Forum

[Bikerterje]

Hi
My new adjustable cam spindles does unfortunately not fit the case og my 500. The inlet one does almost fit, it can be put in and taken out again by hand, almost without resistance. The EX one is worse. The diameter of the case hole is to big an the spindle tap does not fit at all. The old ones came out ok after heating the case and everything seemed to be good. I don't know why there is difference in the diameter og the taps.

Any idea what to do? Will I have to ream out the holes and put in a bushing? Or will it be ok to use JB Welding or is the load to big to be handeled this way? Anyone with experience of this problem?

[Beezabryan]

Why not speak to your supplier.........You bought something, it is apparently not correct therefore do not bodge but go back to where you got them

[Paul M H]

It sounds like the standard ones you removed were oversize so if that's what was in the engine you will need oversize to replace them. Measure them with a micrometer and speak to Hitchcocks they must do oversize cam spindles as they sell oversize standard ones.

[Norm]

Really depends on how loose, I have used Loctite bearing retainer on a loose exhaust one and that is still running fine. Load is also carried by the timing cover

[Phil Ashbrook]

This looks like bad news , I had ajustable spindles but after an oil change on a hot Australian day I should have filled my timing chest with oil from the tappet cover so what happened was an inlet cam shaft siezed on the spindle that spun my spindle and enlarged the crank case hole .
Hitchcocks at this point in time do not make spindles oversize so I had to fit a +3" thou Madras spindle for the inlet cam so it will be a tad louder with only the exhaust cam with the ajustable spindle , I would not dare go any further with your engine without a total crankcase split ,you will then be able to get an engineer to make up inserts hot pressed ( crankcase ) with the correct fit , never guess the fit as it has to be interfearance . Ask our hosts for help .

[Bikerterje]

Thank's for all the good replyes. I contactes our host and they actually have oversized adjustable spindles in stock. Unfortunately I am afraid they will not be big enaugh for this job. Will check upcomming weekend.
I think maybe the solution will have to be a bushing to fill out the hole in the case. First some reaming to make the hole even larger and then some work at the lathe to make an insert to be shrink fitted on the spndle tap. At last I will heat the case a bit and press in the spindle.
Does this sound like a good idea? I have no clue what clearences to use when shrinking the bushing to the tap and neither what to use between tap and case. Anyone with mechanical skills that would like to advice a bit? Greatfull for any answers.

[Bullet Whisperer]

Do you have a knurling tool for your lathe? You might be able to knurl the ends of the spindles where they fit into the crankcase, I sorted some in this manner once. If you have access to welding equipment, I would also build up the flange face, then file it to give a longer, closer fitting flat ledge where it engages with the flat ledge in the crankcase - this will prevent any tendencies for the cam spindle assembly to turn in the crankcase, I also did this, as I had to stop one turning in the cases and it worked for me. Cheers, Paul.

[Bullet Whisperer]

Forgot to mention the reason for knurling - it makes for a larger diameter, gives a good grip for the spindle end in the alloy casing and will aid in the use of a bearing fitting compound to lock the spindles into the casing. Just watch if you have an angled knurl pattern, as you will find the spindle will turn as you knock it into the hole in the casing and you have to allow for this, if required.

[Norm]

If you are that concerned about the clearance and are going to use o/s spindles, split the cases and mill them to suit the new spindles