BSA Owners' Club Workshop Discussions

The BSA Workshop => Singles => Topic started by: AltcarBob on 01 Sep, 2023, 12:44

Title: B25 Inlet pushrods (unobtanium)
Post by: AltcarBob on 01 Sep, 2023, 12:44
I have pulled the top end off my b25 to try and locate a rattle and I have discovered I have a pair of exhaust pushrods. No worries thinks I then I try to order an inlet pushrod and discover that no one seems to have them and no one seems to know when they will be back in stock.

Do I need to worry or just do what the previous owner did and just adjust the tappet and ignore the extra rattling. After all it's a BSA unit single and it's a symphony of rattling.
Title: Re: B25 Inlet pushrods (unobtanium)
Post by: Stubaker58 on 01 Sep, 2023, 13:31
I was intrigued by the inlet and exhaust being different lengths, but it is so. RR has an instructive paragraph (p139). The exhaust should be 1/16" shorter, apparently they can be lengthened by taking off the metal cap and inserting a small disc of the correct thickness and replacing the cap. (Or take a C15 rod and shorten it).
Hope you get it sorted.
Title: Re: B25 Inlet pushrods (unobtanium)
Post by: AltcarBob on 01 Sep, 2023, 14:27
RRatio doesn't say how to get the steel end off and I tried tapping it but its not shifting. The rod is only ally or I would give it a good smack but don't fancy it. I suppose it's going to need heat but again I don't fancy getting the blow torch on it.
Title: Re: B25 Inlet pushrods (unobtanium)
Post by: Stubaker58 on 01 Sep, 2023, 16:47
I've got a spare C15 rod (somewhere!) which I don't mind experimenting on, I think the aluminium will be fine heated up. I'll let you know.
Title: Re: B25 Inlet pushrods (unobtanium)
Post by: AltcarBob on 01 Sep, 2023, 21:59
Quote from: Stubaker58 on 01 Sep, 2023, 16:47
I've got a spare C15 rod (somewhere!) which I don't mind experimenting on, I think the aluminium will be fine heated up. I'll let you know.

Thanks your braver than me
Title: Re: B25 Inlet pushrods (unobtanium)
Post by: Stubaker58 on 02 Sep, 2023, 16:13
Ok, so the bad news is that it took a lot of heat and then the application of force via a small set of vice grips to get the end cap off. The end of the aluminium rod was pretty chewed up as was the outside of the cap. I'm sure that it could be re-united but it's not easy. (No useable parts were harmed in this experiment as the other end of this particular rod is pretty rough).

The good news is that of the spare rods that I've got one is 7 5/16", which I think is what you're after?

PM me if you're interested.
Title: Re: B25 Inlet pushrods (unobtanium)
Post by: AltcarBob on 02 Sep, 2023, 18:00
I have sent you a pm, I think, I am using a replacement phone and it's not one I am used to.
Title: Re: B25 Inlet pushrods (unobtanium)
Post by: KCF21 on 03 Sep, 2023, 14:59
You need to make a little pusher - please see photo,
Kevin
Title: Re: B25 Inlet pushrods (unobtanium)
Post by: Stubaker58 on 03 Sep, 2023, 19:44
Not that makes sense!
Thanks
Title: Re: B25 Inlet pushrods (unobtanium)
Post by: AltcarBob on 05 Sep, 2023, 08:41
Quote from: KCF21 on 03 Sep, 2023, 14:59
You need to make a little pusher - please see photo,
Kevin

Good bodge 👍 did you need any heat as well and what did you use to extend the rod I was thinking a small washer.
Title: Re: B25 Inlet pushrods (unobtanium)
Post by: AltcarBob on 12 Sep, 2023, 16:22
Thanks to Studebaker 58 I have a slightly over length C15 pushrod which I am going to cut down on a lathe. With the supervision of someone who actually knows how to use a lathe of course I would probably end up losing a few fingers if I wasn't supervised  :o
Title: Re: B25 Inlet pushrods (unobtanium)
Post by: Dean Southall on 12 Sep, 2023, 19:39
I wouldn't apply heat. The alloy rods will expand more than the steel caps making them grip all the more securely!

If the rods are past it then dural rod is available, just cut to length and cold press the caps on.