Hi Evan, When timing the ignition recently, there was a clicking noise ( more a light TINK ) when I turned the motor backwards each time - but not forwards. Being paranoid ( Of course I am paranoid - what with the whole world out to get me.!!
), I assumed I had cracked a new ring. However, no smoke now so not that. It was only emanating from the front of the motor, and my best guess was the dynamo brushes did not like reverse - perhaps the rearmost sharp edge catching on the commutator.?? No problem arose.! Otherwise perhaps valve timing gears backlash.??
Col