Hi, I've been carrying out a partial restoration of a 1963 Gold flash, I find now that the oil isn't returning to the tank, it may have been this way when I bought it as I never checked (I know, stupid of me!)I've taken pump off and cleaned it, replaced with new gasket. The scavenge pipe ball bearing underneath doesn't seem to move when pushing on it with a small screwdriver, should it? If that is the problem or part of it, will the engine need to be stripped down to rectify?
Hi,
Yes, it should push up to allow the oil to be returned to the tank. The 'suck' of the pump will lift it and then gravity will pull it back down to keep, in theory, oil in the return pipe.
Try again and apply some WD40 or brake cleaner to loosen any sludge that may be sticking it. Try to make sure any potential gunge does not go up the pipe and so keep it out of the pump.
If necessary the 'popeye's pipe' can be removed by very carefully gripping and twisting it. Take care not to damage it or squash it otherwiswe it will not work properly.
Dave.
Thanks Dave, I have now established that the ball bearing is free. any other reason why the oil is not returning? does it need priming in some way?
Hi,
Yes, it could be that there is some air in the pipes.
Has the engine been started and run?
If so, was there any oil in the sump?
If yes, then oil is probably getting to the big ends etc.
If no, then remove the oil pressure release valve and turn the engine over with the kickstart (plugs removed) until oil appears. This will indicate that oil is getting through the pump. Refit the OPRV.
Oil should now get to the big ends and back to the sump.
With the sump plate refitted pour some oil in through the rocker box. About a cup full should be enough and allow it to run down to the sump. This should mean that the scavenge pipe is sitting in oil and that the pump will now return oil to the tank. It may also be worth slackening off the joints in the return line to allow any air to escape and to see if the oil is getting through.
See how it goes but do not run the engine until you are sure that oil is getting to the bog ends and back again.
Dave.
firstly, filled the sludge trap with oil before plugging, then plug and fill through any holes.
join the cases and then periodically oil can squirt into oil ways, cam shaft bush holes and timing side bush holes.
before the barrels go on, more oiling.
any excess can be drained out before fitting the sump plate.
pump filled with oil, presumably checked before fitting that the pump actually works. should turn over and see oil rise and fall in flange face holes.
new gasket, ball and spring. Fit the pipes below and proper square section o rings.
oil can squirt oil in both (or 3 if later rocker feed type )
turning crank over will show if oil is going in or out of pipes.
when the motor is secure in frame and ready to fit oil pipes. squirt more oil down through pipes. I
f you need to a thin wire down the pipes to remove any trapped air.
may seem too much but easier than have to strip out with dry bearings.