L8 Reassembly Problem

[CTPhil]

I finally got my 1965 L8 to the assembly phase, but it's been apart so many years my memory fails me. My problem is the fan shroud, more specifically the two 1/2 inch studs where it attaches to the crankcase. What seems correct is to put the shroud on, then the accessories (governor, electric starter plate), then the rear hitch straps. My problem is that when I adjust the handles all the way up, the shroud is forced against the exhaust manifold, and I'm not at all happy about that.

Is my order correct? It was OK before I took it apart obviously, maybe the handlebars weren't all of the way up? If my order is correct, should I just grind a crescent shaped relief in the shroud?

Thanks.

[Jimmy in NC]

Maybe that helps? It's of my L.

[CTPhil]

That does help. That's what I was thinking, but the hitting on the manifold baffles me. I'll probably end up grinding in some relief. Is this perhaps a known issue?

[tracktortag]

Phil, I would'nt do any grinding yet. There has to be a reason why things did'nt go back together as they should. Not that I would know why, since I have'nt touched my '66 L8 since I picked it up last year. I WILL be following along though, for my own FYI.

[wjohn]

Same here.



Take a picture of your shroud/exhaust manifold interference and maybe one of us will have an idea.

[CTPhil]

There doesn't seem to be anything to screw up. The bottom goes on the studs and the top position is determined by the handlebars. Unless there are washers that go on the studs first, but nothing like that shows on the parts list.

[DJ in WV]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't the studs off center in the brackets that mount to the lower engine block? If so, the brackets are quite possibly mounted upside down.

[beaner2u]

Wow DJ,

I have noticed a slight offset side-to-side, but never measured them from the end tips to the centerline of the studs. I'll check some tomorrow.

Roger,

[CTPhil]

They look centered to me but I too will check tomorrow. However, I never took the brackets off the crankcase.

[DJ in WV]

I'm just going off of memory and could very well be wrong. I really can't think of anything else that could be the problem though.

[arcam8123]

I just checked. The one I have on the parts shelf seems to be equal distance from the center of the bolt to the holes. If there is any offset, it's only about a 1/16". They are offset from side to side.

[DJ in WV]

Well that confirms it, I'm wrong. I had to have been thinking about the side to side offset instead. Thanks for checking Ron.

I can't think of anything else that would be causing things to not line up.

[beaner2u]

Phil,

Can you take a picture of the exhaust side and your fitting problem?

Roger,

[CTPhil]

Originally Posted by beaner2u

Phil,

Can you take a picture of the exhaust side and your fitting problem?

Roger,

Yes, will do, but right now it's together wrong, with the hitch straps on first. That way there's about 1/8 inch clearance to the manifold. I realized after I'd redone it that I wouldn't be able to attach the governor or starter plate that way.

[CTPhil]

Well here's a pic for what it's worth. With the straps on first as in the photo (wrong) there is a gap between the shroud and manifold, with the shroud on first, it presses against the manifold.