dives deeper into the machinations of air-cooled machines.

Cylinder Displacement

Rarely does one see Triumph 650 cylinders bored out more than 60 thousandths. It is said that the cylinder walls are in places quite thin, and overbores more than that are not reliable.

That being said, my Bonnie went around 12,000 miles on an overbore of 100 thousandths before she got a new set of cylinders at 86,000 miles.

The following table shows the effect of overboring on the displacement of the Triumph 650 engine.

Table showing the effect of various overbores on the displacement of a Triumph 650 engine

Honing Cylinders

Before having your Triumph 650 cylinders honed, take the time to read the above posts by John Healy on the tried and true methods of getting a good re-bore and a good break-in.

After honing, cylinders need to be washed and scrubbed with a brush in hot water with detergent to remove ALL remaining abrasive material. It can't be over-emphasized how important this is. Wash them and wash again. And again. Foreign materials left behind may score the cylinders or block oil-ways, ruining the entire job with potentially catastrophic results.

When thoroughly clean, dry the cylinders with a clean cloth and then apply light coat of oil.

Tappet Guide Blocks

Resources

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section B21: Renewing the Tappet Guide Blocks

WWW icon BritBike.com "Refitting tappet guide block, T140" TR7RVMan nails the drill (pertains also to T120)

WWW icon BritBike.com "Tappet block installation" Koan58 offers a method for precision alignment.

Video icon Lowbrow Triumph 650 Disassembly & Rebuild: Part 2 Tappet Blocks, Removal   Begins at: 18:00.

To remove or replace the tappet guide blocks it's essential to use the special drift: Service Tool 61-6008. It takes substantial blows with something like a little two-pound sledge to drive the blocks in. While a block is moving, it can be steered quite easily by twisting on the tool's hatch-marked handle.

Tip!When driving the guide blocks in or out, remember that they are not perfectly vertical - they are set at a slight angle. Adjust your drift accordingly or risk damaging the block's skirts. Ask me how I know.

On his DVD, Hancox says to line up the hole in the blocks with the locator screw hole in the cylinder block. For an amateur like myself that's not a sufficient guarantee that the tappet holes will end up exactly parallel to the camshaft. Instead I try to concentrate on the alignment of the tappet holes with the camshaft - if that is acheived the locator screw will line up for sure.

Tip!Being relatively narrow, the tappet blocks are difficult to line up perfectly by eye. A straight edge placed against the block helps greatly.

Tappets

Video icon Lowbrow Triumph 650 Disassembly & Rebuild: Part 2 Tappets, Remove & Inspect   Begins at: 13:20.

The tappets ("lifters", "followers") ride up and down in the tappet block, operating the pushrods above them as they themselves rise and fall with the rotation of the camshaft lobes beneath them. Illustration of correct orientation of Triumph exhaust tappet
 guide block

Traps!Exhaust tappets with an oil feed must be installed in the tappet block with their "flats" ("C" in illustration at right) facing outward.

Tip!When installing new tappet guide blocks, the holes frequently require honing before tappets will ride up and down freely.

CompatiblityTriumph made several changes to the tappets through the unit construction years. A brief summary follows, for detailed information on camshafts, tappets, tappet blocks, and pushrod tubes, see links above.

The difference between the '66 exhaust tappets and exhaust tappets from '67 on is that oil flow through the '66 tappets was controlled using a restrictor jet to the tappet block, whereas oil flow from '67 on was restricted by the use of a tappet with a smaller cutaway opening for the oil feed.

Trap!The 1966 tappets should never be used with 1967 and later engines because without the restictor valve the uncontrolled flow of oil through the tappet will starve the crankshaft for oil with catastrophic results!

Tappet Compatibility 1963-1970
YearTappetsCompatibility
1963-65No oil feed to tappets
Standard Radius (3/4) tappets
Tappets not forward compatible
1966Oil feed to exhaust tappets
R-Radius (1-1/8) inlet tappets
Tappets backward compatible, but not forward
1967-70Oil feed to exhaust tappets
R-Radius (1-1/8) inlet tappets
Tappets compatible with all tappet blocks

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Reinstalling Cylinder Block Using a Piston Board

Using a piston board helps greatly in re-fitting a cylinder block over rings and pistons. A piston board is a platform that supports the pistons and helps keep them in place while the block is lowered onto them.

Piston boards don't need to be complicated, one made from an old kitchen cutting board has worked well for me.

Repro Cylinder Blocks

At 86,000 miles and already overbored to .100" it was time to replace the original cylinder block on my '69 T120R. The only 650 repros I could find in the US and Canada were all made by ARCO. If you're considering an ARCO 650cc cylinder block repro, be aware that esthetically they are different from originals (see photo here):

In addition, the casting behind and around the pushrod tubes are very rough - as in chunks of cast iron slag hanging off the fins. I returned the first one I received and the second one was only marginally better.

Later I learned that British suppliers offer different repros, possibly LF Harris. Faced with a similar choice today I would investigate other suppliers or even consider a used item.

Tightening Cylinder Base Bolts

It's not possible to get a torque wrench on the base nuts, but using a 6-inch 12-point 1/2" box wrench to tighten as hard as you can should approximate the proper torque of 35 lb.ft.. Note that the wrench needs to be quite a thin one to fit between the cylinders and certain ones of the nuts.

Painting Cylinder Block

Resources

WWW icon BritBike.com Cylinder paint recommendations?.

Unquestionably, the best-looking and longest-lasting finish for the cylinder block is powder coat. For tips on other products and surface prep see link above.

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Cylinder Head

Resources

Manual icon Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section B14: Removing & Refitting the Cylinder Head Assembly

manual icon Triumph Overhaul Manual Cylinder Head, Remove & Inspect

manual icon Triumph Overhaul Manual Assembling the Cylinder Head

Parts iconFig.5 Cylinder Head

Video icon Lowbrow Triumph 650 Disassembly & Rebuild: Part 2 Pushrods, Removal   Begins at: 00:00.

Video icon Lowbrow Triumph 650 Disassembly & Rebuild: Part 2 Headbolts, Removal   Begins at: 00:55.

Video icon Lowbrow Triumph 650 Disassembly & Rebuild: Part 2 The Head, Removal   Begins at: 02:00.

Video icon Lowbrow Triumph 650 Disassembly & Rebuild: Part 6 The Head, Inspect & Remove Valves   Begins at: 26:30.

Anneal and Install Head Gasket

Perfectly fine to reuse the copper head gasket as long as it is in good shape and properly prepared.

Begin by removing any burring that appears on the gasket. Burrs near the cylinders may create hot spots that can promote pre-ignition.

Next, always anneal a used head gasket before use. Some will even anneal new gaskets just to be sure. Annealing the gasket softens the copper and allows it to create a better seal between the head and the cylinders. The annealing process is simply heating the gasket cherry red and then plunging it into a container of water. If your heat source won't heat the entire gasket cherry red at the seme time it is ok to anneal the gasket one section at a time - just be sure every part of the gasket has been annealed.

Heating the gasket red hot often causes oxidation to form on the surface, particularly if it is heated multiple times. The oxidation probably doesn't affect the gasket's sealing properties, but as John Healy says, removing it makes for a more professional-looking job. Soaking the gasket in vinegar overnight will turn most of the oxidation into a brown "fluff" which can be rinsed off with water.

Apply grease or Permatex Copper Coat to both sides of the head gasket before installing. Using a sealing agent helps prevent oil leaks as well as compression leakage between cylinders.

Anti-Seize Compound

Although using anti-seize compound for head bolts and spark plugs is in some ways a good idea, it has two down sides. First of all, head bolt torque figures are given for dry threads, so they need to be revised downward when using anything on the threads.

Secondly, the anti-seize compound leaves behind considerable messy residue which must be thoroughly cleaned off during the next disassembly.

A cleanup method that works well is to fill the bolt holes with kerosene or brake cleaning fluid and then run the bolts in and out while using a rag to mop up solvent and crud as they run out past the threads. When the bolt bores are good and clean, clear them with compressed air.

Installing Cylinder Head & PRTs

See Installing Pushrod Tubes & Cylinder head below.

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Head Bolt Torque

Resources

WWW icon TriumphRat.net: "Cylinder Head Re-Torque" Lots of good advice on torquing and re-torquing the head bolts.

WWW icon BritBike.com: "T120 8-stud head torque" Head bolt discussion that wanders frequently into conrod bolts - don't confound the two!

The correct head bolt torques for unit construction 650s are 15 lb.ft. for the 5/16" bolt (#1), and 18 lb.ft. for the 3/8" bolts (#s 2-3-4-5-6-7-8).

Trap!Be aware that you may also see torque specs of 18 lb.ft. and 25 lb.ft.. These erroneous higher torque specs originated in the 1966 Triumph WS Manual, and although they were quickly corrected in a Triumph service bulletin, they apparently lived on, uncorrected in other documentation, including the Triumph Overhaul Manual. (John Healy).

The higher torques may look attractive to some, as they may find 15 lb.ft. and 18 lb.ft. too low. But it must be remembered that the torque will effectively rise as the cylinders and head heat up and expand. Over-torquing (beyond 15 lb.ft. and 18 lb.ft.) can result in indentations to the alloy head beneath head bolt washers. Extreme over-torquing can result in a cracked head. Cracked head, not good!

Torquing the Head-Bolts

Torque figures given are for dry threads. One recommendation is reduce by 20% when wet. So for example, if using anti-seize compound, one might use 15 lb.ft. instead of 18 lb.ft.. When I've used anti-seize compound I confess I've still used the 18 lb.ft. figure. Your call. Triumph 650 head bolts

The head bolts are tightened in the order 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9 as shown in the accompanying illustration, and the final torque rating is reached by incremental steps. For example, tighten all the 18 lb.ft. torque bolts to 10 lb.ft. and then 14 lb.ft., and finally 18 lb.ft..

On his DVD, Hughie Hancox starts with bolt #1 and tightens each bolt one by one right to their final torque figure. I tried that method in 2006 and it worked ok, but I feel more comfortable using the incremental 'round robin' method.

The 1/4 inch rocker box bolts and the rocker box stud nuts are torqued to just 5 lb.ft.. Be careful. Install bolts and nuts at least finger tight before torquing head bolts. Doesn't hurt to tighten these fasteners incrementally among themselves and in conjunction with the head bolts. In the end the three nuts can be loosened slightly and re-tightened to obtain an identical torque.

Re-Torquing Head Bolts

After the first heat cycle(s) when the head has been removed and replaced, the head-bolts must be re-torqued to compensate for their looseness due to the "bedding-in" of the cylinder gasket, cylinder head, and bolts.

Because torque figures pertain to bolts when they are turning, it's not effective to just start tightening them. That would most likely result in over-torquing, which is never a good thing. So, the method is:

Note that the bolts don't actually loosen themselves, they loosen relatively, due to compression of the head gasket and stretch of the head bolts. Nevertheless, the question arises in many minds, were the bolts actually "loose" before re-torquing, and if so by how much? One way to find out is to mark one point of each head bolt and then make a corresponding mark on the head. After you re-torque you'll see whether it was necessary to re-tighten each bolt.

And as the "Duke of Oil" pointed out on Britbike.com, given their thread factor and how far the bolts turned to get back to spec it's possible to calculate how much the head gasket compressed and the head bolts stretched.

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Rocker Boxes

Resources

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section B2: Removing and Replacing the Rocker Boxes

Manual icon Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section B3: Inspecting Pushrods

Manual icon Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section B4: Strip/Reassemble Rocker Boxes

Parts icon Fig.5 Rocker Boxes

Video icon Lowbrow Triumph 650 Disassembly & Rebuild: Part 1 Rocker Boxes, Removal   Begins at: 15:40.

Video icon Lowbrow Triumph 650 Disassembly & Rebuild: Part 6 Rocker Boxes, Disassemble   Begins at: 19:40.

Removing the Rocker Boxes

Strictly speaking, it isn't necessary to remove the ignition coils before removing the rocker boxes, but it's advisable to remove coils and brackets and clean that area of the frame before exposing engine internals. I shine Bonnie's coils - boosts HT right?

Off the gas tank, torque stays, and oil line domed nuts and copper washers on the timing side.

Trap! To avoid damage to valve train parts it is essential to release valve spring tension before removing the rocker boxes.

Release valve spring tension by removing the valve adjustment caps and slacking off the tappet adjusters until the tappets are free. Alternatively, as pointed out by Mick on Triumphrat.org, position the engine so that both their valves are closed before beginnning removal of each rocker box. I figure valve clearance will need to be re-adjusted upon re-assembly anyway, so I just loosen all four adjuster screws at the beginning.

After freeing the tappet adjustors, first loosen and remove the 3 stud-nuts before removing the outer bolts securing the rocker box and finally the center cylinder head bolts.

The Valve Train

Rocker Arms, Rocker Spindles, and Thackary Washers

Resources

Manual icon Triumph Service Bulletin #25 "Lubrication - Rocker End, Ball Arm"

WWW icon BritBike.com: Retrofitting updated rocker box components ('Calling John Healey or someone that can answer')

WWW icon BritBike.com: 1973 T140 rocker spindles. Oil grooves?

WWW icon BritBike.com: Rocker shaft spring washer location??.

WWW icon BritBike.com: 71 T100R and the Thackeray Unpleasantness

The location of the Thackary washers on the rocker spindles ("shafts") has generated considerable discussion in the forums. Pity the poor Thackary, it's more a symptom of the controversy than the cause.

If you're curious about how Thackary washers got their name, Ian Peters, on "More To The Name", has an, ummmm, interesting story about the origin. But I digress.

Over several years, Triumph made modifications to both the rockers and the rocker spindles and also changed where the Thackary washers are positioned on the spindles. The changes were implemented unevenly across the models and years, and in some cases not at all. To top things off, Triumph failed to correctly document all the changes in parts books and workshop manuals.

Variations

In a nutshell, here are the unit construction Triumph valve train component variations:

  1. To begin with, there are two different styles of rocker arms (drilled and notched)
  2. Next there are the two styles of rocker spindles (plain and grooved)
  3. Finally there are two possible placements of the Thackary washers on the rocker spindle

Ok, I lied. There are really three styles of rocker spindles. There are the plain, un-grooved spindles (500 & 650s) , spindles with a spiral groove (T140), and spindles with a straight groove (Triples).

Unpacking the Triumph Rocker Box "Mystery"

The story begins with the Triumph rocker arms. The earlier style rocker arms, which went all the way back to the pre-units (RF Whatley) had a drilling to supply oil to their ball end. Whilst it provided very adequate lubrication, the drilling weakened the arms and they were known to break.

During the design of the Trident, which went into production in 1968, the by-then out-sourced design department at Umberslade Hall made several changes in the Trident's rocker boxes:

  1. First, they eliminated the problematic drilling in the rocker arm and replaced it with notches at each end.
  2. Next, in an effort to increase overall oil flow, they re-designed the rocker spindle (71-3549) to be machined with a spiral groove down its length.
  3. Finally, to better direct the increased oil flow, they swapped the original positions of the Thackary and flat thrust washers. (John Healy and John Healy).

However, Triumph chose not to implement the new and improved spindle design on any of their other models until the introduction of the 750 T140 in 1973, when it finally adopted the spiral grooved spindles for that new model. Meanwhile, the 500 and 650 spindles were never upgraded. (John Healy and John Healy)

Oddly, although the modifications were designed to work together and all three should have been adopted at the same time, Triumph initially adopted only the notched rocker shafts for the 650s (late 1968, beginning with DU79965). It has been suggested that even this adaptation was made rather grudgingly, and was more the case of having to use the parts sent to them by the new management.

Adoption of the newer washer arrangement for the 500s and 650s was made rather half-heartedly: while it gave notice of the swapped washer position (Thackary washer to the rocker box) in the 1969 Service Bulletin #25, most of the parts books and many of the service manuals were never changed. Also, machines continued to leave the factory with the original configuration - Thackary washers next to the rocker arms. According to John Healy, the Meriden factory persisted until the end in placing the Thackary spring washers against the rocker arms on the T140s, even after having adopted the grooved spindles! The change came about for the T140 only with the 1985-1988 production of the Harris Bonneville.

Some claim that the implementation of only two of the three modifications (rockers, washer position) without upgrading the rocker spindle actually resulted in less lubrication, not more, than the older drilled rocker arms. Therefore, they conclude that there is simply no benefit in changing the position of the Thackary washers on 500s and 650s using either the original drilled rocker arms or the updated notched rocker arms unless they have a grooved rocker spindle (John Healy).

But others disagree, saying that in their original position Thackary washer tangs become fouled in the notches of upgraded rocker arms, thus reducing critical oil flow. They advocate for, minimally, moving the Thackarys outboard for all machines equipped with notched rocker arms.

Compatiblity IssueThe 650 models can be retrofitted with the newer 750 spiral-grooved spindles (71-3945) (John Healy ), but the original CEI acorn nuts must be swapped out for UNF items to match the newer spindles. In that case the washers should be assembled in the updated order, with Thackarys to the rocker box and flats to the rocker arms. See illustrations below.

Compatiblity Issue How to tell whether or not a spindle is grooved: "You can prove that the spiral groove are cut in your rocker shaft with a hand pressurized oil can. Cover the two feed holes with your fingers and squirt oil under pressure into the hole in the end of the shaft. The oil should flow freely out of the side of the rocker. If the pressure in the can builds, without any appreciable flow of oil out the side of the rockers, the shaft is not grooved." John Healy.

Compatiblity Note that when the Thackary washers are placed next to the rocker box and the flat washers against the rocker arms, it is necessary to replace the original 3/8" flat washers with 1/2" washers in order to accommodate the shouldered portion of the rocker spindle in the new location.

Installing the Thackary washers against the rocker boxes makes the picky rocker box assembly an even pickier job due to the ID of the Thackary, the OD of the spindle step, and the way the Thackary interacts with the rocker box. T140V-Rich has a way with words, he describes it as "like putting a cat into a toilet".

I've tried assembling my 1969 T120R rocker boxes using the updated arrangement, but I never got that cat into the toilet. With 86,000 miles on the Bonnie, her original rocker box parts are still working just fine so I'm not worried.

Finally, some suggest that if Thackary washers are placed against the inside of the rocker box they will gouge the relatively soft alloy, but not according to (John Healy):

"The Thackeray, or spring, washer against the aluminum rocker box continued from the first to the last of the BSA and Triumph triples. It has never been a problem nor have they worn into the side of the rocker box!!"

There you have it in a nutshell. If you want to explore the iceberg in its entirety, see Mike James' excellent compendium of links (PDF) to BritBike.com Thackary washer, spindle, and rocker threads, including pertinent posts from John Healy on the entire subject and history of Triumph.

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Rocker Spindle Washer Order Illustrated

Early Washer Order

Triumph rocker arm, rocker spindle, and spindle washers illustration

Starting from TS, the original #7 layout used with plain rocker spindles


Updated Washer Order

The updated layout for use with grooved spindles & notched rocker arms: Triumph rocker arm, rocker spindle, and spindle washers illustration


Assembling Rocker Arms, Spindles, & Washers

Both the Workshop Manual and Hanyes suggest using a 5/16" bolt ground to a taper at one end to line up the flat washers and Thackary washers before inserting the spindle. Seems to work well, with enough fiddling with it! (Beer break).

If a spindle doesn't go quite all the way in it's probably because the last washer (DS) is hanging up on the rocker spindle's shoulder. Don't force it! Play around with the washers and tap very, very lightly on the end of the spindle with a plastic mallet. When everything is lined up it takes only a light tap.

Rocker Arm Spindle O-Rings

Resources

WWW icon Ed Holin "What is the correct O ring for the rocker spindles on a '71 Triumph T100R and similar bikes?".

WWW icon TriumphRat Weeping rocker spindle.

WWW icon Britbike.com Drive side rocker spindles leaks.

Compatiblity In place of the 70-3253 rocker spindle o-ring listed by some Replacement Parts Catalogues (Ref.29 Fig.5 in RPC #7 for example), use the updated, better-fitting 60-3548 o-ring.

For what it's worth - Tool icon special tool Z111, rocker spindle oil seal compressor, is available. I've never found it effective or helpful.

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Pushrod Tubes (PRTs)

Resources

Parts iconFig.5 Pushrod Tubes

WWW icon  J.R. Engineering "Understanding Triumph Tappet Blocks and Pushrod Tubes" Complete rundown of tappet blocks & PRTs on Triumph models from 1945-1982

Pushrod Tube Styles

Between 1965 and 1972 three different pushrod tubes, each with its own type of seal were used on "B" range 650s. The earlier PRT (70-6000) has a different length than both the later 70-9349 and 71-2575 and as well so they are incompatible with the later cylinder heads and tappet guide blocks.

On the other hand, while the later 70-9349 (fabricated) and 71-2575 (one-piece) PRTs used different seal methods, their lengths were the same, they used the same tappet guide blocks and compatible cylinder heads, so they are interchangeable during those years.

Compatiblity The following table is a simplified summary of heads, PRTs, and guide blocks used from 1967 to 1972. For more details, including the tappet variations, see the JRC Engineering link just above.

Summary of Heads, PRTs, and Guide Blocks 1967 - 1972
Part1967 - 19681969 - 19701971 - 1972
Pushrod tube70-600070-934971-2575
Cylinder head70-703170-941871-2354
Tappet guide blocks70-4676 / 70-586170-9352 / 70-935370-9352 / 70-9353

Pushrod Tube O-Rings

Resources

Manual iconTriumph Service Bulletin #18-69 "PRT o-rings leaking oil - 1969 'B' & 'C' Range"

Oil leaks from the pushrod tubes (PRT's) have been a perennial problem for many Triumph owners.

In 1969 Triumph replaced the rubber sealing washers used by earlier models at the top and bottom of the PRTs with o-rings. The new o-rings fit into newly designed PRTs (70-9349) and inlet and exhaust tappet guide blocks (70-9352 / 70-9353). O-rings at the top of the PRTs stood up poorly to the high temperatures there so beginning in 1971 Triumph substituted a different upper o-ring. The new high temperature red 71-1283 o-rings were somewhat a disaster. I used them twice and both times they quickly crumbled to pieces. Later, the 71-1283 o-ring became available in Viton and the Viton units proved to be far more durable.

Meanwhile, in 1971 Triumph introduced a new PRT, the 71-2575. The new PRT continued using o-rings top and bottom, but added a compression seal at the bottom, along with a metal sleeve (aka the "wedding band") to prevent the new seal from squeezing out when compressed by bolting down the cylinder head.

CompatiblityThe following table details the different PRT o-rings specified between 1969 and 1971. Note that the 70-7310 and 71-1283 o-rings are the same size and differ only in their material, therefore Viton 71-1283 o-rings are the logical choice for both PRT's, top and bottom on all the 1969-1972 650 models.

Pushrod Tube Sealing Part Changes 1969 - 1971
Part/Year#7 ('69)'70 USA'71 USA'72 USA
Bottom o-ring70-731070-731070-731070-7310
Top o-ring70-731070-731071-128371-1283
PRT (pushrod tube)70-934970-934971-257571-2575
Sealing ring70-475270-4752
"Wedding Band" sleeve71-170771-1707

Pushrod Tube Sealing Ring & Wedding Band

Resources

Manual iconTriumph Service Bulletin 324 Pushrod tube oil seals

In 1971 Triumph added another oil seal in addition to the o-rings found on the 1969-1970 models. The new "sealing ring" (70-4752) sits between the PRTs and the tappet guide blocks and has a square-section to improve sealing. The "wedding band" metal sleeve fits over the sealing ring and keeps it from being squeezed out of place by the pressure of the cylinder head being tightened down on the PRTs.

The square-sectioned sealing rings are commonly, but not always, white silicon. I've had black, sponge-like seals and they worked fine. These seals come in different thicknesses to enable adjustment of "the crush". (See section below).

Compatiblity The 1971-1972 setup is an easy and highly desirable upgrade for the 1969-1970 650 models. It involves upgrading to the 71-2575 PRTs (completely compatible with 1969-1970 tappet guide blocks and cylinder heads) and adding the sealing ring (70-4752) and metal sleeve (71-1707)

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Pushrod Tubes and "Crush"

Resources

WWW icon John Healy, Vintage Bike Magazine "Push Rod Tubes"

WWW icon TriumphRat.net thread Discussion of PRT 'crush'

WWW icon TriumphRat.net thread Discussion of PRT sealing rubber protruding

Video icon YouTube Raber's Tech Tips, Episode #3 - Triumph 1967 T120 Bonneville Pushrod Tube Seals

For dimensions of sealing rings & o-rings see table below.

Install head with bolts 6,7,8,and 9 fitted evenly and lightly enough that the bottom seals and top o-rings are not being compressed. Then check for a suitable gap that is even all the way around.

Installing Pushrod Tubes & Cylinder Head

Although one of Bonnie's pushrod tubes seats very tightly at the bottom and the other is relatively loose, they both seem to seal well to the tappet block once the head is bolted down and the sealing ring squashes out to the wedding ring.

Be sure to oil the top and bottom o-rings before assembly (sharp edges ahead). It's also ok and good to grease the top o-rings to help hold in place as well as lubricate.

In 2016, I used 'Right Stuff' on the top o-rings during first assembly. Upon disassembly 450 miles later, I picked the Right Stuff 'slime' out of the o-ring groove. No more 'Right Stuff' for me. Back to oil and grease.

When installing the head, it may go better to maneuver it into place from the rear, as opposed to from one side or the other.

Slight in & out adjustments (punch and ball peen) to the tabs at the top of the PRTs can sometimes ease installation or removal of the PRTs. Just be sure the tabs don't foul the pushrods when they are installed.

PRT O-Ring & Seal Dimensions

When adjusting for proper sealing ring crush, the following dimensions could be helpful.

Component Dimensions for Estimating "Crush"
ComponentHeight
Cylinder Head2.755"
2.785 (Internet forum)
Head Gaskets.045-.050
.080
.100
Round o-rings70-7310 (Buna-n) / 71-1283 (Viton)
ID=.987"/Nom 1" CS=.103"/Nom 3/32" OD=1.193"/Nom 1 3/16" Dash#120
Square-sectioned sealing rings70-3547 Thick= .093"/nominal 3/32" (.095 Raber's)
70-4752 Thick= .125"/nominal 1/8") (.125 Raber's)
70-1496 Thick=.1875"/nominal 3/16" (.177 Raber's)
Pushrod Tubes70-9349/71-2575
4.867"

Source: unless otherwise noted, dimensions are from John Healy's article 'Push Rod Tubes' in Vintage Bike Magazine.

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Rocker Box Gaskets

Resources

WWW icon Britbike.com "Gasket sealer for top end "

Types of gaskets for the rocker boxes include plain paper, wire-reinforced, and Covseals.

I used wire-reinforced gaskets many times because they were supposed to be good. Not in my experience: all became hard and brittle and more times than not they leaked seriously. I switched to plain paper gaskets from MAPCycle and had much better luck. Still later I tried Covseals and they became my go-to r-b gasket. Covseals are a sandwich of composite material with a metal core.

Posters in the BritBike.com thread just above say Covseals applied dry as per included instructions can work fine, but using a scealant like Hylomar Blue is the dependable way to get oil-tight rocker box joints.

Regardless of how you intall them, expect removal of Covseals to be a job. Or, maybe try out JubeePrince's suggestion in the same thread above.

Replacing Push Rods and Rocker Boxes

Resources

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section B2: Removing and Replacing the Rocker Boxes

Manual icon Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section B3: Inspecting Pushrods

Manual icon Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section B4: Strip/Reassemble Rocker Boxes

WWW icon Britbike.com " Pushrod alignment"

I label the pushrods with a marker when I remove them & replace in their same position. If I remember, else not. As I replace the pushrods I examine them and, ideally, make note of anything special, such as wear to the cups.

  1. With a good dab of grease filling the bottom pushrod cups, lower the pushrods down the pushrod tubes until you feel them contact their respective tappet. When properly seated, the tappets 'stick' in the greased pushrod cups and you can feel the tappets being pulled and pushed up and down by the pushrod.
  2. Without lifting the pushrods off their tappets, fit the rocker box gasket holes over the pushrods, line up all the gasket bolt holes, and press the greased gasket flat.
  3. Last year I used the Covseals 'dry'. Removal this winter was arduous. This year I greased both sides, let them sit an hour, and wiped off excess before putting them on with a couple extra small grease dabs to hold things in place while installing the rocker box.
  4. Double-check the pushrods for engagement with the tappets and have the pushrods standing straight, and parallel with each other.
  5. Before installing the rocker boxes, give a few squirts of oil to moving parts.
  6. Introduce the rocker box from the middle, and, looking up from below, manoeuvre it into place without touching the pushrods. When the three studs are lined up on their holes, gently let the rocker box down onto them.
  7. Fit the two large engine bolts first. They won't quite clear the frame so put the washer on the hole and then insert the bolt through it until the nut just touches the frame on one of its flats. With both hands on the rocker box, gently rock it side to side, barely lifting it, and the bolt will drop down past the frame with a snappy retort.
  8. Finger-tighten the head bolts loosely, and then put the three nuts/washers on the studs before finger-tightening the small rocker box bolts.
  9. I go back and forth between the head bolts (70-1596, BS 3/8-26TPI X 5 7/8 U.H. Tool-3/8BS-5/16W Torque: 18 lb.ft., rocker box bolts (21-1875, UNC 1/4-20TPI X 2 5/32 U.H. Tool-3/16W Torque: 5 lb.ft.), and rocker box stud nuts (82-0879 BS 1/4-26TPI Torque 5 lb.ft.. I tighten gently, then loosen, then tighten a little more then loosen a little, etc, until all the nuts and bolts are snug and evenly tightened.

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Rocker Box Gasket Modification

When I tried using lightweight pushrods it was necessary to modify the rocker box gaskets to accommodate their larger diameter. After modification the gaskets no longer served to guide the pushrods to the rockers when fitting the rocker boxes, so I made a template to guide the pushrods, split it in two, taped it back together for assembly, and removed in two pieces when the rods were placed.

Photo of Triumph pushrod installation

Replacing Rocker Oil Feed Pipe

CompatiblityThe banjo fittings on the rocker oil feed pipe connect to the rocker spindles with domed nuts. Prior to 1973 the domed nuts were 3/8-26TPI, but they were changed to 24TPI UNF in 1973. If you're having trouble threading on replacement domed nuts, suspect a thread mismatch between the nuts and the spindles.

The WS Manual gives a torque spec of 22 lb.ft. for these nuts, but see below.

Always anneal the four copper washers before replacing them, even if you seal them:

Tip! A recipe for a non-leaking rocker oil feed pipe from the TRV7R - Man with the touch, on TriumphRat.net

"I don't go 22 lb on torque on these. It just seems too tight. I do it by feel. I've had practice though." "Not a bad plan to put some sealant on washers also. Loctite 518 is my sealant of choice, however Hylomar universal blue or any of that family of Hylomar will work good also. Put a thin smear both sides. Wipe hole of washer clean. Hang washer on wire 10 min to flash of solvents in sealer. Handle washer from outside. Assemble & tighten acorn nut. Make sure you don't smear sealant on threads or shaft sliding washer on. Clean box surface, banjo sides, nut face well & dry. Sealant doesn't stick well on oily surface. Wipe off excess quickly."

"If banjo fittings want to spin when tightening nuts, counter hold them on the flats. Don't let them spin & bend tube."

Replacing Engine Torque Stays

Resources

Parts iconFig.14 Engine Torque Stays

Photo icon Hermit.cc Engine Torque Stay Fasteners.

WWW icon TriumphRat.net StuartMac on assembling the engine torque stays

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Valves

Resources

Parts iconFig.5 Valves

WWW icon Vintage Bike Magazine John Healy: "Where is your valve seat?"

WWW icon Britbike.com "Oversized valves fix deep seats?" A very educational thread!

Video icon YouTube  Lunmad: Valve Clearance Adjustment

Note that in the video above, Lunmad uses a slightly unorthodox method to open valves for adjustment.

For example, instead of, as per the WS Manual, opening the DS exhaust valve (pushrod up, rocker down) to adjust the TS exhaust valve clearance, Lunmad closes the TS intake valve.

Tip! Lunmad's method may be the only way to adjust the TS exhaust valve clearance without removing the gas tank.

Replacing Valves in Head

Resources

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section B15: Remove/Replace Valves

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section B16: Renewing Valve Guides

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section B17: Decarbonizing

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section B18: Reseating the Valves

Illustration of Triumph valves, valve springs, and collets

Install valves, springs, and retainers as shown in the figure at right. Lubricate valve stem before inserting into valve guide. Use a valve spring compressor and apply a small amount of thick grease the split collets to help hold the first one in place while inserting the second one. Cover with a rag or take other precautions to prevent collets from flying off to parts unknown should they not be engaged by the top cup when spring tension is released.

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Adjusting Valve/Rocker Clearance

Resources

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section B5: Adjusting the Valve Rocker Clearances

Looking at the valve clearance specs for the T120 and for the T140 it may appear as though there is an error, but that is not the case. What accounts for the difference? According to Mr. Pete, "Different cams, with different ramps. No quietening ramp at all on the 3134 cam in the T120."

Valve Clearance Values for Triumph T120 and T140
InletExhaust
T1200.0020.004
T1400.0080.006

Mr. Pete also made these interesting comments regarding valve clearance:

And these:

So, when adjusting valve clearances it's better to have a wee bit too much clearance than not quite enough, especially for the exhaust valves, where a lack of clearance may result in the valve burning. On the other hand, too much clearance means the rockers will 'hammer' the valve stem tips.

Note that when a rocker box and/or cylinder head has been removed and replaced, or when the head bolts are re-torqued, it's important to re-check valve clearances after a very brief run-in due to compression of the gaskets. Symptoms of too little exhaust valve clearance include high engine temperature, loss of engine power, and low compression due to the exhaust valves remaining slightly open.

Sound can be a useful guide to setting valve rocker clearance (see 'Adjustment by sound and feel', just below), as well as when evaluating correctness of settings with the engine running.

It's much easier to adjust valve clearance while the carburettors are removed, but adjustment can also be done with just the gas tank and air filters off. And by the way, if you got carried away tightening the valve inspection caps the last time and are having trouble getting them off, gently heating the rocker box cover around them will make them loosen right up.

Valve adjustment tools

The stock Triumph adjustment pins have square heads which make adjustment quite vague. If you're using the square-headed adjustment pins you may want to check out the two-piece valve adjuster tools that are available. In theory these should make adjustment a snap because they allow you to control adjustment with thumb and finger while simultaneously tightening or loosening the locking nut. In practice, the fit between the adjustor and the square pin is too sloppy to give good control.

I find the readily available adjustment pins with hex heads are a big improvement as they make it easier and more accurate to gauge the degree of change in adjustment. With these pins you get good control with an allen head wrench handle as you tighten or loosen the adjuster pin locknut with a short 7/16" box-end wrench.

Coarse adjustment by position

Valve clearances should be set to .004" for exhaust and .002" for the intakes. A common method of obtaining 'ballpark' settings is to run the adjustors in until they just contact the valve stems by feel, and then back them off 1/8 of a turn for exhaust, and 1/16 turn for intake.

Adjustment by sound and feel

Another common adjustment method is to grasp the rockers with thumb and index finger and rock them up and down:

Positioning Valves for Clearance Adjustment

In order to adjust a valve's clearance, the valve must be closed. To position a valve in its closed position (rocker up), make the opposite valve fully open (rocker down).

Alternatively:

Formally, I had difficulty getting consistent valve clearance measurements, probably due to inaccurate positioning of the valves. I've improved this in two ways: using the rear wheel instead of the kickstart lever to do the fine positioning, and by using a finger to gauge when a rocker has reached to lower limit of its travel.

So, to adjust the DS exhaust valve, make it closed by opening the TS exhaust valve as follows:

  1. Place fingertip on TOP of the adjuster screw of the TS exhaust valve rocker

    Traps!Do NOT place finger anywhere but on TOP of the rocker - getting a finger caught between the rocker and the rocker box would be like having it in a guillotine!

  2. Put the bike in second gear and rotate the rear wheel forward, making the TS rocker move downwards
  3. Continue rotating the rear wheel forward until the TS rocker just begins to rise again
  4. Now rock the rear wheel back and forth until the TS rocker is positioned all the way down
  5. The TS valve is now open and the DS valve is fully closed and ready for adjustment

On adjusting the clearances:

Adjustment after Re-torquing

When the cylinder head has been removed and replaced, valve clearance needs to be re-adjusted several times due to gasket 'crush'. Adjust:

  1. After running the engine stationary for several minutes in shop
  2. Again after a short ride
  3. Again after re-torquing the head bolts

Finally, pro mechanic TR7RVMan points out something that can go wrong while adjusting valve clearance. Removing the spark plugs can cause a fragment of carbon to break off the plug threads and get trapped in the valve seat, holding the valve open slightly. After adjustment is made, starting the engine blows out the carbon leaving no clearance. Don says Triumphs are not terribly prone to this, but it can happen. To avoid the possiblity he says leave the plugs in, or start and blip the engine after loosening the plugs one turn and then remove them. Of course the engine has to cool before adjustment is made.
TriumphRat.net

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Engine Compression

Resources

Video icon YouTube Lunmad: Compression Test

Compression Test

Testing engine compression is a quick and easy way to determine an engine's general health with regards to valves, rings, and cylinders.

Five easy steps:

If compression is low, add small amount of oil to the cylinders and retest.

If valves are suspected, check to ensure there is adequate valve clearance to prevent valves from closing fully.

Sudden Loss of Compression

Resources

WWW icon BritBike.com "1969 T120R magically loses compression"

A sudden loss of engine compression can result from gas washing the pistons.

Once, after sitting unused (very rare) for ten days, the Bonnie seemed to give up all compression after the first kick. TR7RVMan on BritBike.com correctly diagnosed the problem and offered a solution which consisted of pouring a couple of tablespoons of oil down the plug holes, kicking over the engine several times with the plugs out to remove excess oil, replacing the plugs, and starting as usual. The method worked perfectly and normal compression was restored as soon as the bike started.

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Ignition Timing

Resources

WWW icon Hermit.cc Hermit's Illustrated Ignition Timing with Points Complete instructions for static and dynamic timing using points.

Manual icon Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section B28: Removing & Replacing the Contact Breaker

Manual icon Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section B29: Ignition Timing - Initial Procedure

Manual icon Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section B30: Static Timing Where No Stroboscope is Available

Manual icon Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section B31: Ignition Timing by Stroboscope

Video icon YouTube.com Lunmad: Ignition Timing

Note that the timing mark on Lunmad's 650 rotor corresponds to TDC. On Bonnie the timing mark corresponds to 38 degrees BTDC. As mentioned by Lunmad in the comments section, use the flywheel locator tool to determine which location the timing mark on your bike's rotor represents.

Setting Ignition Timing with Points

Resources

WWW icon Hermit.cc Hermit's Illustrated Ignition Timing with Points Complete instructions for static and dynamic timing using points.

WWW icon TriumphRat.net TR7RVMan: Ignition Timing w. Points Don details many finer points about setting up points... Definitely a must read!

WWW icon Britbike.com "Anyone still running points ignition?" Lots of love for points here, but only a couple of good pointers.

The contact breaker points gap for late-60s 650 Triumphs is .014-.015-.016".

For clearly illustrated instructions on setting ignition timing with points see "Hermit's Illustrated Ignition Timing with Points". Also be sure to read TR&RVMan's superb post on points ignition timing.

Determining When Points Open

Setting points accurately requires knowing exactly when the points open - that's when the coil produces a spark. There are many ways to achieve this, including:

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Setting Ignition Timing with Pazon

Resources

Manual icon Pazon installation, timing, and trouble-shooting

Photo showing Pazon electronic ignition installation

Static Timing

Use a flywheel locator tool (OR timing pointer and rotor timing mark if the one on your rotor points to 38 degrees BTDC and not TDC) to locate 38 deg advance.

Dynamic Timing

Use strobe on either cylinder for dynamic timing

Primary Cover Timing Pointer

The timing pointer in the primary chaincase cover on later model 650s is basically a short nail - a flat head on one end a pointer on the other. It is a press fit in the primary cover.

Traps!If you need to remove or replace the pointer you can drive it out from the inside, but be sure to back up the cover and use great care to avoid cracking the primary chaincase cover.

Replacing rotor cover after timing

If the cover is installed on the chaincase before screws are inserted, mating the first screw to the threads in chaincase can be annoying. Easier to find the hole by inserting the top screw in the cover and fitting both together dangling from a Phillips screwdriver.

Removing magnetic rotor center

Use Metric M8 bolt threaded into rotor.

Spark Plugs

Resources

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section H3: Sparking Plugs

Manual iconTriumph Service Bulletin #12-68 "Spark Plug Cross Reference Chart"

WWW icon NGK-spark plugs.jpg Trouble-shooting Dry & Wet Fouling of Spark Plugs

WWW icon Onallcylinders.com How to Read Your Spark Plugs

Used NGK for quite a while, but have returned to using Champion N3C (new Champion designation 801).

Plug gap: .025". Chart showing NGK sparkplug heat ranges

Interpreting NGK plug designations:
B= 14mm plug thread
7 = Temperature range
E = 19mm plug thread reach
S = Standard super copper core electrode

The higher the NGK number, the colder the plug
The lower the Champion number, the colder the plug

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The Exhaust System


Resources

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section B13: Removing and Replacing the Exhaust System

Parts iconFig.15 Exhaust System

WWW icon TriumphRat.net "Exhaust Leak?" Sealing the exhaust pipe crossover

Removing Exhaust System

If you don't have a crossover pipe and you don't fit the muffler strap, you can remove the exhaust pipes and mufflers as a unit: remove or loosen the exhaust pipe clamps (7/16"), the exhaust pipe engine bracket (Phillips screws and 7/16" nuts), and the muffler hanger bracket nuts/bolts (1/2").

The nuts holding the chrome exhaust brackets to the engine are 5/16" BS, but it's not necessary to remove them.

When removing and replacing the exhaust pipes on the exhaust pipe adaptors, I find it's ok to hit them with a plastic mallet using a thick, folded rag as padding.

Sealing Exhaust Leaks

I have Bonnie's original headers with crossover pipe in inventory, but I replaced them (several times - I've seen the gravel and the damage done) with separated headers.

Not running headers with a crossover, I don't have the problem of sealing exhaust leaks there, but apparently this can be a problem, especially with reproduction parts. Don's method takes the guesswork out of centering the crossover pipe to cover the slots in the stubs on the headers, this and other good tips. See link above.

Loose Baffles

Loose lips sink ships and loose baffles rattle. A loose baffle can be re-welded, but it requires drilling an access hole on the inside of the muffler where the baffle begins or ends, depending upon which end is rattling. A fter welding the baffle they welded the hole shut - No rattle, no visible repair.

Mike James once suggested that the cause of that loose baffle might have been the fact that I don't install the muffler brace ((70-5676, Ref.27 Fig.15 Page 41 #7). He makes an excellent point, but I wonder how many people actually fit this part?

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The Transmission


Resources

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section C: Transmission (TOC)

manual icon Triumph Overhaul Manual Transmission, Remove & Inspect

manual icon Triumph Overhaul Manual Transmission Assembly

Parts iconClutch, figure and part listing

Parts iconPrimary Chaincase, figure and part listing

WWW icon BritBike.com 'Unit 650 clutch thrust washer' Clutch thrust washer discussion, inc. types & changes in size.

WWW icon TriumphRat.net Discussion: 6-plate VS 7-plate plus springs A whole lot of info here on Triumph 650/750 clutches.

WWW icon TriumphRat.net TR7RVman's clutch tips Restoring & maintaining the Triumph clutch.

Primary Chaincase

The primary chaincase houses the transmission, which consists of the engine sprocket, the primary chain, and the clutch assembly. The transmission's job is to transfer energy from the engine sprocket to the gearbox mainshaft, the gear cluster, and subsequently to the gearbox sprocket and rear wheel.

Primary Chaincase Lubrication

See Lubrication Schedule, Primary Chaincase

Primary Chaincase Cover and Gasket

Resources

WWW icon BritBike.com 'Primary Case removal'

If you're having difficulty removing the chaincase cover, or keeping the gasket in place while putting it back on, have a look at the BritBike.com thread above.

Tip! The stock screws holding on the primary chaincase, gearbox, and timing chest covers are not Phillips - they are Posidrive screws. If you don't have a Posidrive screwdriver, pick one up and you'll be amazed at the difference it makes to use the proper tool. And, you won't be damaging the Posidrive screw heads.

Tip! If your primary chaincase cover is good and flat, try this gasket tip: put gasket sealant on the side of the gasket that goes to the cover and grease the side that goes to the chaincase. The next time you remove the cover the gasket will stay on the cover and you can probably re-use it upon re-assembly.

Primary Chaincase Inner Cover Plate, AKA "Trap Door"

The primary chaincase inner cover plate (70-7037, Ref.7 Figure 11) sits behind the clutch on the rear of the primary chaincase. It's held in place by three machine screws and fitted with an outer gasket. The mainshaft passes through an oil seal in the center of the plate on its way through the gearbox sprocket and into the gearbox.

Trap! Take care not to over-tighten the trap-door's three machine screws. The case is not so thick there - not an abundance of thread and the material is soft. The screws don't need to be tightened more than a little snug. My Bonnie has one stripped screw hole in the case. I turn the screw in until it's seated and then put a small smear of basic black sealant over the head. Never moves, all is well.

Tip! The side of the plate facing the gearbox has a curious little "pip" cast into it. As noted by TR7RVMan on TriumphRat, if the pip is installed at six-o'clock, it can assist in the plate's removal by prying between it and the gearbox sprocket with a screwdriver. Other than that it doesn't matter.

The Primary Chain

Resources

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section C2: Adjusting the Primary Chain

www icon Side-by-Side photos illustrating Primary Chain Wear When adjusting 'slipper' becomes too arched replace the chain.

www icon Primary Chain adjuster This thread relates to a T140, but includes a lot of info that also pertains to the 650s as well.

Check Primary Chain Wear

The WS Manual method to check wear in a primary chain:

Check Primary Chain Tension

Excessive tightness of the primary chain can damage the DS crankshaft bearing, the chain tension slipper, clutch components, and/or the gearbox mainshaft and its bearing. Conversely, too much slack can give rise to some bad-assed noises from the primary chaincase, not to mention damage to the stator or the primary case itself due to rubbing.

In one place the WS Manual specifies 1/2" total up-and-down slack, but a different section says 3/8". Since a chain's slack often varies from one point to another in its rotation, the two specs might be taken together as the acceptable range. Always check chain slack all around the chain, marking tight and loose spots with chalk before adjusting as necessary.

Adjust Primary Chain Tension

In order to adjust the primary chain tension, the oil must be drained from the primary chaincase, so it's only logical to check the tension at each oil change and adjust if necessary.

  1. Drain the primary chaincase oil..
  2. When oil has finished draining, insert Tool iconPrimary chain tension adjuster D2108 into the drain hole.
  3. Hold engine against compression with kickstart lever (Manual iconService bulletin 1-69, January 27, 1969)
  4. Use a screwdriver to turn the adjustor tool in to tighten, out to loosen
  5. Through the inspection cap on top of the chaincase, move chain up and down with finger or wire and adjust total up and down free play to 3/8" - 1/2"
  6. Check for good adjustment all around the chain as mentioned above and adjust as necessary

Generally, I have found that when chain tension is correct, running the adjuster in one turn will make it too tight and running it out one turn will make it too loose. So when adjusting the tension I look for the sweet spot that way.

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Dismantle the Transmission

Resources

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section C3: Removing and Replacing the Primary Cover

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section C4: Removing and Refitting the Clutch Plates

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section C5: Inspecting the Clutch Plates and Springs

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section C8: Removing & Replacing the Stator & Rotor

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section C9: Removing & Replacing the Clutch & Engine Sprockets

The clutch assembly, engine sprocket, and primary chain are removed simultaneously as one after slacking the chain and removing the stator and rotor.

Exploded figures with parts numbers and specs:

Step-by_Step Procedure

  1. Drain chaincase oil and slacken primary chain Tool icon Primary chain tension adjuster D2108
  2. Slack off the left side foot peg (3/4" box end) and rear brake adjustor
  3. Remove cover screws using your Posidrive screwdriver and a 1/2 wrench for the domed stator stud nuts 21-0544 (3)
  4. Remove chaincase cover
  5. Remove 70-4565 rotor nut with 9/16BS wrench or socket
  6. Remove 14-0702 locking nuts (3) from stator studs (13mm deep socket is a perfect fit)
  7. Free alternator wires and remove stator
  8. Remove Rotor Tool icon Wheel Puller
  9. (Store rotor AWAY from metal/magnets)
  10. Loosen engine sprocket (Tool icon Engine Sprocket Puller)
  11. (Remove 14-0403 locking nut (9/16) and adjusting pin from pressure plate)
  12. Remove 57-2526 clutch pressure plate adjustment nuts (3) using Tool icon clutch pressure plate spring adjustment tool
    Bit of a PITA due to 'pips' under heads - WS Manual says 'Put a knife under head of nut to facilitate removal' - never works for me until they're already part way out
  13. Remove Pressure Plate
  14. Using a hook for friction plates and a magnet for steel plates, remove clutch plates and carefully stack in same order they were installed.
  15. Remove 21-0586 (self-locking) clutch nut using Tool icon clutch locking tool & a 7/8 socket and breaker bar.
    If difficult to remove, use air wrench
  16. Loosen clutch hub from mainshaft. <
    The clutch hub is a keyed tapered fit on the mainshaft. The tapered fit makes for a very tight fit between the clutch hub and the mainshaft. A tight fit is of course desireable, but can also make the hub's removal difficult without the right tool and the right technique.
    The Tool icon clutch center extractor is often mistakenly used as a clutch hub puller. A puller it is not and used as one likely as not ends up with stripped threads (doesn't everyone have one in their collection?). But better a $15-20 tool than a $120 hub!

    Traps!The clutch hub extractor is an extractor, not a puller. Because the extractor's outer threads do not engage very deeply with those of the clutch hub. attempting to forcefully tighten the extractor's center bolt against the mainshaft until the clutch hub pops off usually results in stripping out the extractor body's outside threads.


    To use the extractor correctly, thread the body as far into the clutch hub as possible and then tighten it's center bolt just enough to pre-load a moderate force between the hub and the shaft. Then, with light to moderate blows of a brass hammer, strike the end of the extractor's bolt until the clutch hub pops off. If it doesn't come off easily, tighten the center bolt ever so slightly and repeat hammer blows.

    In more stubborn cases, using an impact driver at its lowest setting on the extractor bolt will always save the day. When all else had failed, using an impact wrench on the extractor bolt succeeded in removing a clutch hub which had Photo icon sheared the key and spun on the mainshaft.

  17. Remove the entire clutch, primary chain, and engine sprocket all together as one
  18. Retrieve the half-moon key from mainshaft

Tip!Yet another thing learned on the TriumphRat.net Classic-Vintage-and-Veteran-Forum - use end cutters to remove a  WWW icon key stuck in a gearshift mainshaft.

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Inspecting Transmission Components

Resources

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section C10: Inspection of the Transmission Components

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section C5: Inspecting the Clutch Plates and Springs

Clutch Pack Thickness

According to Don on TriumphRat.Net, a genuine Triumph clutch stack will measure 'very close' to 1.400", while an Aerco 7 plate clutch with all new steels will measure 1.380".

Clutch

Shock Absorber Rubbers

Resources

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section C7: Renewing Shock Absorber Rubbers

Video icon YouTube Lunmad "Fitting cush-drive rubbers Triumph Bonneville T120R"

Video icon YouTube Raber's Tech Tips, Episode #4 "Triumph Unit Construction Twins Cush Rubber Installation"

Clutch Hub & Thrust Washer Compatibility

Resources

WWW icon Britbike.com John Healy: Thrust washer/clutch center compatibility

WWW icon Britbike.com 'Unit 650 clutch thrust washer' Thrust washers - types of & changed sizes

Photo icon Hermit.cc Early and late clutch hub/thrust washers

1963-69 Triumph 650s came with the 57-1734 clutch hub and its 57-1735 thrust washer. That duo was upgraded beginning in 1970 to clutch hub 57-3929 and thrust washer 57-3931. The newer combo is a recommended upgrade for older machines.

CompatiblityThe hubs and their respective thrust washers are not mix-and-match: the thrust washer inner diameters are different. Check the part number on your hub and be sure you use the thrust washer that is compatible with it.

Triumph Clutch Hub and Thrust Washer Compatibility
YearsHubThrust WasherIDOD
1963-1969 57-1734 57-1735 1.84" (1.88) 2.62"
1970-57-3929 57-3931 2.035" (2.02) 2.62"
ID in parenthesis from Klempf's British Parts

You can verify whether a thrust washer is compatible with a clutch hub - the thrust washer's inside diameter should fit the matching recess in the hub.

Both thrust washers (57-1735 and 57-3931) are, or were, available in different materials:

Additionally:

For thrust washers with one side copper and one side steel, place the copper side towards the clutch basket.

The spec given by the manual for thrust washer thickness is .052/.054". Some vendors supply thicker washers, but there are reports that too-thick a washer can make the clutch pack lock up when the clutch center locking nut is tightened.

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Assemble the Transmission

Resources

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section C9: Removing & Replacing the Clutch & Engine Sprockets

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section C8: Removing & Replacing the Stator & Rotor

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section C4: Removing and Refitting the Clutch Plates

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section C3: Removing and Replacing the Primary Cover

Assemble Clutch Hub, Rollers, and Clutch Center

For further information on clutch hub, center, and roller compatibility and assembly, see Notes on Assembling Clutch Hub, Rollers, and Clutch Center

  1. Lay the clutch hub flat
  2. Slather it with grease to hold the rollers in place during assembly

    Traps!On later models sharing oil between primary chaincase and crankcase, avoid wheel grease as it contains fibers that could harm the shell bearings - use lithium grease instead

  3. Position the 20 rollers (Click here for photo illustration)
  4. Put on the thrust washer - if one side is steel and the other side is copper, the copper side should face out, towards the clutch plates; if the washer has a bevel on one side, the bevel faces the clutch hub (Click here for photo illustration)

    Compatiblity If the original 1969 clutch hub (57-1734) is upgraded to newer hub 57-3929 (recommended), be sure to use the matching thrust washer. See "Clutch Hub & Thrust Washer Compatibility" discussion just above, and click here for photos showing clutch hub and thrust washer compatibility.

    Clutch Hub & Thrust Washer Compatibility
    ComponentEarlierUpgrade
    Clutch Hub57-173457-3929
    Thurst Washer57-173557-3931
  5. Place the duplex sprocket onto the clutch hub and rollers (Click here for photo illustration)
  6. Squirt a little oil onto the clutch center's splines and then gently lower the clutch center over the clutch hub, matching its inside splines with the hub's outside splines (Click here for photo illustration)
  7. Give a few taps with plastic mallet to seat everything

Install Duplex & Engine Sprockets & Primary Chain

The duplex chain sprocket, with its clutch hub, rollers, and clutch center, is installed simultaneously with the engine sprocket and primary chain. If you can do this while juggling several wrenches you could be on the Ed Sullivan Show.

Naturally the DS crankshaft oil seal must be installed before installing the engine sprocket. Click here for details on installing the oil seal,

  1. Install moon-shaped key to mainshaft, well-greased
  2. Position mainshaft with the key at 12 o'clock
  3. Place chain over engine sprocket (long shoulder to oil seal and bearing) and duplex sprocket
  4. Arrange the sprocket(s) so the keyway in the clutch hub is at 12 o'clock
  5. Offer the engine sprocket and clutch assembly simultaneously to their respective shafts, keeping the clutch hub's keyway lined up with the mainshaft key.

    Tip!Getting the clutch hub over the key can be a real pain! It helps to tip the duplex sprocket and clutch assembly slightly forward and eyeball down the clutch assembly's keyway. Kevin paints the key bright yellow and runs a trace line down the shaft. Pointing a flashlight down the keyway he can see the yellow key for alignment.

  6. Tap with plastic mallet if necessary
  7. Install self-locking clutch nut and thick washer to end of mainshaft

    The clutch nut is one of the four places to use Loctite on a Triumph

  8. Use deep-well socket and plastic mallet to seat the engine sprocket
  9. Torque clutch nut to 50 lb.ft..
  10. Check whether the engine and duplex sprockets are aligned using a Photo icon steel straight edge placed across the engine sprocket boss to see if it aligns with the duplex sprocket boss

    If the sprockets are not perfectly aligned, use shims (70-8038 .010", 70-8039 .015", 71-2660 .030") behind the engine sprocket to align it to the duplex wheel

  11. DO NOT install clutch plates & pressure plate yet because you'll need to use the clutch locking tool in order to accurately torque the rotor nut (below)
  12. Install distance piece over crankshaft, chamfer towards sprocket
  13. Install 71-0082 woodruff key and rotor
  14. Install 70-3975 tab washer and 70-3977 shouldered rotor nut

    Exploded view of Triumph main bearing, engine sprocket, and rotor in primary chain case

  15. Torque the rotor nut to 30 lb.ft. - the rotor nut is another one of the four places on a Triumph to use blue Loctite

    Tip! When torquing the rotor nut, be sure to hold the crankshaft using clutch locking plates and not the rear brake and 4th gear. The latter cause part of the applied torque to be absorbed by the clutch shock absorber rubbers, making the torque reading inaccurate (John Healy, Britbike.com)

  16. Now install clutch plates and pressure plate and adjust pressure plate for trueness (below)

    Compatability If you're working on a pre-unit model both the first and last clutch plates are steel, while on unit model clutches the first plate installed is friction and the last plate is steel.

  17. When replacing stator, torque the three nuts securing it to 20 lb.ft. - no Loctite required

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Adjust the Pressure Plate

Resources

Manual icon Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section C6: Adjusting Clutch Pressure Plate

WWW iconTriumphRat Forum Clutch pressure plate adjustment: Peg's method

WWW iconBritBike.com Triumph Forum Don's take on pressure plate adjustment

Three adjustors permit adjustment of the pressure plate until it lifts and falls evenly and compresses the clutch plates evenly all around.

After initially setting the adjuster nuts flush with the ends of the adjuster screws, use a pressure plate spring adjustment tool to adjust the three pressure plate spring adjustment nuts to eliminate wobble of the pressure plate as it turns.

To check for wobble, pull in the clutch lever to raise the pressure plate and then turn the clutch using the kickstarter. Observe the outside edge of the pressure plate for wobble as it goes around and use the spring adjustors to compensate for unevenness.

Tip! You can also screw in the clutch rod pin adjuster to hold up the pressure plate for wobble adjustments - another great idea from Peg!.

Wobble can be gauged by eye, but a pointer is a great help and can be as simple as a piece of coat hanger wire and some duct tape.

After adjustment, make final check is to see that the pressure plate lifts evenly all around when pulling in the clutch lever.

Properly adjusted, clutch spring tension should be a happy medium between too loose (clutch will slip) and too tight (excessive hand pressure required to operate the clutch and possibility of damage to the clutch rod). If the coils become bound or the spring tension otherwise too high, loosen the three adjustors by small, equal amounts at a time until spring tension is eased and then re-check wobble.

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Adjust the Clutch Operating Mechanism & Clutch Cable

Resources

Manual icon Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section C1: Adjusting the Clutch Operating Mechanism & Cable

Video icon YouTube Raber's Tech Tips, Episode #1 - Triumph Unit Twin Clutch Pushrod Adjustment

WWW iconTriumphRat Forum Don's sage comments on clutchrod's lift adjustment and dragging clutches

The Rabers' video well demonstrates the standard WS method:

  1. Make cable entirely slack using the handlebar clutch cable adjustment
  2. Remove vertical inspection cap from primary chaincase cover
  3. Inside, slack off the clutch rod adjuster screw's locking nut, making sure the nut is backed off well
  4. With screwdriver, slack the adjuster screw and then carefully tighten it until the pressure plate just begins lifting
  5. At this point, double-check to see that the cable is still slack
  6. From the point of contact between the adjustor screw and the clutch rod, back off the adjuster screw to
    provide necessary clearance:
  7. Lock the adjuster screw with the lock nut
  8. Finish by adjusting the cable at the handlebars - leave at least 1/8" of free-play in the cable

Adjustment Tips & Techniques

The procedure is pretty straight forward, but there are a couple of tips and techniques for best results.

Tip!To begin with, it's essential that the clutch cable is completely slack before beginning the adjustment. If not, there's a good chance the 3-ball clutch operating mechanism in the outer gearbox cover will wind up out of its adjustment range - see "Clutch Operating Mechanism Pops or Clicks" just below under "Clutch Problems".

Tip!Stuart gives us a technique to determine exactly when the clutch rod adjustment screw contacts the clutch rod. He uses just a thumb and a finger to lightly hold the screwdriver as he turns the screw in. When the screw and the rod meet the screwdriver will stop.

Tip!Guys use different methods to hold the adjustment screw stationary while the lock nut is tightened: many use a screwdriver through a socket and tighten the nut using vice grips on the socket (but be kind to your sockets and use a rag). Those who have one use a special offset hollow-head socket wrench through which they can insert a screwdriver. DMadigan has a very simple and clever method: he simply pulls in the clutch lever to load the screw with tension while he tightens the nut!

Tip!Whichever method you use, eyeball the adjuster screw head position before and after tightening down the locknut to be sure it didn't move.

Tip!As pointed out by TR7RVMan, new clutch plates will decrease in thickness as they 'bed down', and as the thickness of the clutch pack decreases so does the clutch rod clearance. When the clutch rod clearance becomes less than zero, clutch plates get held apart resulting in the clutch slipping and possibly burning out. So, when adjusting a clutch with new plates, provide slightly additional clearance - something between 3/4 turn and the WSM full turn, and then be sure to check the adjustment regularly until the plates are broken in.

Clutch Operating Mechanism (Ball & Ramp)

Resources

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section D7: Clutch Operating Mechanism

Parts icon Fig.9 Gearbox outer cover (Showing ball & ramp parts)

See Clutch Problems, '.. Pops or Clicks' immediately below.

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Clutch Problems

Clutch Operating Mechanism Pops or Clicks

If a popping or clicking noise occurs when pulling in the clutch lever it means the 3-ball clutch operating mechanism in the outer gearbox cover is out of its adjustment range. This occurs if the clutch rod is under-adjusted (too much slack) and the cable adjustment is over-adjusted in compensation. That combination of poor adjustment advances the static position of the clutch operating mechanism until normal operation of the clutch lever/cable forces the mechanism past its designed operating range. When that happens the steel balls click and pop as they pass the ends of their ramps.

All that's necessary to correct the condition is to properly adjust the clutch operating rod and the clutch cable as described above.

Clutch Drags & Neutral Hard to Get

Possible causes:

Clutch Pull Very Stiff

Kickstart Lever Won't Turn Engine/Gearbox Won't Engage with Engine

Gears Crunch When Selecting First from Neutral

You might have heard it said that there's a Triumph part number for the crunching noise a Triumph makes when first gear is selected from neutral at a standstill. All Triumphs make the noise some of the time, and some Triumphs make the noise all of the time, but with perseverance the problem can be eliminated, or at least greatly attenuated.

First, know that the culprit is usually the clutch and not the gearbox. Some common causes as well as ways to reduce the crunch follow:

Causes

Techniques for Reducing the "Crunch"

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The Gearbox


Resources

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section D: Gearbox (TOC)

manual icon Triumph Overhaul Manual Gearbox, Remove & Inspect

manual icon Triumph Overhaul Manual Gearbox Assembly

Parts icon Fig.9 Gearbox outer cover  /  Fig.7 Gearbox inner cover  /  Fig.8 Gearbox, gears and shafts

Tool icon Triumph Service Bulletin #329 "Third gear ratio and selector forks modifications"

WWW icon Britbike.com Links John Healy on 4 and 5-speed Triumph gearboxes including leaf-springs versus plungers

WWW icon Britbike.com Kevin Roberts' "Upgrading a 5-speed gearbox" Includes excellent photos and informed discussion of Triumph gearboxes.

Compatiblity "Triumph 4-Speed Gearbox Changes" In his deep dive into Triumph unit 650 gearbox components, Mike James provides completely new perspectives on gearbox plunger springs and runs down the raft of changes to springs, plungers, plunger holders, and gearshift camplates from 1968 to 1970. A must-read. (PDF, 8.5mb)

Video icon YouTube ClassicTriumph.com - Rebuilding the T160 Gearbox Nicely shot and narrated 5-speed assembly.

Video icon Lowbrow Triumph 650 Disassembly & Rebuild: Part 4 Gearbox Disassembly   Begins at: 20:45.

Hermit's Gearbox Articles, Illustrations, Photos & Animations

Resources

WWW icon Hermit.cc Index to all of Hermit's Illustrated Gearbox Articles

Photo icon Hermit.cc Stills, Rear View

Video icon Hermit.cc Gear Animation, Rear View (wait for it)

Photo icon Hermit.cc Stills, Front View

Photo icon Hermit.cc Gearshift lever & gear shift quadrant deflection from center

Video icon Hermit.cc Gear Animation, Front View (wait for it)

Gearbox Lubrication

See Gearbox Lubrication

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Gearbox Problems

Resources

Manual icon Triumph Service Bulletin #329 "Third gear ratio and selector forks modifications"

Manual icon Triumph Service Bulletin #8-59 "1969 650s jumping out of 2nd/3rd gears"

Manual icon Triumph Service Bulletin Trouble-shooting excerpt: "Improper Upshift, Third Gear"

WWW icon Britbike.com "Gear selection malfunctions after gearbox overhaul" The thread I started on Bonnie's shifting problem

WWW icon Britbike.com "69 Bonneville jumping out of gear"

WWW icon Britbike.com "T120 unit gearbox problem"

WWW icon Britbike.com "Gear Lever movement" Faulty gear selection thread

WWW icon Britbike.com "Gear shifter hangs up when down shifting" Don gives us good advice on diagnosing gearbox problems

WWW icon VintageBikeMagazine.com John Healy: 4/5-speed gearbox conversion Inc. photos comparing 4- & 5-speed components

Video icon YouTube Lunmad: Gearbox Video

Jumping out of Gear

The problem of jumping out of 1st gear plagued Bonnie for over two years. Eventually I came to view the problem as being with down-shifting more than popping out of gear. That's when I began to suspect the gear change quadrant.

When I finally replaced the gear change quadrant in June of 2016, it fixed the problem straight away. The old gear change quadrant hadn't traveled far enough when down-shifting, leaving 1st (and sometimes 2nd and 3rd) gears selected incompletely. The downshift travel of the new unit from Baxter traveled about 3/32" further than the original.

With the new gear change quadrant installed in the outer cover, I fitted a degree wheel to it to observe how far the gear change quadrant deflected from center when the gearshift lever was moved to the up and down-shifting positions. The up and down-shift deflections were nearly identical: 19 degrees for upshift, and 19-1/2 degrees for downshift.

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Outer Gearbox Cover

Resources

Parts iconFig.9 Gearbox outer cover

Some say an outer gearbox cover gasket can cure certain gearbox problems, but it did nothing for Bonnie. Since fixing Bonnie's gearbox I've used no gasket because she didn't come with one and it's not necessary for sealing - Hylomar or other sealant will take care of that.

Kickstart Lever Tapered Pin

Resources

WWW icon Britbike.com "Stuck kickstart pin"

Removing the tapered pin holding the kickstart lever in place is not always so easy. The pin gets bent out of shape by the force of repeated kickstarts, effectively jamming itself in the bore. It sometimes helps to jam the kickstart lever forward using a plastic mallet and then whack the pin smartly against the nut threaded flush.

As noted in the Britbike.com thread above, some kickstart pins are made of harder material than others and they tend to distort less than softer ones.

Traps!When replacing the tapered pin, be sure to introduce it from the rear with the kickstart lever in the upright position. Installed with the nut at the rear, the pin fouls the footrest.

Removing Outer Gearbox Cover

Resources

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section D2: Removing & Replacing the Outer Gearbox Cover Assy

  1. Off the pipes/mufflers
  2. Off engine mounting plate (or footrest)
  3. Slack clutch cable, remove from hand lever, then gearbox
  4. Engage 4th gear (for loosening/tightening nuts later)
  5. Remove case screws and domed nuts

    Tip! The stock screws holding on the primary chaincase, gearbox, and timing chest covers are not Phillips - they are Posidrive screws. If you don't have a Posidrive screwdriver, pick one up and you'll be amazed at the difference it makes to use the proper tool. And, you won't be damaging the Posidrive screw heads.

  6. Depress kickstarter lever slightly - to allow kickstart quadrant to clear inside top of gearbox
  7. Tap cover w. plastic mallet until free
  8. WSMan: "Gear change pedal should be carefully raised then depressed, to control the release of the plungers and springs from the gear change quadrant"

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Dismantling and Reassembling the Gearchange Mechanism

Resources

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section D4: Dismantling & Reassembling the Gear change Mechanism

Parts iconFig.9, Gearbox outer cover (Showing gearchange mechanism

Tip!If the quadrant return springs (57-0404) need replacing, TR7RVMan suggests using T140 springs (57-7051), which are stiffer. They center the gearshift lever better for more positive shifts and ease in finding neutral.

Kickstart Mechanism

Resources

manual icon Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Sections D3: Dismantling & Reassembling the Kickstart Mechanism

manual icon Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Sections D5: Inspecting the Gear change & Kickstart Components

manual icon Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Sections D6: Renewing Kickstart & Gear change Spindle Bushes

Photo icon Hermit.cc Kickstarter parts Photos of 1969 T120R Kickstart parts showing part numbers and assembly order

Parts iconFig. 8, Gearbox shafts and gears (Showing kickstart mechanism)

Now pay attention because there will be a quiz later: the kickstarter nut at the end of the mainshaft is one of the four places to use Loctite on a Triumph.

Inside the gearbox, the kickstarter shaft rotates a quadrant which engages a pinion gear on the mainshaft. The pinion gear turns freely on the mainshaft, but a small spring permits it to part-time engage a ratchet which is splined to the mainshaft and therefore turns it

On the transmission side, the mainshaft connects, through clutch center and clutch plates, to the duplex sprocket, duplex chain, and engine sprocket on the DS end of the engine's crankshaft.

While the clutch lever is in and clutch plates disengaged, pumping the kickstarter lever is to no avail: the clutch center and the steel plates turn, but rotation ends there due to lack of engagement with the friction plates. This action, "freeing the clutch", is performed at the beginning of each riding day as a way to break the "stiction" between the steel plates and the friction plates.

However, supposing the engine doesn't turn over when the clutch lever is out and the kickstarter is depressed? Obviously there's a problem, but where? As we just saw, some parts to the kickstart mechanism are in the gearbox and others are in the primary chaincase so there's only a 50/50 chance of finding the problem by randomly removing one of the covers.

Peg to the rescue with this simple diagnostic:

Tip!With the bike on its center stand, engage any gear and depress the kickstarter while holding the rear wheel or applying the rear brake very lightly. If the wheel turns the problem is inside the primary chaincase - most likely a sheared woodruff key fixing the clutch hub to the mainshaft. If the wheel doesn't turn, the problem is with a part of the mechanism located inside the outer gearbox cover - quadrant, pinion, spring, ratchet, etc.

Replacing Outer Gearbox Cover

Resources

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section D2: Removing & Replacing the Outer Gearbox Cover Assy

Photo icon Hermit.cc Posidrive screw locations in outer gearbox cover

  1. Apply jointing compound
  2. Turn kickstart pedal halfway down (its operational stroke)
  3. Offer cover to gearbox
  4. Check that kickstarter returns

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Inner Gearbox Cover

Resources

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section D8: Dismantling the Gearbox

Parts iconFig.9 Gearbox inner cover

Removing the Inner Cover & Dismantling the Gearbox

  1. Select 4th gear
  2. Remove gearbox outer cover (see above)
  3. Remove right engine plate
  4. Using rear brake, remove nut holding kickstart pinion ratchet
    (If transmission is already dismantled, a Tool icon clutch locking tool will work too)
    Note: alternatively, leave the kickstart nut in place and remove the mainshaft (below) and inner cover as a unit. Then you'll be all ready to reassemble the gearbox using Hugh Hancox's method.
  5. Dismantle transmission, see Dismantling Transmission above
  6. Remove gearbox inner cover
    1. Remove camplate indexing plunger and spring (3/4" socket)
    2. Remove oil lines from oil pipe junction block
    3. Remove junction block bolt (1/2" socket w extension)
    4. Remove bolt 21-1907 (Ref#20 Fig.7 #7) (7/16" socket)
    5. Remove Posidrive screw 14-6608 (Ref#22 Fig.7 Page 25 #7) (Posidrive)
    6. Remove allen head screw 14-7023 (Ref#23 Fig.7 #7 (.2335")
    7. Tap 'ear' w plastic mallet
    8. Withdraw cover slowly, using finger to keep the layshaft from coming out
  7. Remove gear selector fork spindle and then the forks (don't lose the 2 rollers)
  8. Remove main shaft, followed by
  9. layshaft and gears
  10. Thrust washers
  11. Plunger carrier & camplate
  12. Gearbox sprocket nut and sprocket Tool icon (1 11/16" socket)

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Inspecting the Gearbox Components

Resources

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section D9: Inspection of the Gearbox Components

Layshaft End Play

Although the manual doesn't give any spec, there seems to be a consensus on Britbike.com that layshaft end play should be around .005". By general agreement, it's not critical as long as there is some.

Two possible methods of gaging end play:

Gearbox Sprocket

Resources

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section D12: Changing the Gearbox Sprocket

Fair amount of trouble to replace the gearbox sprocket, so whenever you are already in the neighborhood it pays to give it a good inspection before putting things back together.

Sprocket wear is contagious, so to speak, as is chain wear. Wear on any one component in the final drive will result in increased wear to the others as well. Giving good care to the drive chain (cleaning, lubricating, and properly adjusting) will give the gearbox sprocket much longer life, thereby postponing its vexatious replacement.

1969 T120R Gear Cluster Illustrations

Illustration of Triumph layshaft and mainshaft gear cluster with part numbers and descriptions

Gears, Shafts, Bearings, & Bushes('69 T120R)

Exploded diagram of Triumph gearbox showing descriptions and part number of bearings, bushings, shafts, and gears for a 1969 Triumph T120R 650 motorcycle

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Gearbox Bearings

Resources

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section D10: Renewing Mainshaft & Layshaft Bearings

manual icon Triumph Overhaul Manual Countershaft Sprocket/Mainshaft High Gear Assembly

Removing and replacing the gearbox bearings requires heating their casings. A non-contact infrared thermometer takes the guesswork out of attaining an even 200F/100C temperature. In the absense of such an instrument you can resort to the sizzling spit method.

Bearing Identification

The mainshaft is supported by two ball journal bearings, while the layshaft runs in a needle roller bearing at either end.

The TS main and layshaft bearings are in the gearbox inner cover.

The DS main and layshaft bearings are in the gearbox case.

Removing Mainshaft Bearings

Removing DS Mainshaft Bearing (57-0448)

Removing TS Mainshaft Bearing (60-3552)

Replacing Mainshaft Bearings

Replacing DS Mainshaft Bearing (57-0448)

Replacing TS Mainshaft Bearing (60-3552)

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Removing Layshaft Bearings

Removing DS Layshaft Bearing (57-1606)

Removing TS Layshaft Bearing (57-1614)

Pending Edit

Replacing Layshaft Bearings

Replacing DS Layshaft bearing (57-1606)

The first two times I replaced the layshaft needle bearings I heated them and used a drift with a heavy hammer. The third time I enlisted the help of a machinist to press them in. Using the plywood Photo icon engine base I made and his 50-ton hydraulic press made it super easy.

The specially shouldered drift I had fabricated to install the layshaft needle bearing 57-1606 was supposed to ensure the bearing's correct protrusion (.073-.078") above the gearbox casing, but it turned out to have not been made correctly. Nevertheless, the correct installation was acheived by going slowly a little bit at a time.

I marked the position of the thrust washer locating peg on the casing with a permanent marker to make it easier to align the matching hole in the thrust washer while installing the mainshaft.

Insure that the bearing lip is below the face of the bronze thrust washer.

Replacing TS Layshaft Bearing (57-1614)

Pending Edit

Replacing High Gear & Gearbox Sprocket

The mainshaft high gear must be installed before the gearbox can be assembled, but not necessarily the gearbox sprocket. It's a good idea to defer installation of the sprocket until the gearbox is assembled so that the outside of the selector fork rod through-drilling is accesible for sealing.

  1. From inside the gearbox, insert the high gear shaft through the DS mainshaft bearing and its oil seal

    Pause the assembly here and then continue after the gearbox has been assembled and the selector fork rod has been sealed.

  2. Push on sprocket with drop of oil where the flange runs in the oil seal
  3. Fit the tab washer and sprocket nut amd tighten to 50 lb.ft. with blue Loc-Tite

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Gear Ratios & Tooth Count: 4/5-Speeds

Resources

Icon for manual Britbike.com "5-speed gears - teeth" In addition to most of the info in the table below, this thread includes a gear ratio calculation spreadsheet posted by John Healey .

The following table summarizes the gear ratios and tooth count for Triumph 4/5-speed gearboxes.

Table showing gear ratios & number of teeth for Triumph 4&5-speed gearboxes

Installing Gear Cluster

Resources

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section D11: Reassembling the Gearbox

WWW icon Hermit.cc Hughie Hancox Method: The Best! Easy Step-by-Step with Photos

WWW icon Hermit.cc Side-by-Side Comparisons of Three Methods: WS Manual, Hughie Hancox, & Haynes

Illustration of Triumph 650 gearbox assembly with descriptions of parts

I've used several methods to assemble and install the gear cluster and in my experience Hughie Hancox's method is hands down the easiest, surest, and fastest way to do the job.

However you assemble, don't forget to seal the shifter fork shaft and the gearbox sprocket if you expect to not have oil leaks. Seal the shifter fork shaft because its drilling goes all the way through the casing. Permatex and Hylomar have both worked well for me. And keep in mind that after the gear box sprocket is installed, the shifter fork shaft drilling cannot be reached.

The layshaft thrust washers are another potential problem area. For starters, don't forget to include them in your assembly. During my first gearbox reassembly I left out the drive side thrust washer and had to take everything out and start over. I know others who have done the same.

The other important thing about the layshaft thrust washers is to be sure they are well installed over their locating pegs and that they don't fall off during assembly. A good smear of heavy grease helps.

During my first gearbox adventure I ended up reinstalling the gear cluster five times, and the transmission twice. The first time I put the cluster in it took just under two hours. The fifth time it took less than three minutes.

At that time I tried three different ways to install the gear cluster. Of the three, I found the WS Manual method (see Method 3, below) of installing the gear cluster as a unit to be the easiest. The only way I deviated from the WS Manual was to index the quadrant and camplate in 1st gear instead of using neutral between 2nd and 3rd as shown by the WS Manual (see "Indexing the Camplate & Quadrant " below.

The next time I reassembled the gears I used the method shown by Hughie Hancox on his DVD, in which he puts the gears in place one at a time. I made several dry runs and could hardly believe how easy this method is.

The one thing I did differently from Hancox was that I did not pre-install the mainshaft and kickstarter assembly in the inner cover the way he does in his video. Instead I inserted the mainshaft by itself before putting on the inner cover and then the kickstarter parts. Next time I'll be inclined to pre-assemble the way Hancox did simply because that way the kickstarter nut can be tightened (45lbs) while the shaft is held in a vise.

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Four Variations on Gear Cluster Installation

Method 1: Juggling

  1. Install inside layshaft thrust washer using heavy grease
  2. Install camplate and orient as shown opposite
  3. Insert mainshaft
  4. Install mainshaft gears
  5. Install rollers on selector forks using heavy grease
  6. Install mainshaft selector fork (the longer of the two selector forks)
  7. Push mainshaft selector fork to rear until roller drops into camplate
  8. Possibly, use selector fork rod to manipulate/position/hold mainshaft selector fork
  9. Install layshaft
  10. Install layshaft gears
  11. Install layshaft selector fork (shorter of the two selector forks)
  12. To allow it to fit in and for its roller to enter the camplate channel, back out the mainshaft/gears/fork selector components to provide sufficient clearance

Illustration of Triumph gearbox camplate positioned in neutral between 2nd and 3rd gears

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Method 2: Juggling

  1. Hold layshaft thrust washer in place with grease
  2. Install the camplate and position as shown in Service Bulletin
  3. Install mainshaft into gearbox
  4. Slide gears onto mainshaft
  5. From the bottom, put mainshaft gear selector (inc. roller) into its position on top
  6. Temporarily hold mainshaft gear selector in place with the gear selector rod
  7. Assemble layshaft with gears and gear selector outside gearbox
  8. Place the assembly on the bottom of the gearbox
  9. Gently work the layshaft assembly forward until the gear selector rod blocks further progress
  10. Hold mainshaft gear selector in place with a finger while removing the rod and replacing it with a very long, slender screwdriver
  11. Now work the layshaft and layshaft gear selector (with roller) into place
  12. Lift the layshaft and introduce it into the Torrington bearing at the far end
  13. Holding gear selectors in place with fingers, remove the screwdriver and re-insert the rod
  14. Insure that outboard layshaft thrust washer is in place
  15. Put low gear into place
  16. Put on inner cover while positioning the quadrant as shown in Service Bulletin

Illustration of Triumph gearbox camplate positioned in neutral between 2nd and 3rd gears

Method 3: Workshop Manual Variation

When I re-assembled the gears for the fourth and final time I used the method shown in the WS Manual, i.e. introducing both mainshaft and layshaft with all their parts and the shifting arms as a unit. With enough patience it does work. While the WS Manual shows the mechanic inserting the entire assembly without the rod upon which the shifter arms travel, I achieved assembly with the rod inserted through both shifting arms.

When inserting the cluster, first tip the cluster clockwise a bit to get the roller on the mainshaft gear shifter into the camplate. Then, going in further, tip the cluster counter-clockwise to get the layshaft gear shifter's roller into the camplate. The last time I did it the whole thing took less than three minutes.

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Method 4: Hughie Hancox

I saved the best for last! Hancox assembles the layshaft, layshaft gears, and mainshaft gears in situ before inserting the mainshaft, already installed in the inner cover, through the mainshaft gears.

Nearly everyone who tries this method agrees that it is the easiest and fastest of all. For photo-illustrated step-by-step instructions, follow this link:

WWW icon Hermit.cc Hughie Hancox Method: Step-by-Step with Photos

Thrust Washer Locating Pegs

The thrust washers at either end of the layshaft are held stationary by hardened steel locator pegs in the casing that match holes in the thrust washers. Stuff happens and the pegs get ground down. Here are some descriptions of the problem with details on replacing damaged pegs.

WWW icon Britbike.com "Layshaft thrust washer guide pin 76 T140"

WWW icon Britbike.com "57-1607 Thrust Washer Missing on 66 T100SR"

WWW icon TriumphRat.net "Gearbox problem"

WWW icon TriumphRat.net "T140-gearbox-thrust-washer-problems"

When the Bonnie's locating peg for the DS thrust washer became damaged, I took the engine to my favorite machinist and he fabricated a jig which he used to drill a new hole for a replacement peg. Photo icon Hermit.cc "Locating peg repair"

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Indexing the Camplate & Quadrant

Resources

WWW icon Hermit.cc "Camplate & Quadrant Indexing" Step-by-step descriptions & photo illustrations for three indexing methods

Compatiblity If using the updated 57-4055 camplate (1970) in 1968 or 1969 cases, be sure to check for sufficient clearance between the top of the plunger holder and the camplate in all positions. It may be necessary to remove material from the top of the holder. For more details and photos, see Appendix 7 on page 18 of Mike James' article "Triumph 4-Speed Gearbox Changes".

Indexing the gearbox camplate and quadrant is the process of seeing to it that when the gearbox inner cover is pushed on, the camplate and quadrant wind up correctly positioned relative to each other as their gears mesh. Being one or more teeth off either way results in faulty gear shifting as in one or more gears being inoperative.

If you are replacing the inner cover of your gearbox you need to re-index the camplate and quadrant. "How to Index the Triumph 650 4-Speed Gearbox" is everything you need: instructions and detailed photo illustrations to get your bike's gearbox back into all four gears!

Positioning the Camplate for Indexing

Indexing can be accomplished with the camplate set in any one of three positions: 1st gear or 4th gear (both shown below), or in neutral between 2nd & 3rd (not shown below, but easily interpolated from 2nd and 3rd gear positions as straight up and down).

Photo of gearshift camplate in all 5 positions

Positioning the Quadrant for Indexing

Note on Replacing Gearbox Inner Cover

If an oil filter head is installed on the down tube, be sure to install the lower forward engine mounting bolt through the back of the inner cover before putting the cover in place. Once the inner cover is in place, the filter mounting bracket prevents inserting the bolt from the back. If the bolt is installed head out, it interferes with the oil lines on the inside.

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The Fuel System


Gas tank

Resources

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section E1: Removing and Replacing the Fuel Tank

Parts iconFig.22 Gas tank

WWW icon Wisc.edu "Bruce Hamilton: "FAQ: Automotive Gasoline" (inc. bibliography)

WWW icon TriumphRat.net "How to protect the petrol tank"

WWW icon BritBike.com "Best Tank Sealer"

WWW icon BritBike.com "Triumph paint thread" R Moulding's excellent paint thread, illustrations and discussion

WWW icon Raskcycle.com "Triumph Bonneville Paint Schemes 1959-1970" John Healy via Rask Cycle

WWW icon TriumphRat.net Tips on installing knee pads on gas tank

WWW icon MotionPro.com "Stepless Ear Gas Line Clamps"

When securing the gas tank, always begin by tightening the rear mount first. If the front nuts are started first it makes the gas tank lift up in back. I think that's why on so many bikes the threads in the frame for the rear tank mount are stripped. That happened to my brand new 1966 Bonneville, and both of the used Bonnies I've bought came with stripped threads.

Now I use a large tie-wrap over the tank's rear mounting tab (bolt and all rubber parts in place) and through the sidecar mounting hole. Again, I begin with the tie-wrap in back and then proceed to tighten the front mounts.

The front tank mounting stud on Bonnie's timing side came loose once. The great Leon Goldick of Montreal, who painted Bonnie's gas tank, made a repair and touch-up.

The question often comes up, what to do with the gas tank over the winter season? I confess that I usually get around to draining the tank by February and then leave it empty, but this is not the greatest strategy, especially with ethanol fuel which attracts moisture - the better to rust the inside of the tank. See the link "How to protect the petrol tank" just above for a discussion of what guys do with their tanks in the winter.

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Gas Line

After reading through this WWW iconTriumphRat fuel line thread I decided, for safety reasons, to switch from classic look reinforced plastic lines to rubber hose. Not only are plastic lines more prone to leaking, in case of a fire they will melt and add gas to the flames.

Tip!When removing carburettors it is only necessary to disconnect the fuel lines from the gas taps. The carbs can then both be removed as a unit without disturbing the rest of the fuel line connections. Likewise, when tearing down the carbs, one can simply unscrew both banjo bolts and remove them and the fuel lines as a unit.

Gas Taps

Installing/Removing

The brass gas tap fuel line connectors shouldn't be so tight that they can can't be loosened by a few light raps with two or three fingers on a wrench. Avoiding over-tightening prevents the gas tap from turning and possibly breaking the seal to the tank.

Sealing Leaks

WWW icon BritBike Forum Discussion: "Sealing Gas Taps", Discussion of various sealing washers and methods of making leak-free connection between gas tank and gas taps. In addition to some good insights, this thread includes some funny ripost, some blowing off of steam, and, briefly, some party-line-like communication.

Rebuilding and Lubricating Originals

WWW icon TriumphRat.net Forum thread: "Fuel Petcock Rebuild", Happyfeet rebuilds and lubricates original petcocks - some patience required.

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Carburettors

Resources

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section B7: Concentric Carburettor Type 900 (Illustration)

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section B8: Removing and Replacing Carburettors

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section B9: Stripping and Reassembling the Carburettor

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section B10: Inspecting the Carburettor Components

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section B11: Carburetter Adjustments

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section B12: Twin Carburetter Arrangement

Manual icon Amal "Hints & Tips for Amal Mk1 Carburettor"

Manual icon Triumph Service Bulletin #2/73 "Checking & Adjusting the Amal Concentric Float"

Parts icon Fig.31 Concentric 930

WWW icon VintageBikeMagazine.com John Healy: "Amal Concentric Carburettors" (2017)

WWW icon SquareSpace.com John Healy: "Tuning Your Carburettor" (2013)

WWW icon Jba.bc.ca Jim Bush: "Bushman's Carb Tuning Secrets"

WWW icon BritBike.com "Bonnie carb jetting help needed" (reading spark plugs w. illustrations)

WWW icon Triumphbonneville120.co.uk "Amal manuals for Monobloc & Concentric (inc. Premier) carbs"

WWW icon VictoryLibrary.com Jeffery Diamond: "Super-Tuning Amal Concentric" (Advertisement for booklet)

WWW icon AmalCarb.co.uk "Notes on Rebuilding the Mark-1 Concentric Carburettor"

WWW icon Junder.rhcloud.com Richard Whatley: "Leaking Amal Carburettors"

WWW icon OldBritts.com "Amal Concentrics, How they Work and Tuning"

WWW icon BritBike.com "Motor dies just as I take up throttle cable slack" Electrical or Carb? Informative thread

WWW icon BritBike.com "Pin gauges for needle jets" Long, informative thread on needle jets

WWW icon TriumphRat.net "Variations within the 930 Amal Concentrics" TR7RVMan describes Amal Mk1 & Premier differences

WWW icon TriumphRat.net TR7RVMan offers some good tips on cleaning carbs

Video icon YouTube Raber's Tech Tips, Episode 6: Triumph 1971 T120 Bonneville Amal Carb O-ring Installation

Video icon YouTube Lowbrow Customs - Amal Carburetor 101 & Throttle Cable Install. Overview, Disassembly & Basic Tuning

Random Notes

Tip!The stiffness of these small o-rings makes getting them on difficult. Make the job a little easier by warming the o-rings in hot water and then rolling them on.

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Carburettor to Adaptor O-Rings

Resources

WWW icon YouTube Raber's Episode #6 Video

WWW icon Hermit.cc Triumph 650 Carburettor Mounting Methods 1966-1970+

Compatiblity The Triumph parts manuals show several different o-ring set-ups for use between the Concentric carb body and the T120R carb adapters. The #6 1968 parts book lists a thick o-ring (Amal 244/1048) used in conjunction with an insulating block and joint washer. The #7 parts book for 1969 shows a skinny o-ring (622/101 99-0552). The 1970 parts book deletes the insulating block and joint washer and introduces a new thick o-ring (70-9711).

Although the 70-9711 o-ring doesn't appear in Triumph's parts books until 1970, it was actually introduced sometime in late 1968. My Bonnie, an early 1969 model, was fitted with the 70-9711 thick o-ring, and not the thin 622/101 shown in #7. The 'Mounting Methods' table (link just above) summarizes the parts book listings for Triumphs between 1954 and 1970.

While the thin Amal o-ring was used most often in conjunction with an insulating block (E2968) and a joint washer (NA43A), the thicker 70-9711l o-ring is used solo, without joint washer or insulating block. The thin o-ring relies on the insulating block to reduce heat transfer between the engine and the carburetter, while the thick ring reduces heat transfer by creating an air gap between the engine and the carb.

In addition to being a more efficient heat insulator, the thicker 70-9711 o-ring reduces the chance of warping the carburetter flanges caused by uneven or over-torquing the carburetter's mounting bolts.

A small dab of grease helps keep the o-rings in place while offering the carburetter to the mounting studs. Don't use too much grease or the o-ring will migrate as you tighten down the flange.

Tip! Kadutz passes on a suggestion that works even better than grease - "a drop of RTV Silicone".

Next it's finger yoga putting on the rubber insulating rings, cupped washers, and lock nuts, all the while holding the carb ever so slightly off the adapter so the nuts will clear the casting around the ticklers as they are started. Once the self-locking nuts are started, tighten them evenly from side-to-side until there is a .040" to .060" gap between the carb flanges and the adapters.

Amal Concentric 930 Cross-Section

Cross section drawing of an Amal Concentric 930 Carburetter

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Amal Concentric Carburettor Parts

Resources

Manual icon Amal "Parts to Tune Up - Amal Mk1 Carburettor"

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Amal Concentric Carburettor Setup Summary

Amal Concentric Carburettor Setup for 1969 Triumph T120R
 ManualBonnie
Main jet size220190
Needle position Up = richer22 (middle)
Needle jet size.106.106
Cutaway33
Idle speed adjustment screw nom 1 1/2 out
Idle air adjustment
(out for lean, in for rich)
2 1/4 - 2 1/2 

Choke Assembly

If your Amals are fitted with chokes and you decide to remove them, Amal makes a blanking screw: Amal part number 4/137. Otherwise the small hole can be filled with epoxy.

Float Bowl Flooding

Resources

WWW icon TriumphRat.net StuartMac's easy method to pinpoint float bowl problem

Tool icon Triumph Service Bulletin #2/73: "Checking & Adjusting the Amal Concentric Float"

If a carburetter is flooding frequently or, worst case, overflowing fuel, it is likely due to either the float not rising (float holed and filled with gas or hung up on the float bowl gasket) or the float needle not seating well (needle worn out or dirt lodged beneath it).

Another possibility is that the fuel level is simply adjusted too high. That adjustment can theoretically be made by lowering the float needle seat. Tricky, but the Triumph Service Bulletin #2/73 (link just above) is there to guide you:

Tip! An easier way to adjust the fuel level in the float bowl is to replace plastic bowls with Amal 'stay-up' floats. In addition to being impervious to the effects of ethenol, 'Stay-ups' have adjustable tangs holding the float needle.

Float Bowl Leaking

Fuel leaks from the float bowl are sometimes the result of over-tightening the float bowl screws which causes the bowl to warp. If the leak occurs after changing the gasket, or after the bike has been sitting for a period of time with no fuel in the bowl, the leak may cure itself after the gasket has soaked and swelled up sufficiently to make a good seal. I have also stemmed this kind of leak with some Hylomar smeared on both sides of the gasket.

The official remedy is supposedly to flatten the float bowl by gently rubbing it on a sheet of very fine abrasive paper over a completely flat surface. Be aware, though, that removing an excessive amount of metal will affect the height of the float and float needle.

Assembling Cable, Spring, Air Slide, & Needle Jet/Clip

When refitting cable to air slide, don't try to compress the spring against the carb cover, away from the cable end. Instead, pinch the exposed (slack) wire cable with finger and thumb and push the cable (and spring) towards the bottom of the air slide until the cable pokes through the other side. So, compress the spring against the air slide, not the cover.

When installing the needle jet and its clip - that's when to scrunch the spring up against the carb cover, gently hanging the bottom end over and outside the carb body while you drop in the needle and clip.

Cleaning the Pilot Jet

I've been using a guitar string to clear the idle jets, but some say this just pokes the dirt back upstream where gas will eventually wash it back down to the jets. John Healy says to use a#78 drill through the pilot air screw hole to pull the dirt out of the jet and downstream:

"Use a #78 (.016") drill mounted in a piece of hobby brass tubing works the best. If you twirl it between your thumb and fore finger as you offer it, it pulls the swarf downstream of the jet to be washed away by the flow of fuel."

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Tuning the Mk1 Concentric Carburettor

Resources

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section B11: Carburetter Adjustments

Manual icon Amal "Parts to Tune Up - Amal Mk1 Carburettor"

Manual icon Amal "How to Tune - Amal Mk1 Carburettor"

Manual icon Amal "Tuning Twin Carburettors - Amal Mk1 Carburettor"

WWW icon TriumphRat.net Getting a base setting for carbs Peg's excellent carb tuning method, start to finish

Adjusting Low Speed Mixture & Idle Speed & Synchronizing Carburettors

The Workshop manual explains how to sync carburettors in Section B12: Setting Twin Carbs but forgets to mention final adjustment of cable adjusters.

Here is the basic routine for adjusting low speed mixture, idle, and synchronizing. For more details be sure to read Peg's post above!

  1. Slack cable adjustors off completely
  2. With one cylinder's spark plug lead disconnected, start and adjust air and idle screws for good idle on running cylinder

    Traps! With electronic ignition (Pazon, etc.), always ground the disconnected spark plug lead to avoid damage to the EI unit.

  3. Perform same adjustment on opposite cylinder, matching idle RPM of first
  4. Start on 2 cylinders and adjust both idle screws out the same amount

    Traps! Low, thumping idle speeds (600-800 rpm) sound really cool, but can damage the engine due to low oil pressure to the connecting rod big ends - better to keep idle at or above around 900 or 1,000 rpm.

  5. Open cable adjusters, one at a time, until idle just starts to rise
  6. Back off one turn
  7. Using chopsticks, check to see that both slides lift at the same time

It's a good idea to open the twist grip and then let it snap shut once or twice in between checking new synchronization settings for the cables.

Initial Synchronization of carburettors (no Low-speed adjustment)

See Amal Mk1 tuning links.

  1. Remove air cleaners
  2. Back idle adjustment screws all the way off
  3. Turn idle screws back in until they just touch throttle slides
  4. From there, screw them in 1.5 turns
  5. Adjust cables for synchronization

Mid-Range Tuning

See Amal Mk1 tuning links.

The next two sections talk about "8-stroking". If you're not familiar with the term, John Healy WWW icon describes it well on Britbike.com.

WWW icon Gavin Eisler offers this sage tuning tip on Britbike.com: "At half throttle, if acceleration could be better, no 8-stroking, clean running but slow to pick up maybe spits back as the throttle is opened, that's lean at the needle jet or needle position, try lifting the needle one notch..."

High Speed Tuning

See Amal Mk1 tuning links.

A plug chop is one way to determine the correct main jet size, but there is an alternative. If engine power is flat above 3/4 throttle in top gear, begin increasing the main jet by two sizes at a time until the engine '8-strokes', then go down two sizes. So, to check if installed main jet is correct size, put in a jet two sizes up. If the engine '8-strokes' above 3/4 throttle, the smaller jet is the correct size.

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Trouble-Shooting Carburation - Reading the Signs

Resources

Manual icon Amal "How to Trace Faults - Amal Mk1 Carburettor"

World Wide Web icon Follow the links below to discussions of trouble-shooting.

When diagnosing carburetter problems, it can be extremely time-saving to first fully determine whether the problem is actually carburation or actually electrical. This is not always easy as they can seemingly mimic each other.

Tip!StuartMac, on TriumphRat.net, offers us this clever method of finding out - Carburation? or Electrical?:

Then, go for a ride; if/when the misfire develops, note the rpm and twist grip position; change gear; if the misfire persists, note the new rpm and twist grip position.


Once you're sure the problem is not electrical (but always keeping an open mind!) you can move ahead to carburation. But this is a good time to note that if you haven't yet marked your throttle positions the way StuartMac described, that essential step should probably be your first move in diagnosing or tuning the carb.

Whether you're diagnosing or tuning, observations and advice from veterans like these below will help turn you into a carburetter connoisseur!

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Air Cleaners

Resources

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section B6: Removing and Replacing the Air Cleaners

Installing Air Cleaners

When using paper air filters, both air cleaners can be screwed on/off intact, but when using wire and gauze filters (thicker than the paper ones) the right-hand unit must assembled/disassembled in place due to interference from the foreword edge of the oil tank.

  1. Install the assembled air cleaner, cover, and retaining clip/screw (or assemble in place if necessary)
  2. Before threading the assembly on all the way, loosen the securing screw for the clip
  3. Now thread the filter onto the carburetter until it just stops
  4. Holding the adapter there, rotate the (loose) cover and clip until the cover is aligned properly
  5. Now back off the adaptor along with the cover and clips until you can tighten the securing screw
  6. Screw the entire assembly back on all the way and give a gentle twist to tighten it to the carburetter

Air Filters

I prefer the wire gauze units because they are reusable. At first I washed them in kerosene, but now I just wash them with hot water and dish washing detergent. A water-based degreaser would probably work well also.

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Control Cables


Resources

Parts iconFig.28, Cables

WWW icon Walridge.com Mike Partridge: Control Cable Tips

WWW icon Tri-Cor Cables, England Cable Chart

Lubricating Cables

Good cables last a long time if they are kept well-lubricated. Bonnie's throttle cables have been in service for seven years at the time of this writing and they are still completely serviceable.

My lubrication method is to disconnect a cable at the handlebars, tape its loose end into a funnel, fasten the funnel overhead, and pour in a couple thimbles of 10w or 20w oil to make its way down the cable overnight. Given this treatment once per riding season the cables only need an occasional few drops of oil to ferrules, nipples, and adjustors. And, of course, after exposure to rain.

Throttle Cables

Standard throttle cables for US bars are 43" - 45" depending on how they're measured.

A throttle cable routing that has worked well is for the TS cable to cross through frame beneath the gas tank to join the DS cable before they both pass between the front forks and up to the twist grip. I'm not sure what the hole in the TS headlight bracket is for, but it doesn't seem to work for the throttle cables.

When I got my Bonnie the throttle cables crossed over between the carbs and the twist grip. That is to say that the TS carb cable was connected to the inboard side of the twist grip and the DS cable went to the outboard side of the twist grip. That makes sense in terms of cable length and the routes taken, but I found balancing the carbs was more intuitive after I reversed the cables so their input and output ends were, so to speak, parallel.

Throttle Twist Grip

Use oil and not grease to lubricate the twist grip. Grease is too thick and the throttle will 'hang'.

Clutch Cable

Routing

I have successfully routed the clutch cable from the TS abutment on the outside gearbox cover through the frame beneath the gas tank to the DS and then through the front forks. However, I feel there is less friction when the cable arcs forward from the abutment and passes through the space between the gas tank and the forward gas tank bracket on the TS before passing through the front forks. A small cable-tie loosely securing the cable to the forward rocker oil feed pipe keeps everything tidy and in place.

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Speedometer and Tachometer


Tachometer

Resources

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section B42: Removing & Replacing the Tachometer Drive

Parts icon Fig.33 Speedometer and Tach 

WWW icon hermit.cc Smith's Instrument Repair Resources

Disassembly & Removal of Tachometer Drive Gearbox

Parts Reference: #7, Fig.33 Page 73 (link just above).

  1. Remove tachometer cable
  2. Remove the end cap (70-5759, Ref.#21)
  3. Remove the driving gear (70-5157, Ref.#20) by depressing the kickstarter smartly
  4. Remove securing screw (70-9332, Ref.#17) using a (7/16") (13mm) (3/16W) thin-walled socket

    Icon for left-handed threadSecuring screw 70-9332 has a Left-hand thread (Ref#17 Fig.33 P.73 #7)

  5. Tach gearbox will now separate from crankcase

After removing the gearbox from the crankcase always replace Sealing washer (70-7351, Ref.# 33 - same part used for gas taps) as well as o-rings as required.

O-rings used in the tach gearbox are as follows:

Icon for left-handed thread Note that if the tachometer drive has been replaced with a tachometer drive plug (21-1871 Ref.25 Fig.2 P.15 #7) on the DS crankcase, it has a left-hand thread also.

Lubricating Tachometer Drive Gear

Unscrew tach drive plug and add grease after cleaning out as much old grease as possible. When plug is screwed in, excess grease will be expelled at cable connection to drive unit.

Tachometer Cable Lubrication

See "Tach & Speedometer Cable Lubrication" below.

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Speedometer

Resources

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section A19: Speedometer Cable Lubrication

Parts icon Fig.33 Speedometer and Tach 

WWW icon hermit.cc Smith's Instrument Repair Resources

WWW icon YouTube.com - Crankbuster's "Smiths Magnetic Speedo". Crankbusters Animated assembly of Smiths Magnetic Speedo.

Speedometer Cable

The speedometer cable follows the swinging arm frame and then the main frame all the way to the speedometer head. It is held in place by three cable ties: one in front of the speedometer gearbox on the swinging arm frame, another on the main frame beneath the engine, and one on the frame near the front engine mount.

Tach & Speedometer Cable Lubrication

Tip!Because oil can "corkscrew" its way up the inner cable and into the instrument, Andy Hansen of Vintage British Cables recommends only using grease for lubrication of the tachometer and speedometer cables. And to ensure that no lubrication enters the instrument head, Andy advises us to not put lubrication on the 6 inches closest to the instrument.

After inspecting a new speedo cable I purchased from Andy I wasn't sure if it was adequately pre-lubricated as I could just barely detect a light coat of grease. I emailed Andy and he replied that his cables are indeed pre-lubricated and ready to install. That's when I realized that I'd been over-greasing the cables!

So, apply a very light coat of grease after unscrewing the collet beneath the speedo/tach head and withdrawing the inner cable. When replacing the cable, be sure to verify that the ends are properly seated in the receptors of the speedo gearbox and speedo head.

Speedo Gearbox

If you're looking for a replacement speedometer gearbox and find yourself confused as to whether you need a 1.25:1 ratio or a 15:12 ratio, chill out: do the math and you'll realize that they are the same.

Tip!Curiously, the WS Manual makes no mention of greasing the speedo gearbox, so don't overlook this crucial periodic maintenance.

Speedo gearboxes are a slip fit on the rear axle. If you have difficulty removing one, it's possible that repeated tightening of the TS axle nut has swaged the gearbox casing, causing it to bind on the axle. In such a case it may help to "unscrew" the gearbox off the axle and then file the hole to its original size. According to Don this problem is more common on OIF models.

Speedometer Problems

Resources

WWW icon BritBike.com - Don's informative post on trouble-shooting & fixing speedometer cable problems

A common problem with Smith's speedometers is a wavering or bouncing needle. Most frequent causes are poor cable routing, too much/too little lubrication, or use of too heavy a grease (see cable lubrication, above). An incorrect inner cable length (too short or too long) can also manifest itself this way.

If the speedo is inoperative, an electric drill (very low speed only!) to drive the cable or the speedometer head can be of help in isolating the problem.

Another common problem with Smith's speedometers is extreme stiffness in resetting the trip meter. These may help:

Some say removing the handle and spraying with lubricant or WD40 can fix this problem, but this sounds more than a little shakey to me. As previously mentioned, lubricants findng their way into the head are to be avoided.

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Handlebars


Resources

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section G1: Removing the Telescopic Fork Unit (Covers Handlebars)

Image of Triumph service bulletin #306, Triumph Service Bulletin #306: flexible handlebar mounting "Flexible Handlebar Mountings on 650s".

Parts iconFig.18 Handlebar mounting, steering damper

Parts iconFig.27 Handlebars, control levers, steering damper

WWW icon BritishCycle.com (BCS) BCS's Handlebar Chart with Dimensions

Handlebar Styles

Follow link above for the extensive BritishCycle.com British motorcycle handlebar reference, with photos and dimensions.

Late '60s Triumph handlebars are 7/8" in diameter. Handlebar styles I've tried on my Bonnie are:

The Commando bars beautifully compliment Bonnie's lines, the wider USA bars inspire confidence on the gravel, and the UK bars are at home on the concourse.

Handlebar Shock-Absorber Mounting

For the handlebar shock-absorbing mounting to work properly, the parts must be installed in the correct order and the hemispherical washers must be oriented correctly, i.e. with their hemispherical sides facing each other.

It is also important that the hemispherical washers have indents around their inner hole. The indents match the shoulders on the shanks of the eye bolts and if they are not present the eye bolts can be stressed to the point of breaking. (John Healy). Illustration of correct assembly of a Triumph shock-mounted handlebars

The correct order of the parts is listed below and shown in the figure to the right.

  1. Hemispherical washer (flat side up)
  2. Distance piece
  3. Steady rubber
  4. Cup
  5. Bonded bush in upper steering yoke
  6. Hemispherical washer (flat side down)
  7. Nylock nut

Traps! If an eyebolt makes contact with the head lug it can create a safety issue. For details, follow link to "Triumph Service Bulletin #306" in the Resources section just above.

Removing Handlebar Mounting Bonded Bushes from Upper Steering Yoke

  1. (Remove upper steering yoke - but not if it can be avoided)
  2. Slip 1/2BS socket over 4 1/2" x 5/16" hex head bolt with drive end of socket towards bolt head
  3. Insert the bolt through the center of the bonded bush from either top or bottom of upper steering yoke.
  4. Slip 5/16BS socket over end of bolt with drive end of socket facing away from the upper steering yoke
  5. Install a nut onto the bolt (if required, use washers as spacers)
  6. Secure the bolt's hex head in a vise
  7. Align the 5/16 BS socket with bonded bushing's outer sleeve
  8. Tighten the nut until the bushing slides out

Use similar method to install new bushings.

Handlebar Grips

Traps!It's been suggested on forums that hair spray can be used to keep handlebar grips in place. I know from experience what a dangerous idea that is. During dry weather the hair spray works fine, but even the tiniest rain shower turns it super-slippery! My grips were sliding off the bars like the proverbial greased pig - steer clear of this solution!

The old school method to keep grips in place is friction tape - not plastic electricians' tape, but cloth friction tape. Hockey tape might work also. Wrap the tape on the bars and then give the grip a good smack to propel it over the tape.

Another solution would be Three Bond Griplock #1501C, but this is very pricey stuff!

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Rear Suspension


Shock Absorbers

Resources

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section E5: Adjusting Rear Suspension

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section E6: Removing & Refitting the Rear Suspension Units

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section E7: Stripping & Reassembling Suspension Units

Parts iconFig.13 Swing arm, rear shocks

WWW icon TriumphRat.net "Shock absorber replacements" inc. comments on Emgo, Ago, Ikon, Fournales

Disassembling Shocks

Dealing with the split ring clips at the top is much easier with two sets of hands.

Installing Shocks

When replacing the shock absorbers, instead of forcing the bushings into place from the rear of the frame bracket or from directly beneath the shock mounting holes, it may be easier to insert the bushings from beneath the spare hole in the forward part of the upper bracket, and then slide (bash with plastic mallet) to the rear and into place.

If the brackes are too tight for replacement shocks, as were Hagons I installed on Bonnie, cut a 5 or 6-inch block of hardwood the width of the brackets and use it to gently prise the brackets a bit wider.

The same bolt (14-0235) is used to fasten both tops and bottoms of the shockes to the frame. Bottom bolts have a plain washer (60-4246) beneath their heads and a lock washer (60-4259) beneath the nuts. According to #7, the bolts on top have no washer beneath their heads and a (different) plain washer (GS308) beneath the nuts.

Top and bottom bolts are shown in #7 with the heads outside and nuts inside. Installed that way, the end of the bolt on the DS may be interfered with by the brake drum cover. If so simply turn the bolt around. Nuts out also makes periodic tightness checks easier.

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Front Fork


Front Fork

Resources

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section A16: Telescopic Forks Lubrication

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section G: Front Fork Table of Contents

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section G9: Changing the Front Fork Main Springs

Parts icon Fig.17 Front Fork

Photo icon Hermit.cc  Photo: Front Fork Components

Photo icon Hermit.cc  Step-by-Step illustrated front fork reassembly

Video icon YouTube Raber's Tech Tips, Episode #2 - Triumph 500 / 650 Front Axle Widths

Video icon YouTube Raber's Tech Tips, Episode #5 - 1967 Triumph TR6 Front Fork Disassembled

Compatiblity Mike James'  Triumph T120 Fork Changes During 1968 & 1969 Model Years (PDF)

Compatiblity TriumphRat.net Peg describes & illustrates T140 fork seals, 1973-1982. (Scroll down to 2nd post for photos).

Front Fork Gaiters

Frank said it's "cheating", but gaiters can be replaced by simply removing the front wheel and fender. Pulling the tops of the gaiters past the dust excluder sleeve nuts is quite difficult, but pushing works well - dig the tips of both thumbs right into the top of the gaiter just below the "collar", and PUSH! Makes the job a breeze.

Replacing Front Fork Seals

Resources

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section G3: Renewing the Front Fork Seals

Fork oil seal replacement essentials:

For more details, see article "Reassemble Triumph 650 Front Fork Legs".

Stanchion Tubes

The correct diameter of the stanchion tubes is critical for proper damping and also for a tight fit in the lower yoke.

As well, the profile and dimensions of the taper at the top of the stanchion tubes must engage the upper yoke sufficiently to prevent the tube from turning when the cap nut is tightened.

Before installing newly-purchased stanchions they should be carefully compared to the specs in the Workshop Manual's General Data section as well as the units being replaced.

Refitting Stanchion Tubes

Tool icon Use service tool Z161, stanchion tube puller to draw stanchion tubes into top lug.

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Removing Front Fork As a Unit

Resources

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section G1: Removing the Telescopic Fork Unit

Remove as a unit to maintain steering head bearings.

  1. Drain fork oil (see "Draining Fork Oil")
  2. Remove front brake cable
  3. Remove split clamps and front wheel
  4. Fender and fender braces can remain in place
  5. Disconnect battery
  6. Remove headlamp shell and bungee to frame
  7. Remove throttle grip and clutch cable
  8. Remove handlebars
  9. Remove steering damper
  10. Slacken seated nut on top steering yoke pinch bolt
  11. Remove fork stem sleeve nut
  12. Remove left and right stanchion tube cap nuts
  13. Support front fork... it's coming off!
  14. Use plastic mallet to tap underside of upper yoke
  15. Catch steering head ball bearings - especially the bottom ones

Removing Front Fork Legs Separately

Remove separately to maintain fork - oil seals, etc.

  1. Disconnect battery
  2. Drain fork oil (see "Draining Fork Oil")
  3. Remove steering damper
  4. Remove front brake cable
  5. Remove split clamps and front wheel
  6. Remove front fender and braces
  7. Remove headlamp shell (bungee to frame)
  8. Remove throttle grip and clutch cable
  9. Remove handlebars
  10. Remove left and right stanchion tube cap nuts (Tool icon Stanchion cap nuts wrench))
  11. Slacken lower yoke pinch bolts
  12. Spread lower yoke slots with chisel or screwdriver
  13. Thread service tool Z161 stanchion tube puller into stanchions and drive them free
  14. Remove left and right top fork covers

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Dismantling Front Fork Legs

Resources

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section G2: Dismantling the Telescopic Fork

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section G3: Inspection & Repair of Fork Components

With the fork legs removed from the triple tree (see "Removing Front Fork Legs Separately"

  1. Remove cork washer and gaiter
  2. Remove spring abutment and spring
  3. Remove dust excluder sleeve with Tool icon Dust excluder sleeve nut wrench
  4. With lower leg in vise use a sharp pull to withdraw stanchion
  5. Remove bearing nut and withdraw shuttle valve
  6. Remove lower bearing
  7. Remove pvc damping sleeve (note built-up end is down)
  8. Remove circlip to separate shuttle valve from bearing nut

  9. Remove plain washer from top of dust excluder sleeve
  10. Turn sleeve upside down and drive oil seal out with drift
    (have replacements on hand, seals are ruined)
  11. Place sleeve in (wood-faced) vice upside up and clamp loosely
  12. Use drift to drive out upper bearing and plain washer
  13. Remove "o-ring" from groove inside sleeve (renew)

  14. Manuals say the hex-base of restrictors are recessed into bottom of lower fork legs - not on Bonnie
  15. Use speed wrench and extension with 5/8" socket to hold restrictor while using 1/4"drive 5/16" socket to remove flanged screw and aluminum (copper) washer

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Reassemble Front Fork Legs

Resources

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section G6: Reassembling and Refitting the Telescopic Fork Unit

Rebuilding the front fork legs is not a terribly big job - it's not necessary to remove the upper and lower yokes from the frame, for example. But using the appropriate special tools, especially the stanchion tube puller, gives a huge advantage.

Follow this link for an illustrated tutorial on the step-by-step assembly of a 1969 Triumph Bonneville or other 650 front fork legs.

Refitting Complete Fork Assembly to Frame

To refit the complete front fork assembly (including the upper and lower yokes).

  1. Hold ball bearings in place with grease
  2. Fit lower yoke and stem through frame and top yoke
  3. Use a short bungee cord over the frame and through the stanchion tube holes in lower yoke to keep the stem from dropping
  4. Place cupped dust cover over ball bearings on top
  5. Use stiff wire to hold down the cupped dust cover and prevent top ball bearings from escaping - over the cover and around the frame
  6. Fit top yoke over the stem, screw on fork stem sleeve nut (The new fork stem sleeve nut used with the steering damper was difficult to rotate inside the upper yoke so I tapped it into the yoke and then rotated the yoke to get the sleeve nut started threading on the stem and then used the 1/2" drive ratchet drive with a socket to tighten it down)
  7. When stem nut contacts the wire, back-off, remove wire, and then continue to adjust the sleeve nut
  8. Tighten sleeve nut ONLY enough to remove fork play
    (Check by pulling and pushing on ends of lower legs)

Aligning Front Fork

Resources

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section G7: Telescopic Fork Alignment

When replacing front wheel and axle, the front fork should be aligned as follows.

  1. With wheel and axle and axle caps in place, finger tighten the axle cap bolts on both sides
  2. Using 1/2" wrench or socket, tighten the axle cap bolts on one of the axles
  3. Compress the front fork as much as possible (tie-downs work well)
  4. Tighten the axle cap bolts on the side where they are finger tight

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Steering Head

Resources

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section A14: Greasing the Steering Head Ball Races

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section G4: Renewing the Steering Head Races

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section G8: Adjusting the Steering Head Races

WWW icon Britbike.com Part numbers for cones & cups to replace loose bearings

WWW icon Lowbrow Customs Tapered roller bearing conversion kit

WWW icon Britbike.com CBS description of 2-piece drift for installing steering head bearings

Removing & Replacing Steering Head Races

The front fork turns on 40 steel balls held by cones and cups, one pair on top and one at the bottom of the steering stem. Before beginning disassembly, spread a cloth to catch any steel balls that may fall out,

After the stanchions have been removed, the top cone/dust cover is removed by loosening the sleeve nut's pinch bolt and unscrewing the sleeve nut. Then, the lower yoke and steering stem can be dropped down and out of the upper yoke and headlugs (neck).

To renew the cups, drive the old ones out of the upper and lower lugs using a long drift. Strike evenly all around the edge against the protruding lips of the cups until they fall out.

A chisel or punch can just get a purchase on three sides of the bottom cone. Several good blows evenly around the three sides should break the cone free. Once a small space between the yoke and the cone has been opened, use two chisles, one on each side, to wedge the cone free. The steering stem is shouldered where the cone fits, so the cone only needs to move about 5/8" before it is freed and pops off.

Replacing the cups is pretty straight forward. After placing the cups squarely against their steering lugs, use a hammer and hardwood block to drive them all the way in, taking care of course that they go in straight.

Photos, removing and installing lower cone

There is a special tool (61-6009) to install the lower cone, but the manual says a 9" piece of pipe with a 1-1/16" ID can be slipped over the steering stem and used to drive home the cup.

Tip! Use an old stanchion as a drift to install the lower cone. It turns out that Triumph stanchions have a 1-1/16" ID. An additional benefit of using a stanchion is that once the cone has been carefully lined up sqare to the lower steering lug, the stanchion can be "dropped" onto the cone to get it squarely started. Then place a hardwood block over the end of the stanchion and strike it with a 3 or 4-pound hammer until it seats all the way.

Refitting Upper & Lower Yokes

These steps are for installing the upper and lower yokes separately from the fork assembly - for refitting as part of fork assembly, see Refitting Fork Assembly to Frame just above)

  1. Hold ball bearings (20 top and 20 bottom) in place with grease
  2. Fit lower yoke and stem through frame and top yoke
  3. Use a short bungee cord over the frame and through the stanchion tube holes in lower yoke to keep the stem from dropping
  4. Place cupped dust cover over top ball bearings
  5. Use stiff wire to hold down the cupped dust cover and prevent top ball bearings from escaping - over the cover and around the frame
  6. Fit top yoke over the stem, screw on fork stem sleeve nut

    (The new fork stem sleeve nut used with the steering damper was difficult to rotate inside the upper yoke so I tapped it into the yoke and then rotated the yoke to get the sleeve nut started threading on the stem before using 1/2" drive and socket to tighten the nut)
  7. When upper yoke contacts the wire, back-off, remove wire, and then continue adjusting the sleeve nut
  8. Tighten sleeve nut ONLY enough to remove fork play
    (Check by pulling and pushing on ends of lower legs)

Steering Damper

Resources

Parts icon Fig.18 Steering Damper

Parts icon Hermit.cc Steering Damper Fitment by Years

WWW icon Britbike.com Steering damper

In 1969, only the TR6C came equipped with a steering damper. I found the dampers on my '66 Bonnevilles so useful that I retro-fitted one on Bonnie. Very good on bad roads and windy days, just be sure to loosen it when you get into town!

My theory is that wind affects down-road trajectory not so much by its action on the bike, but on the upper body of the rider. The wind pushes the rider, whose shoulders move, and the motion is transmitted to the handlebars. The steering damper virtually eliminates the effect.

When I retro-fitted a damper to Bonnie I neglected to fit 'locating pin' 97-2107, which, I learned recently from TriumphDave's Britbike.com post, prevents the sleeve nut from falling off.

Steering lock

The steering lock cylinder is held in place by a counter-sunk set-screw. The set-screw hole is covered over by a plug which must be dug out before removing the set-screw and lock cylinder.

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Axles, Wheels & Brakes


Axles

Resources

Parts icon All Front & Rear Axle Retainers, Support Rings, and Dust Covers Illustrated
This photo shows the top and bottom sides of all grease retainers, dust covers, support rings, backing rings, and retaining rings on the front and rear wheel axles. It also includes dimensions, part numbers, and reference numbers.

Parts icon Front Axle bearings, covers, rings, and retainers
This photo shows the orientation of all parts on the front axle, including the dust cover, retaining ring, support ring, grease retainer, bearings, and circlip.

Parts icon Rear Axle bearings, grease retainers, and retaining and backing rings illustrated
This photo shows the assembly order of the rear axle bearings, grease retainers, retaining ring, backing ring, and speedometer gearbox.

Parts icon Rear Axle nuts and distance pieces
A photo showing the assembly order of the rear axle inner and outer nuts and distance pieces.

Front Axle

Triumphs use three different front axle widths, and between 1968 and 1969 the fork was modified in several other ways as well - not all of them compatible with each other, and not all well documented.

Compatiblity Mike James puts the axe to axle changes in Triumph T120 Fork Changes During 1968 & 1969 Model Years (illustrated PDF)

Wheel Building and Balancing

Resources

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section F9: Wheel Building

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section F10: Wheel Balancing

WWW icon TriumphRat.net Peg's post on centering rim on hub and working with spokes

Tool icon Hermit.cc "Wheel Rebuilding by Phone"A first-time experience, by Geoff Collins

Front Wheel

Resources

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section F1: Removing & Refitting Front Wheel

Parts icon Fig.19 Front Wheel

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section F: Wheels, Brakes, and Tires Table of Contents

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section F9: Wheel Building

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section F10: Wheel Balancing

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section F14: Sidecar Alignment

WWW icon TriumphRat.net Replacing Rims - Devon vs Central

Tool icon Hermit.cc Wheel Bearing Locking Ring Wrench

The Nave Plate

Nave (knot knave) is a British term for a metal cover of a wheel hub, especially one which is chrome, stainless steel, or otherwise decorative. So, a hubcap.

To remove it, some say have at it with a couple of screwdrivers on the three tabbed spots. But removing the Triumph nave without permanant disfiguration may require at least a bit more finesse than that.

One proposed technique, that I've not tried, but sounds good, is to pry all three tabs simultaneously using hardwood sticks. The tips of the sticks must be whittled down a bit so they engage the tabs positively and either an assistent is required or elbows and knees must be pressed into service.

Front Wheel Bearings

Resources

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section F8: Removing & Refitting Wheel Bearings

Photo icon Hermit.cc Photo & Drawing: Front Wheel Axle Parts

Icon for left-handed thread Front wheel bearing TS retaining ring 37-0582 has a left-handed thread. (Ref.15 Fig.19 P.49 #7)

Tip! Special tool Z76 (61-3694) can be used to remove the retaining ring.

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Front Wheel Brakes

Resources

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section F5: Brake Adjustments

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section F6: Stripping & Reassembling Brakes

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section F7: Renewing Brake Linings

Parts icon Hermit.cc Front Brake Shoe Illustrated

WWW icon VintageBrake.com Tips on renewing and tuning vintage motorcycle brakes

WWW icon Britbike.com Stuart provides many details on various Triumph hub, anchor plate, & axle setups

WWW icon TriumphRat.net The Village Idiot, RPW, and others divulge their best brake tuning secrets!

Removing Front Brake

  1. Apply front brake using a tie wrap
  2. Use a 1 1/8 deep socket to unscrew the backing plate nut (RH)
  3. Pull out the backing plate assembly and note the position of the twin leading shoes (TLS)

Reassembly

When reassembling the brake, note that:

Photo icon Front Brake shoe illustration

Replacing Front Brake

  1. When replacing the backing plate assembly, don't tighten the nut fully
  2. Center the shoes by lightly tapping the backing plate with a plastic mallet with the brakes slightly on
  3. If necessary, adjust the brake lever as the shoes become centered
  4. Undo the pin on the brake arm and pull the front shoe's lever until both shoes are snug
  5. If adjustment is required, loosen the locknut on the clevis joint and turn the clevis until both shoes are contact the drum equally
  6. Keep the shoes centered as you tighten the backing plate nut by applying the brake firmly

Adjusting Front Brake

To adjust the TLS linkage follow these steps:

  1. Remove the locking pin connecting the two cam levers together
  2. Apply front brake and bind the brake lever against the grip using cord or a bungee
  3. Use a pipe or a wrench (or a pipe wrench) to apply pressure to the rear cam lever so the rear shoe is contacting the drum
  4. Adjust the link rod length so that the loose end just fits into the other cam lever
  5. Re-insert the locking pin and tighten the locking nuts on the lever
  6. Release the brake hand lever
  7. With machine on center stand, and frame supported below the engine with a suitable prop, spin the wheel, listening for any drag of either shoe. If drag is heard, first loosen the cable a bit to see if it clears up. If not, loosen the linkage until it stops, and go through the procedure again.
  8. Make an adjustment at the hand lever for a slight slack in the cable
  9. When adjustment is complete, rotate the wheel rapidly in its normal direction
  10. With the wheel spinning rapidly, apply the brake hard to stop the wheel abruptly (centers the shoes)

For more adjustment tips see "brake tuning secrets" link above in Resources.

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Front Wheel Fender Brackets/Stays

Resources

WWW icon TriumphRat.net StuartMac's tips on fitting the front fender stays to fork

Tip! To remove the front wheel without disturbing the fender and fender braces, deflate the tire.

The front fender brackets (Ref.5 in Fig.26 Fenders ) fit on the lower fork legs pointing forward with the bottom angle projecting upwards.

The bolts (Ref.23) which fix the stays to the brackets face nuts out (Ref.24).

Figure 26 (#7) doesn't show how the forward and center stays (Ref.2 and Ref.3) fit onto the fender brackets (Ref.5). They should both be fixed to the outside of the fender brackets Photo icon as shown here.

If the fixing bolts are hard to get through the stays and bracket, slacken the bolts holding the stays to the fender and then give the bolts a rap with the plastic mallet.

[The mounting hole for the bottom stay (Ref.4) in Bonnie's used replacement lower fork leg is threaded, so the bolt must be threaded in and out.]

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Rear Wheel

Resources

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section F: Wheels, Brakes, and Tires Table of Contents

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section F4: Front & Rear Wheel Alignment

Parts iconFig.20 Rear Wheel

WWW icon TriumphRat.net Replacing Rims - Devon vs Central

Rear Wheel and Chain Guard

Removing Rear Wheel (& Chain guard)

Resources

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section F2: Removing & Refitting Rear Wheel

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section F3: Removing & Refitting Quickly Detachable Wheel

Either the wheel can be removed by lowering it through a specially-designed service table, or the back of the bike can be hoisted up to provide the required clearance between wheel and fender.

Procedure to remove rear wheel:

  1. Remove rear brake adjuster and disconnect brake rod
  2. Disconnect wires to stoplight switch
  3. Remove spring between brake rod and stoplight switch
  4. Remove master link and disconnect chain
  5. Remove speedometer cable
  6. Remove nut holding rear brake torque stay to anchor plate
  7. Slacken bolt holding rear brake torque stay to swing arm
  8. Disengage rear brake torque stay from rear wheel
  9. Loosen rear chain guard bolt
  10. Slacken wheel axle nuts
  11. Raise rear of chain guard
  12. Remove the rear wheel
  13. Remove bolt holding front of chain guard
  14. Withdraw the chain guard

Replacing Chainguard

Resources

Parts iconFig.13 Chain guard

A nut and bolt fasten the front of the chainguard to a tab on the swinging arm frame. Replacement Parts Catalogue (RPC) #7 show the bolt inserted from inside the tab and outwards through the chaingaurd ((Ref.28,Fig.13,P.37 #7)). Some think this is an error.

For starters, oriented that way, the bolt can't be installed or removed while the fender is in place. Even more importantly, the bolt's head should be installed inside the chainguard, where otherwise any protrusion beyond the nut will snag the chain.

If you choose to install the bolt through the chainguard, though, you'll have to deal with the hastle of holding the thin Philidas self-locking nut in place while you start the bolt.

Tip!Peter's Trick #15: "The swing arm has a welded tab to affix the chain guard. I placed a nut at the back permanently, so as not to have to use a wrench to hold it while removing the bolt that holds the guard at that point. Press fit with Loctite."

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Replacing Rear Wheel

When re-installing the rear wheel, one must properly align the speedometer gearbox and then activate the rear brake somewhat forcefully (see "centering brakes below") while tightening the inner axle nuts. To do this the easy way, with the wheel mounted on the bike, you need a very thin 1-5/16" wrench for the TS inner nut. If you don't have a suitable wrench, save lots of trouble and get one.

Before I had the right wrench, I did all the above with the tire in a bench vise. But the problem was to get the speedo gearbox correctly aligned - a very trial-and-error affair. It's so easy on the bike - get the wrench!

Off the bike:

  1. Place the wheel in position on the bike
  2. With the torque stay in place, position the speedo gearbox by eye and then take note of its position relative to the torque stay stud on the brake anchor plate opposite
  3. Remove the wheel from the bike and hold the tire upright with a bench vise
  4. Position the speedo gearbox as previously noted
  5. Tighten the inner nuts while holding the brake on
  6. Reinstall the rear wheel and torque stay and check position of speedo gearbox and cable
  7. Repeat until the proper orientation is achieved

Centering Rear Wheel Brake Shoes

The rear wheel brake shoes should be centered to the axle to prevent the brakes from 'pulsing'. To center the brake shoes, apply the brakes while tightening the inner axle nuts.

This is most easily done with the wheel on the bike because that facilitates aligning the speedo gearbox perfectly, and provides the use of the brake pedal for applying the brakes. But key to performing the work this way is the thin 1-5/16" wrench to tighten that TS inner axle nut.

Brake Torque Stay

Brake torque stay (ref 11 page 37) should go on before the plate for passenger foot peg and muffler bracket.

Both ends of torque stay are supposed to use the same nuts (14-0304)(3/8W) and spring washers (PCW73A), but on Bonnie one is thicker front) and one is thinner (rear).

The "C"-clamp on the torque stay adjusts the bottom of the chainguard with respect to the tire and the chain. It must be fit so that it rests ON TOP of the chainguard bracket to allow for adjustment. Bit of a PITA, but fitting the nut and bolt with the passenger peg and mounting plate removed is much easier.

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Rear Wheel Bearings

Resources

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section F8: Removing & Refitting Wheel Bearings

Photo icon Hermit.cc Photo & Drawing of Rear Wheel Axle Parts

Tools icon Hermit.cc Wheel Bearing Locking Ring Wrench

Sealed bearings are the way to go.

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Rear Wheel Brakes

Resources

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section F5: Brake Adjustments

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section F6: Stripping & Reassembling Brakes

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section F7: Renewing Brake Linings

Parts iconRear Brake Shoes Illustrated

Disassembly

Shouldered end of the rear wheel spindle goes to T.S. See Photo icon Rear Wheel Axle, Grease Retainers and Retaining and Backing Rings, .

Tip!If removing the brake cam lever (Ref 32 Figure 20) from the brake cam post is difficult, try this:

  1. Remove S1-52 nut and S25-6 plain washer
  2. Replace the nut, leaving it somewhat loose
  3. Apply a bit of heat to the actuation arm
  4. Place a socket over the end of the grease nipple so that it rests on the nut
  5. Gently bash on socket

Reassembly

Traps!When reassembling the brake, note that:

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Brake Pedal, Brake Rod, Brake Spring

Brake Pedal Wear

Over time, a Triumph rear brake pedal pivot becomes a loose fit. This would be an easy fix if Triumph had used a bushing there, but they didn't. Here's how one TriumphRat.net listee fixed the problem: WWW icon TriumphRat.net WOL: "Sloppy Brake Pedal"

Assembling the Brake Rod

With everything assembled, it's nearly impossible to splay the cotter pin that fastens the rear brake rod to the brake pedal lever: therefore, do it at one of these stages of disassembly:

Replacing the Brake Spring

Should the "U-Hook" end of the rear brake return spring come off the brake arm, don't despair. The same "pulling" method used with the center stand spring will also tame this spring. Just make a few loops of cord, hook them over the end of the spring, and hoist it back on with one hand while using the other to hold the brake arm slighly forward.

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Rear Wheel Fender Bracket

Resources

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section E4: Removing & Replacing Rear Mudguard

Parts icon Fig.26 Fenders

Replace

Bracket fits inside the rear frame loop. See TBA photo.

Rear fender bracket on frame 1/2" bolts (same bolt used for oil bottle bracket).

Rear Wheel Fender

Resources

Parts icon Fig.26 Fenders

WWW icon TriumphRat.net ""Fender Drill Pattern Templates", Good tips on fitting a new rear fender

Remove

  1. Nut from bolt that fixes front of fender
  2. Nuts from bolts through fender bracket at shocks
  3. Nuts that clamp fender to frame loop
  4. Tail light

Reassembly

Note that the two rear fender bracket mounting bolts (14-0113) Parts icon(Ref 32 Figure 26) must be installed before putting on the fender.

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Rear Chain

Resources

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section C11: Rear Chain Alterations & Repairs

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section A13: Rear Chain Lubrication & Maintenance

WWW icon Britbike.com  Drive chain lubrication Opinions on chain lubrication - take your pick

WWW icon Britbike.com  New rear chain Long thread on chain specs/brands with an emphasis on Renold chains

WWW icon Britbike.com Final drive chain Regular vs sealed (o-ring) chain and more Renold comments

Removing Rear Chain

Tip!When lubricating or working on the chain, use a short piece of rain gutter to contain the mess.

Tip!If the chain happens to fall off the rear sprocket, it can be replaced by inserting the tapered end of a chopstick through the spokes and into the hole at the end of the chain and using it to drag the chain far enough back to engage the sprocket and be pulled around using the wheel.

Replacing Rear Chain

Traps!The orientation of the master link clip is critical - the closed end of the clip must always be at the front as it travels around in the direction the chain is moving. You can think of the clip as a spawning fish that's swimming up the back of the rear sprocket - but with the flow, not against it.

Tip!Replacing a master link on the side away from you is awkward. Instead, insert a spare master link from your side of the wheel - it keeps the ends aligned perfectly and gives tactile reference for installing the actual master link from the opposite side.

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Checking Rear Chain for Wear

Resources

WWW icon DirtTricks.com ""Measuring Chain Wear", Greg Burns

As Burns points out in his article "Measuring Chain Wear", chains do not stretch, they become longer due to the pins wearing an oblong pattern in the bushes.

When wear progresses to the point the chain is no longer a perfect match with sprocket teeth, wear to both sprockets quickly accelerates.

The workshop manual describes a standard method for checking wear:

How much wear is acceptable? Opinions differ. Extrapolating from 20 links to 100, the manual sets out 1.25" (1-1/4) as the maximum acceptable increase in length over 100 links.

However, Burns claims that "Most chain manufacturers limit chain wear to approximately .006" per link". That works out to .6" max wear per 100 links, or just under half what the manual considers maximum acceptable wear.

Which is right? I incline toward the figure suggested by Burns for the simple reason that a new chain costs less than a new chain and two new sprockets. And a lot less trouble to change!

Cleaning the Rear Chain

For asphalt riding I clean and lubricate the chain at each oil change, or every 1,000 miles for Bonnie. When I'm mostly riding the gravel I clean the chain every 500 miles.

Tip!Kerosene used in chain cleaning can be reused many times. Simply allow the suspended particles to settle and then gently pour off the clear kerosene into a clean container, ready for the next cleaning.

Rear Chain Oil Feed

The rear chain oil feed is a hose from the oil tank to a fixed dispensing pipe that drizzles oil directly on the chain. The rate of flow is regulated by a tapered screw just under the oil tank filler cap. Most riders choose to shut off the oil feed supply and lubricate the chain manually. Adjusting the chain oil feed flow, or eliminating it, is accomplished by closing the adjusting screw all the way clockwise.

Manual Rear Chain Lubrication

Off the bike, after a cleaning

In an old pan, immerse the clean chain in heavy (summer) chain saw bar oil for 20 minutes or more. Next, hang the chain overnight to drain excess oil. Next day, wipe the chain lightly with a clean rag before reinstalling.

Pull the clean, lubricated chain back on using an old chain.

On the bike, after a ride

Always lube a mounted chain when it's warm after a ride! Oiling a cold chain just makes a mess on the floor. Applied to a warm chain, oil will penetrate inside the rollers where it's needed instead of dripping off.

Using the tapered tip of a gear oil container, I apply heavy chain saw bar oil to the chain while I spin the rear wheel. It's surprising how much oil a warm chain will "absorb", but don't carried away! If oil drips off a warm chain the application was excessive and the excess will be flung off directly during the next ride. Performed regularly after every ride, very little oil is needed with each application.

Traps!Do not over-lube! An excess of oil can seep into the rear wheel brake drum and spoil the brake shoes.

Checking & Adjusting Rear Chain Slack

With the bike on the center stand, check rear chain slack half-way between front and rear sprockets on the lower run. With the chain in its slackest position, use a finger to push it up and then down. The distance between those two points is the chain slack and should normally be 1-3/4".

When properly adjusted (1-3/4" slack on center stand), the chain will look to be too slack, but when a rider compresses the rear springs the swing arm raises, tightening the chain.

Tip!To learn a cool way to find the slackest place in the chain (hint: a little dab'll do ya!), and a way to get an accurate measurement of the slack, click this link (eye-roll) to TR7RVMan's complete description of rear chain adjustment on BritBike.com. As always, Don has the good stuff!

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Tires


Resources

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section F11: Removing & Repairing Tires

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section F12: Security Bolts

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section F13: Tire Maintenance

Manual icon Dunlop Tire Tips and Technical Specifications (PDF).

WWW icon Britbike.com "Best tyres for nervous handling 1969 TR6C...." (tires & tire pressure)

WWW icon TriumphRat.net "Tyres!!" (tire preference thread)

Tire Pressure

Traps!The 1969 Triumph Workshop Manual gives an incorrect tire pressure for today's tires.

Although the General Data section of the Triumph Workshop Manual for 1969 Unit Construction 650 Twins states a tire pressure of 24 lbs for front and rear, it must be understood that the modern versions of even vintage tires are made with far superior materials and technology than the originals, and they are not only capable of higher inflation pressures, they require them.

The first few years I had Bonnie I used the WS manual's recommendation of 24/24. Eventually I took notice of the weird wear pattern on my front tires: they were cupping badly. The tire guy said raise the air pressure so I did, to 30/30. End of cupping problem.

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Front Tire and Tube

Dunlop K-70, 3.25 x 19

Rear Tire

Dunlop K-70, 4.00 x 18

Tubes for Dunlops

Put valve stem to yellow dot.

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Frame - Stands - Tin - Pegs


Resources

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section E: Frame and Attachments Table of Contents

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section E11: Frame Alignment

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section E12: Repairs (Frame)

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section E13: Paintwork Refinishing

Swinging Arm

Resources

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section E8: Removing and Replacing the Swinging Fork

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section E9: Renewing the Swinging Fork Bushes

Parts iconFig.13 Swinging Arm, Rear Shocks

WWW icon TriumphRat.net John Healey gives some sage advice on removing & replacing swinging arm bushing.

WWW icon BritBike.com And here are a few more tidbits on swinging arm frame bushes, bobbins, and bolts..

Swinging Arm Incompatibility

Compatibility icon In 1966, Triumph moved the speedometer drive from the gearbox to the rear wheel axle. To accomplish this the axle end of the swinging arm frame was widened by 1/4". This means the 1966-1970 unit 650 swinging arms are incompatible with the earlier ones.

Removing Bushes

Removing the bushes involves use of a substantial blunt force object and the proverbial "suitable drift" placed against the protruding edges of the inner ends of the bushes. A 2-lb sledge, a 1/2-inch drive extension, and a 13/16" deep socket whose end was ground to make a square edge worked admirably for me. Two or three solid blows got them moving and five or six more drove them all the way out.

Replacing Bushes

Before installing the new bushes, polish the bore of the swinging arm frame where the bushes go. I used 600 wet/dry followed by 1500. After the bores are good and smooth, give them a generous smear of grease before introducing the new bushes.

For an amateur like myself, the tricky part to putting in the new bushes is to get them to go in perfectly straight. The good news is, it's easy if you know a very simple trick.

Tip!Peter's Trick #17: "To ensure that bush goes in straight , chuck it in lathe , and turn by hand all the while placing a pencil on the tool post and up against bush. After making the first concentric pencil mark, make 4 or 5 more, each about 1/16" apart. You can do the same thing by placing a bush on edge and a pencil point against it. Turn the bush by hand to make the first mark, then add spacers under either the bush or the pencil to make the remaining marks."

Installing swinging arm bushes using all-thread and nuts and bolts

There you have it. I couldn't believe how easy it was to keep the bushes "on-course". The concentric lines took all the guess-work out of starting the bushes on their way perfectly straight and keeping them straight all the way in. Don't be tempted to skimp on penciled circles - I made just three, but another time I would make quite a few more than that just for the peace of mind they bring.

So using the first line as a guide, tap the bush in using a plastic mallet. Once the bushes are off to a good start there are several choices: continue tapping them in with the mallet, or (better) draw them in using a piece of all-thread with a nut and washer at each end; or alternatively, press them in using a twin-screw woodworking bench vise.

Once both bushes are flush with the ends of the swinging arm frame they can be driven in the final 1/8" or so using a drift or a deep socket - a 1-1/8" Harbor Freight deep socket did the trick for me.

Reassembling & Replacing Swinging Arm Frame

(Note: Don't be tempted to put the shocks on before the swinging arm because they'll just be in the way).

In the swinging arm frame, assemble the two "sleeves" (Ref.5, Fig.13), spacer (Ref.6), flanged washers (Ref.7), and new o-rings (Ref.15), packing with grease as you go.

Next, using a wooden dowel to help line things up, insert the long S620 bolt (Ref.8). Loosely thread the nut on and use a grease gun to fill the cavity with grease. This will help keep everything in place while you install the swinging arm frame to the main frame.

Now remove the long bolt and offer the swinging arm frame to the brackets on the main frame. Use a plastic mallet to insert and position the swinging arm frame in the brackets until you can insert the bolt.

Remember that the DS main frame bracket is threaded for the S620 bolt, so insert the bolt from the TS.

Getting the long bolt inserted and lined up to thread into the DS of the main frame can be a fussy job. If fidgeting around and using a plastic mallet to align the swinging arm frame doesn't work, try using an impact screwdriver with a 9/16 BS or 7/8" socket. With a plastic mallet, tap the driver while slowly turning the bolt and it should start threading on.

At this point the swinging arm should be raised and lowered to determine that it lines up with the shock mounts.

Torque the long bolt's nut to 50 lb.ft.. If the swinging arm frame binds too much, back it off very slightly until you obtain the correct friction.

StuartMac tells us that the correct swinging arm friction can be judged as follows:

After tightening the bolt in the frame, install the tab washer (F5944, Ref.9) and S545 nut (Ref.10, Fig.13).

Now nip down the nut and fold the tabbed washer and you're done, right? Whoa, not so fast! Think about this -

Tip!Peter's Trick #12: "No torque spec is given for the S545 nut at end of the long bolt (S620). What I do is place a pinch of blue Loctite and tighten. Before bending the tab washer, I put a few miles on the bike, then I re-tighten S545 for the last time before bending the tabs to suit."

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Sidestand

Resources

Parts iconFig.12 Side stand

Remove

Easier to remove with stand folded against frame. Use 3/4" wrench to remove nut (faces out) and then give the bolt a rap to loosen up and start on its way out. Then open the stand and wiggle while pulling on the bolt. Slip the spring off after the bolt is removed.

Replace

Nut is up and out or it will be in the way of the spring.

Easiest way to get it on is to put the spring in place on the frame and the sidestand and then pull the sidestand into place.

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Center Stand

Resources

Parts iconFig.12 Center stand

WWW icon Britbike.com "Centerstand spring"

WWW icon Britbike.com "Centre stand spring fitting"

WWW icon Britbike.com "Bonneville center stand (twisting)"

WWW icon Hermit.cc "Two Easier Ways to Install a Centerstand Spring"

Center Stand Compatibility

Compatibility issue iconOver the years Triumph made many changes to the 650 center stands and mounting hardware. Here's a chart that gives the correct part numbers for stands and hardware year-by-year from 1964 to 1985.

Replacing Center Stand Spring

Ever arm-wrestle a center stand spring? They're small but mighty! Many swear words have been uttered during center stand spring installations, but happily, there are techniques which can reduce, and possibly even eliminate the amount of brute strength required.

The easiest moment to install a center spring is before putting the stand on the frame and before putting the engine in the frame. Simply flip the frame upside-down and hold it down with your feet, using a towel to protect that new powdercoat of course. Then, hold the loose stand close enough to the frame to slip both ends of the spring into place, and then holding the stand by the legs, pull it into position and slip the bolts in. Easy-peasy! Note this technique relies on pulling instead of pushing.

The job becomes more difficult when the engine and center stand are installed in the frame, but see "Install Center Stand Spring Using String"

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Left/Right passenger footrest brackets

Resources

Parts icon Fig.29 Passenger Footrest

Remove

Remove left-hand bracket to make it easier to access the bolt holding the chainguard "C" clamp to the torque stay.

Brackets need to be slack to insert bolt for rear footpegs from behind - best to pre-assemble.

Rear Frame

Resources

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section E10: Removing & Replacing the Rear Frame

The 23/34 bolt on the bottom is 5/8" used 1/2" socket.

The 21/34 bolt head is also 5/8", but its 21/34 nut is 11/16", spanner for the former and 1/2"socket for the latter.

Powder Coating

Bonnie's frame and tinware Photo icon have been powder coated, as well as the following parts:

Not powder coated:

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Battery Carrier

Resources

Parts iconFig.24 Battery Carrier

Parts iconFig.23 Oil tank

Photo icon Hermit.cc Battery Carrier/Oil Tank Mounting (2 photos)

Photo icon Hermit.cc Battery Carrier (8 photos)

Replace Oil Tank and Battery Carrier Straps

Resources

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section E3: Removing & Replacing the Battery Carrier

This assembly order works well.

  1. (Use lubricant for all rubber parts)
  2. Insert rubber spigots (82-6673) into oil tank
  3. Place rubber grommet (82-6039) and lower oil tank mount bracket (82-6147) into the loop for the bottom oil tank mount
  4. With bottom of oil tank raised towards you, offer it to the frame, rotating it down into place with a sideways wiggle to make the froth tower clear the mounting bracket on the frame.
  5. Lube and insert screwed peg 82-7510 from left to right for left hand tank mount
    Tap it in with a plastic mallet or press in with water pump pliers using layers of rag as protection
  6. Insert screwed peg 82-7510 from right to left for right hand tank mount
    Lube and tap or press it in - the strap can be gently pulled up a bit for a better hammer arc
  7. Put on plain washers (60-4248) and, loosely, nuts (82-0879)

    It's much easier to install the rubber spigots in the battery holder straps and push them together onto the frame lugs then it is to push the carrier straps over the spigots after they're been installed on the frame lugs.

  8. Insert rubber spigot (82-6673) into the longer rear battery holder strap (82-8028)
  9. Lube the spigot and push it and the strap onto the rear frame lug
  10. Push spigot (82-6673) into the shorter front battery holder strap (82-9255)
  11. Lube and push onto the front frame lug
  12. Connect the oil tank to the batter holder straps with bolt (14-0103), rubber washer (82-6968), plain washer (60-4248), and locking nut (14-0701).
  13. Adjust the tank for clearance all around and no stress
  14. Tighten fasteners gradually and evenly

For more info, see the oil tank main section.

Seat

Resources

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section E14: Fitting Replacement Seat Covers

Parts iconFig.25 Seat, side panel

To remove seat, first remove left side panel, then remove bolts for just one seat hinge and slip the other one off.

Install latch: install spring and washer with latch part way inserted, then push in all the way and insert the cotter pin - a pick works well to keep spring and washer in place.

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The Electrical System


Resources

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section H: Electrical System Table of Contents

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section H-Intro: Electrical System Introduction

WWW icon Britbike.com MagnetoMan: "Rewiring a Motorcycle"

WWW icon Gamba.us RF Whatley: "Electrical System Grounding"

Trouble-Shooting Electrical Problems

Resources

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section H2: Trouble-Shooting the Ignition System

WWW icon Electrosport.com ""Fault-Finding Flow-Chart for Motorcycle Charging Systems"

Short Circuit

If your bike is blowing fuses, this trouble-shooting tip from John Healy will be a great help in tracking down the short: replace the fuse with a 12v light bulb and then begin disconnecting circuits one at a time. When the light goes out you're found the circuit which is shorted. Start looking for faults such as worn insulation or loose bare wires.

Lucas Wiring Color Codes

Lucas electrical wiring color code chart

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Wiring Diagrams

Resources

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section H20: Wiring Diagrams

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section HF24: Wiring Diagram (All Export Models)

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section HF25: Wiring Diagram (All Home Models)

Bonnie Electrical System 2015 (no dip switch, no horn)

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Triumph 650 with Pazon electronic ignition wiring diagram (with no dip switch)

Bonnie Electrical System 2015 (with dip switch and horn)

Larger Image
Triumph 650 with Pazon electronic ignition wiring diagram (with dip switch)

Bonnie Electrical System Schematic 2006

Custom wiring diagram for Triumph 650 motorcycle with Pazon electronic ignition upgrade

Original Electrical System Schematic

Wiring diagram for 1969 T120R 650 Bonneville (export market)

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Battery

Resources

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section H1: Battery Inspection & Maintenance

Parts iconFig.23 Battery Carrier/Oil Tank

Photo icon Hermit.cc Battery Carrier/Oil Tank Mounting (2 photos)

Photo icon Hermit.cc Battery Carrier (8 photos)

WWW icon Motobatt.com " Motobatt (Triumph 650 search)"

Battery Specs

Replacement battery should be a sealed, maintenance-free unit with a minimum 9Ah rating.

For battery carrier dimensions, see Battery Carrier just below.

Possible replacements:

Brand/Part# Height Width Depth Notes
Koyo YTX-12-BS 5-1/8" 5-7/8" 3-5/16" 5 stars, but hard to find
Motobat AGM MB9U 5.3" (13.6cm) 5.2" (13.3cm) 3" (7.6cm) 12v/11aH Popular for British bikes
PowerStar PM9A-BS AGM 5-1/2" 5-1/4" 3.0" 12v/9aH
PowerStar AGM PS-12-BS 5-1/8" 5-7/8" 3-3/8"  
Yasua 5-1/8" 5-7/8" 3-3/8" (Bonnie - June 2018)

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Fuse

Resources

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section H12: Fuses

Use 35 amp British fuse, or 15-17.5 amp US fuse (continuous slow-blow).

When I fabricated my own wiring harness I fused both the positive and negative battery terminals.

Tip!Fusing both battery leads is effectively like having a spare fuse at all times because the positive battery lead can simply be shorted to ground without a fuse.

Once on a trip in the Green Mountains I turned on the ignition switch while coasting down a steep hill in fourth gear. Bang! A big pop and the negative lead fuse blew. No spare fuses with me - I'd left them on the workbench! I shorted together the positive fuse's carrier leads and put the good fuse in the negative lead.

Battery Carrier

Battery carrier inside dimensions: H x W x D.

For more info, jump to Battery Carrier section.

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Alternator

Resources

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section H4: Charging System

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section H7: Alternator & Stator Details

WWW icon John Healy "Lucas Electrical Stator or Rotor Install Guidance" (PDF)

WWW icon Britbike.com Stator Installation

WWW icon J.R.C. Engineering "Lucas Alternator Tips and Hints" Descriptions & test procedures for Lucas alternators, rectifiers, and zenner diodes

Stator Studs

Traps!If stator holes won't line up with the stator studs in the crankcase, or the rotor is off-center in the stator, do not be tempted to adjust the alignment by hammering on the studs. Doing so risks cracking the crankcase. Do any bending with the studs removed and held in a bench vise. (See stator link above).

Rotor Integrity

Resources

Icon for manualTriumph Service Bulletin "Loose rotor center or rotor retaining nut"

Lucas rotors are constructed in two pieces, the center and an outer part which holds the magnets. The center and the outer magnet construct are known to become loose from one another. This defect is not ordinarily repairable - replacement is customary.

A loose condition can be checked for by tightening the rotor in place with the stator removed, gripping the rotor with both hands, and turning the engine in both directions, checking for any slippage.

Rotor and Stator Clearance

Note: stator stud nuts torque spec: 30 lb.ft..

When reinstalling the rotor it's very important to ensure sufficient clearance (.008"-.012") between it and the stator - all the way around.

Here's a method often cited at the Britbike Forum:

Checking Alternator for Charging

With engine running and lights on, blip the throttle. If intensity of headlight does not increase with revs there is a problem somewhere in the charging system. This can also be verified by connecting a voltmeter (DC scale) across the battery terminals to see if voltage rises with revs.

The alternator can be checked independently of the rectifier/regulator circuits by connecting either a voltmeter (AC scale) or a 12 volt bulb across the alternator's disconnected leads and kicking the engine over.

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Wiring Harness

Removing Main Wiring Harness

The selenium rectifier and grounding straps have already been disconnected.

  1. Pull apart bullet connectors to tail light
  2. Free tail light switch
  3. Clamp from spring to brake rod has 5/16", or better, 1/8W nut and slotted bolt head
  4. Disconnect wires (bullets) to contact breakers
  5. Disconnect ignition switch and remove
  6. Remove zenner diode and bracket
  7. If installed, remove bullet connectors to front brake light switch
  8. Remove head light bolts
  9. Pull harness forwards, through fork and out

Routing of Wiring Harnesses

(See original and repro photo sets above)

Main harness

Beneath gas tank. Tied about an inch to the rear from the "Y" (along with clutch cable) to upper tube through space in frame forward of the coils. Then tied again to upper tube just forward of the rear gas tank mount. Passes over the top of the rear loop into the battery area. Photo icon (Photo)

Horn/Dimmer harness (gray plastic)

Passes through the stanchions from the rear Photo icon (Photo)

2006: Eliminated horn and integrated dip switch wiring into the Lucas lighting switch in the headlight shell (see wiring diagram above)

Rear brake switch harness

2006: Tied just above bottom side cover mounting stud and then falls to follows the frame member before looping to the switch.

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Bullet Connectors

Resources

WWW icon Britbike.com Bullet connectors, crimp or solder?  High caliber posts, no hollow points.

WWW icon Britbike.com Electrical Work  Advice and techniques for soldering.

Bullet connectors are compact, simple, and generally quite reliable. They sometimes get a bad rap for poor connections due to corrosion, but that issue is likely encountered primarily in very humid climates or coastal areas with salty air.

I recently learned that new bullets on the market are sized for metric wire and not the larger Imperial-sized wire found in original British motorcycle wiring harnesses. Accordingly, a modern bullet will not crimp tightly enough to original wiring, even if it's made for the appropriate number of wire strands. Inserting short wire 'shims' to pad out the larger size of the bullets might be a viable work-around.

Some bullets have two crimping points, one for the wires and one for the insulation. The wire crimp makes the electrical connection and the insulation crimp provides strain relief. Bullets available for British bikes today generally have a crimping point only for the wire.

There's some debate over whether it's best to crimp or solder bullets. Crimping provides a good mechanical attachment, and soldering insures good conduction, so to me it's logical to do both. There is, however, one caveat.

Traps!Unless done with care, soldering can actually reduce reliability.

When solder flows over individual strands of wire they become effectively solid and rigid. Without the flexibility of strands, solid wire is more prone to vibration stress and eventual breakage. Avoid this by using a very small amount of solder at the tip of the bullet and not allowing it to flow any further than the mechanical crimp. This will preserve the flexibility of the strands leaving the connection and help absorb vibration.

Tip!To keep the bullets from falling off the wire while you crimp/solder, strip the wire a wee bit long and splay the protruding ends slightly after inserting the wire into the bullet.

When finished soldering, prevent future corrosion by thoroughly removing traces of flux with a rag and warm water.

Soldering Recommendations

If you have the nervous system of a squirrel you might succeed in using a dual-range soldering gun's low setting for soldering bullets, but something like a 35-watt pencil provides greater control over the process. Either way, use a clean, well-tinned soldering tip for best results.

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Horns

Resources

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section H17: Twintone Horns & Relay

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section H8: Electric Horn

Parts iconFigure 35 Ign coils, Horn, Rectifier, Zener diode

WWW icon TriumphRat.net Twin horn relay wiring 1970 T120R

Headlight and Headlight Shell

Resources

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section H9: Headlamp

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section H10: Removing/Refitting Headlamp

Photo of custom T120R headlight shell wiring

Photo of Triumph headlight shell wiring

Diagram of custom T120R headlight shell wiring:

Diagram of Triumph headlight shell wiring

Headlight Reflector/Lense Fixing Clips

The headlight reflector unit (99-0686, or LUCAS 516798) is held in the headlight rim (99-0692, or LUCAS 553248) using fixing wires (99-683, or LUCAS 504665).

WWW icon YouTube.com Classic British Spares: "Installing & Removing Lucas Headlight Wire Clips"

Triumph 650 Lucas headlight and rim photo showing mounting clip orientation

LED/Halogen Headlight Bulb Replacement

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Tailight & Stoplight

Resources

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section H11: Tail & Stoplamp Unit

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section H16: Stop Lamp Switches

Warning Lights

Resources

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section H15: Warning Lamps

Lucas 35710 Light Switch

I've replaced this switch three times on Bonnie. After installing new repro switches I've attempted to recondition the old ones by taking them apart and re-assembling. Never had any success, maybe you're more lucky than me.

The figure below shows the internal connections of the Lucas 35710 (99-0563) light switch in all three positions. See also this chart-style pin-out for the 35710.
Diagram of Lucas 35710 Lighting Switch showing internal electrical connections

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Photo of Triumph ignition switch

Ignition switch

Resources

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section H13: Ignition Switch

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section H14: Ignition Cut-Out Button

Traps!Repro editions of the Triumph ignition switch are notoriously prone to failure and the slightest weight of a key fob attached to the key is known to exacerbate the problem - leave your ignition key naked!

An intermittent ignition issue is frequently due to a defective ignition switch. If you're having an ignition problem, one of the first things to do is install a jumper lead from the battery to the coils, thus by-passing the ignition switch.

Connections:

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Zenner Diode & Selenium Rectifier

Resources

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section H5: Zenner Diode Charge Control & Testing

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section H6: Zener Diode Location

The zenner diode is the voltage regulator. When alternator output is too high, it dissipates excess voltage as heat through its heat sink), thus protecting the battery from overcharging, as well as damage to other electrical components.

The selenium rectifier converts the AC alternator output to DC.

Both the selenium rectifier and the zenner diode perform well, but if the pricey zenner diode fails many will replace both it and the rectifier with a single solid-state device, such as a Podtronics or Tympanium.

Selenium rectifier connections:

Photo of Triumph 650 selenium rectifier showing wiring connections Schematic diagram of Triumph 650 selenium rectifier wiring connections

Condensers

Condensers are only used when running on a points ignition system. They are fitted in parallel with the points and they have two functions to perform.

When the points first start opening, the condenser begins taking on a charge. This draws off the current which might otherwise arc across the small opening points gap. Then, when the points close and the coil's electromagnetic field begins collapsing, the built-up potential across the condenser is discharged through the coil, adding to the energy created in the high tension circuit.

A shorted condenser will create a no-spark condition. An open condenser will cause arcing across the points, pitting them and create misfiring.

To test a condenser with a multimeter, select the thousand-ohm range, place the meter's negative meter against the body of the condenser, and then connect the red meter lead to the positive terminal of the condenser.


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Ignition coils

Ignition Coil Heating Up

On a bike with a points ignition setup it is normal, but not desirable, for one or the other coil to heat up if the ignition switch is left on. This is due to current from the battery energizing the coil through the closed set of points.

If you need to work on the electrical system with the battery connected and the ignition switch in the on position, remove the points cover and slip a piece of paper or plastic between the contacts of the closed points.

EI (electronic ignition) units are programmed to automatically open the coil circuits after a set amount of time if the ignition switch is left on.

Installing Ignition Coils

Note that the head steadies must be installed before installing the ignition coils.

Testing Ignition Coils

Note that just because correct resistance readings are obtained for a coil does not mean that the coil is good. It may be arcing internally or its readings may change when the coil becomes warm.

Resistance readings for 6v coils:

Resistance readings for 12v coils:

Ignition Coil Wiring Connections

With Pazon

Schematic diagram for Triumph 12v ignition coil wiring connections

Left Coil (DS)

Right Coil (TS)


With Points and Original Harness

Photo Photo icon

Left coil

Right coil

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Capacitor Ignition

Resources

Icon for manual Workshop Manual (1969 650cc Twins) Section H19: Capacitor Ignition

Capacitor ignition simply eliminates the battery by substituting a capacitor in its place. The "cap" is of the electrolytic type housed in a small metal can and spring-mounted to isolate it from those good, good, good vibrations. A capacitor does well powering an ignition system with points, although lighting will dim, flicker, and die at idle speed, and at low idle with lights on a bike can easily stall-out in the absence of highly-attentive throttle-blipping.

"Wild Thing" was equipped with a "blue can". Note to self: Photoshop those oil spots!

Caps don't work as well, or at all, with electronic ignition EI systems as they can't constantly provide the minimum required voltage to power such digital devices.

In addition to being stressed by vibration, electrolytic capacitors suffer from high temperatures and their electrolyte paste has a tendency to dry out over time in storage. Newly purchased capacitors should be tested at once using either one of the two simple methods described in the Workshop Manual (link just above).

Electronic Ignitions (EI)

EI versus Points

EI systems such as Pazon, TriSpark, Boyer, Rita, etc. offer some inportant advantages over traditional points systems:

The downside to EI:

To avoid being stranded by a dead EI system many riders resort to carrying a spare with them. A fairly common strategy is to "piggy-back" a spare "black box" with the unit in use to make a switch-over quick and easy should the first unit fail.

A well-adjusted points system will operate with little or even no battery charge. On the other hand, EI systems require a certain base voltage to run the electronics governing timing. Among all the EI systems Pazon is reputed to have the best low-voltage threshold for starting.

When faced with starting a bike with EI and low battery voltage, Peg offers us this logical start-up procedure.

Pazon Ignition

Pazon Schematic Diagram

Wiring schematic for Pazon electronic ignition

Pazon - Trouble-Shooting

WWW icon Nick, posting on BritBike.com:
  1. "With the ignition on check you have 12 volts or so between the red and white wires on the Pazon and 12 volts or so between the coil supply and the white Pazon wire.
  2. "Place a voltmeter between the Pazon black wire and the white wire, when you switch the ignition on the reading should be about 1 volt or so for a few/ maybe 10 seconds then it should go to 12 volts. (this is the unit switching the coils off under 'stall conditions' to prevent the coil burning out) It will cause a spark at the plugs if the coils are ok.
  3. "If that doesn't work the black box unit is faulty or has been damaged.
  4. "If it worked then connect one side of the sensor with the ignition on and momentarily touch the other sensor lead to its connector, this should also create a spark at the plugs. If it doesn't, check the resistance across the sensor connections, it should be between 120- 250 ohms from memory but sometimes vibration can break the track or the fine sensor winding connections on that plate.

"This will tell you if the box or the sensor is the problem."

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Boyer Ignition Trouble-Shooting

Resources

WWW icon VintageBikeMagazine.com "How to Trouble-shoot a Boyer Ignition" Includes good info relating to all EI systems

Podtronics/Tympanium Rectifier/Voltage Regulator Replacements

Resources

manual icon Podtronics: Instructions & Diagram

WWW icon Britbike.com Podtronics vs Tympanium

Photo icon Rectifier/Voltage Regulator Installing beneath battery carrier

Both the Podtronics and the Tympanium (as well as Sparx) are solid state devices that replace and perform the functions of the selenium rectifier (rectification of AC alternator output to DC) and the zener diode (voltage regulation).


The Bonnie Ref:
A Hyperlink Junkie's Illustrated Field Guide
to the 1969 Triumph Bonneville

Index


A    B    C    D    E    F    G    H    I    K    L    M    N    O    P    R    S    T    V    W    Y    Z

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abbreviations
adhesive/sealant products
adjust primary chain tension
adjust valve rocker clearance
air cleaners, install
air filters
air screw o-ring
air slide (carb)
align rear wheel
alpha-numeric part# conversion
Alternator
alternator, check
Amal parts, '69 650s
annealing head gasket
anti-seize compound
applying heat
assembly lube
axle retainers, rings, covers
axle parts, front illus.
axle parts, rear illus.
balance factor, crankshaft
Banjo bolts, orientation
Battery
battery carrier, dimensions
battery carrier, reassemble
battery specs & replacements
bearing retainer
bonded bushes, removing/installing
Boyer Ignition trouble-shoot
brake light, switch
brake light, switch harness routing
Brake, front
brake, front - adjust
brake, front - center shoes
brake, front - reassembly
brake, front - remove
brake, front - replace
brake pedal, D.S. engine mount, torque stay
brake pedal wear
Brake, rear
brake, rear - center shoes
brake, rear - disassembly
brake, rear - reassembly
brake shoe illus.
brake torque stay
breather pipe, installing
British motorcycle forums
British standard threads
bullet connectors
bushes, replace swinging arm frame
cables, lubricating
cable, speedometer
cable, speedometer - lubrication
cable, tach
cable, tach - lubrication
cables, throttle
camshaft, timing
camshaft bushes, renewing
camplate, all positions illus.
camplate, positioning for indexing
Carburettor
carburetter cables,air slide,spring
carburetter choke
carburetter, clean idle jet
carburetter, concentric cross-section
carburetter, flooding
carburetter, jet/needle/cut away
carburetter, float bowl leaks
carburetter O-rings
carburettors, specs & settings
carburettors, synchronizing
carburettors, remove as unit
carburettors, trouble-shoot
Carburettors, tune
  Amal tuning links
  high speed
  low speed & sync
  mid-range
cat in a toilet
Center stand
center stand spring
center stand hardware compatibility
chainguard, replace
chain, see Primary Chain
chain, see Rear Chain
Clutch
clutch, adjustment
clutch hub & center, assemble
clutch hub, center,duplex install
clutch cable
clutch hub extractor
clutch hub/thrust washer compatibility
clutch drag, causes of
clutch operating mechanism "pops"
clutch pack thickness, Trumph & Aerco
clutch plates, replacing
clutch pressure plate adjustment
clutch problems
clutch lever pull too heavy
clutch rod adjustment
coils, see ignition coils
color code, wiring
Colorado Norton Works oil filter adaptor
compatibilities, index
compression, sudden loss of
condensers
Connecting rods
connecting rods, assembly of
connecting rods, older/newer types
connecting rods, tightening
connecting rods, shell bearings
connecting rods, updated torque spec
contact breaker points gap
Crankcase
crankcase breather, testing
crankcase breather pipe
crankcase junction studs
crankcase oil, change
Crankshaft assy
crankshaft oil seal orientation
crankshaft, balancing
crush, cyl head and PRTs
cups and cones, renewing
cylinders, displacement and overbore
cylinders, rebore
cylinders, hone
cylinder base bolts, remove
cylinder block & tappet blocks
cylinder block, repros
cylinder block, painting
Cylinder Head
cylinder head bolts, leaking
cylinder head bolts, re-torque
cylinder head bolts, torquing
cylinder head bolts, torque error
cylinder head gasket
detonation, pre-ignition
distance pieces, rear axle
duplex sprocket, install
EI (electronic ignitions
EI versus points
Electrical
electrical, Pazon ignition
electrical, Podtronics
electrical, schematic diagrams
electric wiring color codes
Engine
engine breather pipe, install
engine compression
engine, installing
engine mounting plate fasteners
engine, removing
engine sprocket, align w duplex sprocket
engine sprocket, install
exhaust system
exhaust pipes, removing
exhaust leaks, sealing
fastener specifications
float and float needle
flywheel, factory changes to
footpegs and brackets, passenger
forums, British motorcycles
Frame
Front Fork
front fork, alignment
front fork, dismantle
front fork gaiters
front fork legs, rebuilding
front fork oil
front fork, remove as unit
front fork, remove legs separately
front fork seals, replace
Front wheel
front wheel bearings
front wheel brake
front wheel brake shoes illus.
front wheel fender brackets/stays
fuel lines
fuel lines, plastic and safety
fuel lines, remove carbs with
fuel lines, remove from gas taps
Fuse
gaiters, front fork
gasket, head gasket
gasket, primary cover
gaskets, general
gaskets, rocker box
Gas tank
gas tank, paint schemes
gas tank sealers/liners (link)
gas taps, rebuilding/lubricating
gas taps, remove/replace
gas taps, sealing leaks
gear cluster illustration
gear cluster installation
gear oil change
gear oil & yellow metal
gear ratios, 4/5-speeds
gears clash in 1st, avoiding
gears clash in 1st, causes
gears, illus.
gears, 4/5-speed tooth counts
Gearbox
gearbox assy, best way
gearbox assy, 4 ways
gearbox, bearings
gearbox bearings, descriptions
gearbox illus.
gearbox problems - resources
gearbox, index camplate & quadrant
gearbox inner cover
gearbox inner cover, remove
gearbox inner cover, replace
gearbox jumps out of gear
gearbox outer cover
gearbox outer cover, remove
gearbox outer cover, replace
gearbox, power transmission illus.
gearbox, replacing bearings
gearbox, sealing inner/outer covers
gearbox sprocket
Gear change mechanism
gearshift camplate positions
General Data T120/TR6
General Shop Info
gudgeon pins, remove
gudgeon pins, replace
Handlebars
Handlebar grips
handlebars, shock absorber mtg.
handlebars, remove bonded bushes
head bolts, see cylinder head bolts
head gasket, anneal & install
headlight bulbs, breaking
headlight bulb LED/Halogen
headlight reflector fixing wires
headlight shell wiring diagram
heating cases & other parts
heat insulation, carbs
hollow dowel tips
hollow dowels, crankcase
hollow dowels, PN corrections
honing cylinders
horns
horn/dimmer switch harness routing
idle screw o-ring
ignition coils, installing
ignition coils, heating up
ignition coils, testing
ignition coil wiring connections
ignition switch connections
Ignition Timing
index, compatibilities
index, tips
index, traps
indexing gearbox camplate & quadrant
kicking back
kickstart lever tapered pin
kickstart mechanism
kickstart problem, diagnosing
layshaft bearings, removing
layshaft bearings, replacing
layshaft end play, measuring
layshaft thrust washer locating pegs
Loctite, where to use
Lowbrow 650 Rebuild Video Index
Lucas wiring color codes
Lubrication Schedule
maintenance
main bearings, replacing
main jet
mainshaft bearings, removing
mainshaft bearings, replacing
manuals
manuals, download
muffler baffles, rattles
mufflers
nave plate, remove
needle
needle jet
needle jet pin gages
O-Ring Sizing Chart
o-rings, carb to intake manifold
o-ring dimens., PRT seals
o-rings, front fork dust excluder sleeve
o-rings, idle, air screw
o-ring, carb mounting
o-rings, pushrod tubes
o-rings, swinging arm
o-rings, rocker spindles
o-rings, tach gear housing
oil, zinc content
oil breather line
oil change, crankcase
oil drain down
oil filter
oil leaks, drain bolts
oil lines
oil pump
oil pressure switch
oil pressure relief valve
oil seal, crankshaft
Oil tank
Oil tank, '66 defective
oil tank, reinstalling
online resources
paint schemes
parts lists, downloads
parts lists, Hermit's
part numbers, conversion of
parts suppliers
patent plate, replace
Pazon Sure-Fire PDF
Pazon, schem. diag
Pazon, setting timing with
Pazon, trouble-shoot
petcocks, see gas taps
pilot air screw
pilot jet
pin gage for needle jet
pinion gear removal
Pistons
pistons, remove gudgeon pins
pistons, remove stuck pistons
pistons, replace gudgeon pins
piston rings, gap
piston board
piston skirt clearance
piston rings, install
piston rings, orient.
Podtronics, regulator/rectifier
points, ignition
points, contact breaker gap
points versus EI
powder coating
pre-ignition/detonation
pressure plate, adjusting
primary chaincase
primary chaincase gasket
primary chaincase inner cover
primary chaincase oil, change
primary chain. adj.
primary chain, check wear
primary chain, install
primary chain wear, photos
pushrods & rocker boxes, replacing
pushrod tubes (PRT)
pushrod tube o-rings
pushrod tube seals
pushrod tube o-ring/seal dimen.
pushrod tube seal "crush"
pushrod tube installation
quadrant, gearbox indexing
Rear frame
Rear Chain, adjust slack
rear chain, check wear
rear chain, clean
rear chain oil feed
rear chain, removal
rear chain, replacement
rear chain, lubrication
rear wheel
rear wheel alignment
rear wheel bearings
rear wheel brakes
rear wheel brake shoes, illus.
rear brake shoes, center
rear wheel fender
rear wheel fender brackets
rear wheel, remove
rear wheel, replace
relief valve, oil pressure
re-torque head bolts
rings
rings, gap
rings, install
rocker spindles, assemble
rocker spindles, types of
rocker spindle o-rings
Rocker Boxes
rocker box gaskets
rocker box gaskets, lightweight pr mod
rocker boxes, remove
rocker boxes, replace
rocker clearance, adjust
rods, see connecting rods
roller bearing, steering neck
rotor, loose center
rotor installation guide
rotor nut, torque
rotor to stator clearance
sealant products
Seat
selenium rectifier connections
serial numbers, 1950-1969
serial numbers, 1969-1983
service bulletins
shell bearings
shift linkage (illus.)
shock absorbers, rear
shocks, disassemble/install
side panel
sidestand
slide (carb)
skirt clearance, pistons
sludge trap
soldering
spark plugs
Speedometer
Special tools
Speedometer and Tachometer
speedometer cable
speedometer gearbox
speedometer gearbox lube
speedometer gearbox ratios
speedometer problems
sprocket, gearbox - replace
stanchion tube, as drift for lower cone
stanchion tubes, compatibility
stanchion tubes, replace
stator installation guide
stator studs
stator to rotor clearance
steering damper
steering head
steering lock
stoplight
studs, crankcase ID & removal
Swinging arm frame
Swinging arm, correct friction
switch, Lucas 35710, connections
switch, ignition
switch, brake light (rear)
Tachometer
tach cable, lubrication
tach drive gearbox, remove
tach drive gear, lubrication
tailight
tangs, shell bearings
Tappet guide blocks
tappets
Thackary spring washers
thread locker
threads, types of
threads, list of left-handed
throttle cables, routing
thrust washer (clutch)
thrust washer (clutch) and GL5
thrust washers (gearbox)
thrust washer (rocker arms)
tickler
Timing Chest
timing chest cover, remove
timing chest, disassembly
timing cover, remove (link)
timing cover, remove (link)
timing cover, remove (link)
timing, see ignition timing
tips, index
tires, Dunlop tech ref. (PDF)
tire, front
tire, rear
tools, special
torque settings, head bolts
torque stays, engine
Transmission
transmission, assemble
transmission, dismantle
trap door (pri chaincase inner cover)
traps, index
trip meter handle won't turn
trouble-shooting, carburation
trouble-shooting, electrical
upgrades (TriumphRat.net)
Valves
valve clearance, adjust
valves, replace in head
voltage rectifier/regulator, Podtronics
Warning Lights
wet sumping
Wheels
wheels, building/balancing
wiring, Lucas color codes
wiring diagrams, elec. system
wiring diagram, headlight shell
wiring harness
wiring harness, horn/dimmer switch
wiring harness, rear brake switch
wiring harness, remove (stock)
wiring harness, remove
wiring harness, routing
Workshop manuals, factory
wrench jaw gap sizes
yellow metals & gear oil
zenner diode
zinc, in motor oil

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