classic motorcycle forum

I have a couple of questions about the clutch on a 1949 BSA B#! rigid.   It's a 6 spring clutch.
The clutch basket that came on the bike is worn beyond reasonable repair.  I manage to fine a NOS one on evilbay, but when I started reassembly I notice a couple of differences.
1.  The  band around the clutch basket that came with the bike is 1 inch wide.
     The "new" one is 1 1/4 inch.
     It seems to clear the outer cover so no rubbing or dragging is noticed.
Is that difference in width going to be a problem?

2.  My mechanics manual states that the clutch should have 5 fiber plates, although some folks went with 4 back in the day.
     My bike came with 3
Should I add one or two or is it ok with the 3?

3. Last question.  When I torque down the mainshaft clutch nut (no where near the 60 ft-lbs, but tight) the transmission seems to bind up  It turns, but is tight.


I look forward to your advice.
Thanks.

Thanks folks.  You have to love the vintage motorcycle community.  No matter how unusual the bike is or how strange the problem, somebody out there has ideas and tips they are willing to share.
I'm off pursuing some of these now.
Thanks.

I recently came into possession of a 1932 Coventry Eagle Silent Supreme that has the Coventry proprietary engine.  Sadly it's missing the intake manifold. 
Does anyone have a clue where I might find one?
Thanks

I set out to replace the speedo drive bushing and what seemed to be a simple task suddenly isn't.  It seems as if some goober has totally destroyed the retaining pin that holds it in.
If I remove the inner timing cover will I be able to get to the bushing and replace it?

If the answer to that is yes, the next question is how do you get the thing off?
So far I've only found two screws toward the back that seem to hold it on.  That doesn't seem right.

In the attached pic, what must come off to get this plate off?  My parts manual leads me to believe that the shifting mechanism stays in one piece.  Do I remove all the kickstart mechanism?
My shop manual says refer to a BSA dealer.  Those folks are far and between these days.

Any and all help will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.

I recently came to own a 1949 BSA B31 without a hint of a wiring harness.  The magneto throws a hot spark, so I'd like to see if it will start up.
Question is will I damage the dynamo by running it under no load?
Thanks.

I recently picked up a 1949 BSA B31 in pretty much complete condition.  I've been getting acquainted with it before I start any serious work.
  I have a question concerning the magneto and how the ignition points cam is lubricated.  The points spin around while the plate cam stays fixed.  The mechanics manual gives directions for oiling a wick.
 I can't find wick anywhere in the points compartment.  The manual shows a picture of a fixing screw for the oil felt, but nothing resembling a felt.
Can anyone tell me where to look and what it might look like? A picture would be fantastic.
Thanks.

More researching leads me to believe that over ramping might be the problem.

Anyone have any ideas on how to fix this problem?

Thanks.

Is it blue is a VERY good question.  It was blue, but appeared to be painted with something resembling latex  house paint  and maybe even with a brush.  Darned tough stuff to get off!   Like bubble gum.
Some of it was whitish under the blue.  Only thing that looked even remotely like factory paint was the inside of the dynamo cover which was blue.  It will remain a mystery.
The above piece is heading for a nail on the wall
Thanks all.