Wanted help bsa with pilgrim oil pump don’t think I have oil getting to pump

[Georgeb1]

I have an old bsa with a pilgrim the bike is the type that takes the oil in one half of the tank the pipe splits with a rubber pipe joining the copper line together ! Like that when I got the bike so I disconnected from the joint but no oil is pouring out is this normal ? Should it be free flowing out the pipe ? It's my first 1930s bike I'm used to fireblades ect I have the bike all running ect but I'm scared there's no oil getting to the pilgrim pump and the site glass is too old to see if it is dripping behind the sight glass ? Any help would be fantastic I just don't want to blow the bike up and run with no oil ! I have done some research and not really came across anyone with same issue as most of you boys have the knowledge on how these bikes work where as I have not really got a idea thanks

[Steve.S]

Oil should definitely come out of this pipe. Originally, there would have been a tap fitted to the tank. Have you turned it on, or is it blocked? If no oil is coming out, the engine may blow up. So don't start the engine.
It's essential to be able to see the oil dripping through the pump. The "glass" was originally celluloid, but you should cut a new one out rigid thin plastic sheet.
A good starting point for adjustment is 1 drop every 4 seconds.
Once you have the oil flowing, it might be worth draining the crankcase, as a build up of oil will cause bad starting and a smokey exhaust.
Finally,  you might get a better response if you posted similar questions in the Pre War section.

[Georgeb1]

Hi thanks for your reply I wasn't aware there was a pre war section I haven't touched the bike since there is no tap on my oil line just an adjuster on the pilgrim I will remove the glass and see if it's dripping this week thanks so much for your help I definitely don't want to blow it up as I have spent around 3 years getting it to the stage it's at and spent quite a lot on it and that's just getting it in running condition with original parts ! Thanks mate top man

[Steve.S]

I've just re read your original post. If you disconnect the pipe, I'm fairly sure oil won't pour out, or be free flowing. But it should certainly be a fast drip or trickle.... depending on how cold the weather is. I use 50 grade oil. Do you know the year and model of the bike?
Bear in mind you will only see oil dripping regularly into the pump with the engine running, and I'm not sure they work without the glass fitted.

[Georgeb1]

Hi mate thanks very much it's a 1933 bsa b1 250cc I have not yet touched the bike again I will go over what you have said it is very appreciated mate I'm starting to think you need brought up with these vintage bikes to know what you are doing 😂 im maybe too young just turned 30 🤣 as I don't know much about pre war stuff bike runs a dream but I haven't run for more than 30 seconds since I notticed the oil as when I disconnected the pipe there was no oil dripping and tank is nearly full of oil