Engine sprocket wear

[Phil C]

No, but that's an intriguing idea. I guess they'd need to be very strong. Anyway, My fingers are crossed for the sprocket to line up well. If not, and in the absence of strong magnets, maybe getting the oil seal out somehow first would work.  I say somehow...

Phil.

[DAVE BRADY]

Hi,

The magnets in flashing beacons that go on a vehicle roof are very strong.  A strong magnet is also useful for cleaning the bench and around the vice.  Wrap the magnet in a bit of oily rag that you are going to throw away and pick up all the bits of metal and filings on to the rag.  Unwrap the magnet making sure that all the bits are folded in to the rag.  Discard the rag.
The magnet is clean and so is the bench and vice.

Dave.

[Pete A10]

I seem to remember that the work you started in the primary chaincase was because of an oil leak. With all that you've ended up doing it's working out a very expensive oil seal!!
I know we all like to get our bikes in tip top condition but sometimes we have to think how many miles we actually do on the bikes and how much money we can spend on them.

[Phil C]

Haha, yes, fair point Pete. I remember a bike mechanic telling me once that when you start doing something on an old bike you usually find another thing needs renewing, oh and then another, and then ah I ought to get a new...and so on. Meanwhile, as you say, the wallet is emptying. But I enjoy it. I guess it's pretty well established that old bikes are money pits.  I imagine classic cars are the same, although I've never had one so don't speak from you experience (I enjoy Bangers and Cash on the telly though.) Of course when I've put it all back together the oil leak will probably still be there - and maybe worse!  But, as I say, I enjoy it, and I'm learning.  Phil

[Phil C]

Hello everyone, Nothing is simple. Got my new engine sprocket in the post today. Whereas the old one would push on easily by hand, this one is a tight fit. Started to tap it on - tricky without a piece of tube to keep it square - in order to check alignment with the clutch basket, then remembered I would need to get it off again to put the chain on, or to sort out the spacer thickness if alignment is out. So I went to get it off, and ... you've guessed it, it's now on a bit, and stuck. I see there are two threaded holes in the sprocket, so guess I need to make an extractor to get it off, and then get a bit of tube from somewhere to get it on again. In a normal domestic garage like mine, of course, bits of suitable tube, and bits of stuff for making extractors, aren't just lying around waiting to come in useful. So, as I say, nothing is simple. (Or cheap, as Pete A10 pointed out.)  Sigh.     Phil

[Phil C]

Further to my previous message, I guess a good way to remove the sprocket is with a couple of bolts and a two-legged puller. Can anybody recommend a two-legged puller?  Also, as always, all advice is much appreciated.   Phil

[DAVE BRADY]

Hi Phil,

Something like this may do the job.  You could also use bolts that fit the threaded holes in the sprocket.
On Amazon for £19.99.   I might buy one of these myself.  Google sprocket pullers and you will quite a selection.

Dave.

[Phil C]

Looks good, I like the fixable width of the jaws, and the revolving tip. But 1.5 mm wide leg ends - is that enough?   Phil

[DAVE BRADY]

Hi,

If you get something like this you could replace the legs with bolts that thread in to the holes on the sprocket.  This would be very secure whilst operating the puller.

Dave.

[Phil C]

Ah yes, as long as the bolts fit through the slots in the puller.

[Phil C]

Or I guess I could just get a piece of 1" x 1/4" flat bar, drill two clearance holes for the 1/4" BSF bolts, and a threaded hole in the middle for another bolt.  That might work okay? Might need some kind of Alli pad to prevent the middle bolt damaging the end of the shaft. What do you reckon?  Phil

[Phil C]

Ordered the puller.
Regarding tapping the sprocket onto the splined shaft, I must say it feels very tight. I need to get something like a bit of tube to go over the shaft to keep the sprocket square when tapping it on. Ideally the tube would have a closed end to tap on. So in other words a bit of alli bar with a blind hole in it.  Which means I need someone with a lathe. I know a local bloke who does things like that, but of course we're on lockdown for a few more weeks. Frustrating! I'm surprised putting the sprocket on is this complicated! Still, must keep smiling. Things could be much worse. And might be before I've finished this!    Phil