Cam Plate Plunger Plug

[wardy]

Hi all - have got as far as this in my rebuild of a '71 Lightning. Part # is 57-3745, seems difficult to find. Looking at the image I thought a short bolt or setscrew would substitute but there are no details of diameter or thread pattern in the catalogue. Any thoughts much appreciated.

[DAVE BRADY]

Good morning Wardy,

There seems to be a few on offer overseas but none in UK.  Have you tried C&D Autos?  They do not have a website or ebay sales so you would have to telephone or email them.  Their details are in  The Star.

Dave.

[wardy]

Thanks Dave - C&D are my local supplier but they have none. Seen the odd one or two for sale in the USA but £35 incl postage is a bit much for a plug, although it may come to that in the end....

[DAVE BRADY]

Hi,

I think there are some Dutch or Belgian suppliers as well so postage may be less.  The plug also serves to locate the end of the plunger spring and is shaped accordingly.  A flat plug will probably be OK so it may be worth checking if the gearbox drain plug is the same thread/dia. and could be used.

Dave.

[Bess]

Hi,
     A couple here in the USA for under £15 including postage, low enough not to incur customs charge:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NOS-BSA-Plug-Cam-Plate-Plunger-57-3745/371846894822?epid=2136783417&hash=item5693cd54e6:g:lT8AAOSwjDZYfBin

Best wishes...

[wardy]

Thanks guys. Frustrating that this is stopping the build! Nature of the beast I guess...

[ChrisG]

Silly question but why do you need to replace it? Was the original lost?
Have you tried Kidderminster Motorcycles? They are better for OIF spares than others. If all else fails then measure the thread size or better still try bolts with different threads in until one fits. It's likely to be BS Cycle 26tpi, or UNF of which there will be others on your machine to use as a check.
Once you know that then it would be easy to get one made from a hex head setscrew.
Good luck
Chris

[DAVE BRADY]

I think it is quite a coarse thread hence me thinking the drain plug might fit. 

Dave.

[wardy]

Thanks again guys - yes the original seems to be missing. I didn't strip it so none the wiser, looks like it was removed to vapour blast the cases and mislaid. Will try a few alternatives, visually it looks like a Triumph rocker box inspection plug 71-2079 might fit. Will advise if I find some easy solution as they are hard to find

[wardy]

Hi everyone - aftermath. Ordered from USA E-Bay vendor, arrived in 6 days. Just posting this in case anyone else is contemplating buying from the USA, and is dubious about how long it will take at the moment.