Hitchcocks Forum

dear all, i have a 59 Connie that I need to remove the Lucas K2F Magneto on. First time I have taken the mag off the bike and the original owners manual i downloaded from tinternet suggests that i simply remove the timing cover, undo the three fixing bolts and hey presto off comes the mag complete with sprocket. I have removed the timing cover and the problem i have is the Magneto sprocket is quite clearly too big to pass through the aperture in the engine case, plus the three fixing bolts inside the cover are directly behind the chain/sprocket which means I can loosen them but not remove them. So, assuming that I haven't missed anything really obvious(wont be the first time) it looks like the sprocket needs to come off, does anyone know if the nut holding it is reverse thread and once said nut is removed, will sprocket just slide off or will it require a puller or special tool?

Your help is much appreciated!

Hi, it is a standard thread unless you want to get rough with it an extractor should be used.

Connieowner, just undo the bolt in the centre of the auto advance and the sprpcket will pop off. It extracts itself

And don't drop the "C"washer under the bolt,

Norm is absolutely correct the Constellation does indeed have a self extracting fastener,

If this is a Constellation to original specification it does not have an auto advance unit but a manual advance built into the magneto. You will need an extractor/puller. Where are you I might be able to help?
REgards, Mark

wow chers for all the replies chaps! I dont think mine has an auto advance although i wouldnt recognise one if it hit me in the face. I am based in Cambridge, does anyone have the right tool i can either buy or borrow? Thanks again

Mr CO, I'm near Northampton so not a million miles. I have the puller you need (will just check to make sure!!!) so you're welcome to borrow it. You can contact me on (01908) 542990 if you want to discuss this.
REgards, Mark

The 59 Constellation according to the original workshop manual was fitted with a Lucas K2F Magneto this is a manual type with an advance retard lever on the left handlebar, also from the same manual, "withdraw the sprocket using special tool No 14835, also in a different part of the same manual "remove the three fixing nuts lift off the chain and remove the magneto and sprocket complete"......... It looks like Connieowner may have a different type of mag fitted.. If it is the Lucas SR2 as fitted to the Super Meteor then it will have an auto advance unit and should have a self extracting fixing.... Don't these old bikes get confusing when different parts have been fitted?.

Ok so we are still guessing but the possibilities are wide. My initial reaction was to the fact Connieowner stated in his initial question that the sprocket was too big to take out through the apeture in the engine case. This made me think it was an auto advance unit. The standard sprocket falls through the hole, I had one in and out several times today