Timing side axle variants

[59G3LS]

I've been collecting parts for my 56 16MS rebuild for a while now and am getting close to crank rebuild time. I have noticed that a NOS timing side axle I purchased from ebay is slightly different to the worn out original.

The shoulder closest to the camshaft end of the axle is around 2mm narrower than the original and the body at the helical drive is around 1mm thicker. Looking at Roy Bacon's AJS and Matchless Restoration book (page 104), it seems to be the last of the variants used from 1960 onwards.

I've assembled the plunger and axle in the case and all seems to run smoothly. Is anyone aware of any problems using this one in a 56 motor?

Thanks in advance

[56G80S]

Just giving you a boost on this. I'm interested in the replies! I've yet to take a look, but the breakdown of my timing side bush may've had knock on effects for the timing side axle.

Johnny B

[59G3LS]

Thanks Johnny, maybe the later axle is pretty rare and not many have come across it? Surprisingly, the wear on the old axle is significant although we'll never know how many bushes it went through! Pic attached.

Regards - Mark

TimingAxle.jpg

[SPRIDDLER]

There's a ref to the larger axle dias. here: http://www.jampot.com/article_read.asp?id=159

There is some narrative ref. the changes to c/cases and timing side axles and bushes if you scroll to 'History and changes' in the 'Tech. Articles' which may help to clarify:

http://www.jampot.com/article_showall.a ... me=Engines

and more about changes here:

http://www.jampot.com/article_read.asp?id=28

[59G3LS]

Thanks Spriddler,

I read those articles and delved deeper into the superb Christians Archives and the larger diameter axle is listed as the same part number, 021247 from 1954 to 1964. The illustration in the 1963-64 parts list even looks to have the same proportions as my NOS item. So, I think I'm safe to proceed!

Cheers - Mark