MT 500 Scrambler

[Bonnielad]

I've had a quick look at the red MT recently up for sale. I agree that its very nicely presented. Mine will be a bit more retro with a rounder tank and a different seat and side panels.
I think that some proper money has gone into that one, mine will be a bit more practical and useable so I won't be afraid to get it dirty.

[Minter]

I stripped down Steves engine last night.. Pictures will follow when i get back home!

Interesting to see the previous owners handywork! The clutch nut had been put on the wrong way making the clutch basket loose! The basket is well grooved and the shoulders on the plates worn out. The spacer behind the top pulley had been omitted and worn out half of the top pulley!

Some work has previously been done on the top end, not much carbon and rings look like they have been replaced.. A 560 head gasket had been used!..

The pics will paint a thousand words.. all in all not a bad motor with a bit of TLC it'll be like new! And easier to start!

[Bonnielad]

Thanks Minter.
On the subject of the previous owner's work: When I took the rear shocks off, the adjuster collars and valves were at the bottom. Is this right or were they actually on upside down?
Secondary question; would that make any difference to their performance?

[Minter]

Thanks Minter.
On the subject of the previous owner's work: When I took the rear shocks off, the adjuster collars and valves were at the bottom. Is this right or were they actually on upside down?
Secondary question; would that make any difference to their performance?

Some things never cease to amaze me! Yes they were on upside down and yes that would affect performance..

[Minter]

Pics of Steves motor as it comes apart...






This what happens when no spacer is behind the top pulley and the belt is too tight..


Never seen this before! Clutch lock nut on the wrong way around. Only held on by the lock tab i undid it with my fingers! It should be 100Nm! The whole clutch floated on the shaft - it must have rattled like a good un!


Clutch basket salvageable - clutch plates not salvageable!


Piston and Cylinder in good order, new rings and a hone and it'll pull like a train!

Sump will be off next but only looks like debris from clutch plates laying on the gauze
Should get a bit more done at the weekend and have it on the test bed next week..

Shame its not getting the electric boot Steve!

[Bonnielad]

Don't forget you're dealing with a Yorkshireman - and we have a reputation to protect. Didn't you know that copper wire was invented when a Yorkshireman and a Scotsman argued over a penny?

[Minter]

Don't forget you're dealing with a Yorkshireman - and we have a reputation to protect. Didn't you know that copper wire was invented when a Yorkshireman and a Scotsman argued over a penny?

[Minter]

Progress on Steve's motor going well..



Flywheel came off a treat - it was loose!



No dramas here.. only hylomar and bits off the clutch plates..

Assembly shall now begin!

[Minter]

New clutch friction plates fitted, the steels were fine, new lock tab and nut torqued to correct setting (120Nm) instead of finger tight! Should be a silky smooth clutch without all those grooves..



Thats this side almost done!..

[Minter]

Final installment for today...



Bottom end all done.. Cylinder and head work tomorrow..