1955 Matchless G3LS

[Hankikat]

Hi, a bit of information or advise required please, I have rebuilt my 1955 Matchless G3LS engine, before starting or putting any oil in I decided to turn the engine by hand on turning it I heard a distinct click on investigation I found that the bottom of the exhaust tappet is clicking on the ledge of the casing ( please see attached photo ) is this normal or because I have not put the oil in yet.
Thanking you in advance.
Robert

[Duncan]

Hi Robert, if you put the cam back in you should be able to see if the section opposite the cam keeps the tappet off the ledge, it should unless the cams have been reprofiled or are hot cams. Clicking is usually associated with too much end float on the cams themselves, the usual remedy is to shim the shaft in the outer edge.

I usually use graphogen on wearing surfaces when assembling an engine, unless you prime the oiling system it can take a while for the oil to get to the top of the engine.

[Hankikat]

Hi Duncan
Thank you for your reply, I will look into that this afternoon.
Robert