Featured Thunderbird 650 Electric’s

Another manual link for you and a pic of where the alternator wire exits the back of the primary...next to the breather pipe.
http://www.classicbike.biz/triumph/Repair/45-55/45-55TriumphRepair.pdf

 

Yes it should be tight...but you should be looking to fit an alternator or you will only have lights for as long as the battery charge lasts.

 

https://www.trisupply.co.uk/product-category/alternators/page/2/

But there are plenty of other parts suppliers.

 

Do your research. Loads of info on pre unit triumphs on inter web.
Read the manual from classicbike.biz.
Also get a parts manual.
You will need to fit an alternator to hold the sprocket on the crankshaft. The hand tight stud will need to be torqued up with the rotor in place.
Don’t run it as it is as it will run like that as it’s got a magneto ignition system but the sprocket will be loose.
I’ve got 2 pre unit 650s. They’re great bikes. You’ll love it when you get out on a sunny day. Good for 100mph. The bike that gave the bonneville and Thruxton their names.
The brakes are not as good as the motor so think ahea
d.
Ask if you need any more info. I might bore you to death on these babies.
Taff

 

Ethan,

Along with the alternator stator and rotor, I assume you'll also need a regulator/rectifier and the sub-harness wiring to connect them.

The Thunderbird is often considered the sweetest of the 650's - nice power/torque output without being bonkers - and yours is a really lovely example. Definitely worth any investment required in cost, time and effort - the rewards will be fully repaid.

 

Head gaskets should not leak oil as there are no oil ways between head and barrels, you old copper gasket can be reused by annealing it. The most important part is using the correct seals and getting the crush correct.

 

Tighten the puller and hit it with a hammer and retighten and hit again to shock it off.

 

Heat with a gas torch might help.

 

Have faith and getit hot , at the death you could grind 2 flats and split it with a sharp chisel :-(

 

Ethan.
Great Job.
Joe

 

Ethan
Give your self a big pat on the back. It's fantastic. Great to see the old bikes still out there looking great.
Regards
Joe.