BSA Owners' Club Workshop Discussions

The BSA Workshop => Singles => Topic started by: hoogerbooger on 15 Apr, 2018, 16:27

Title: Sump Plate - loose studs & sealing
Post by: hoogerbooger on 15 Apr, 2018, 16:27
Two of the studs unscrewed when I removed the sump plate to drain the oil.

Should I be installing the studs first & using some form of locking compound to prevent them coming out again next time? or just use the nut on it to screw back in as if it were a bolt.

I have no locking compounds so wot would be good

(Re the paper gaskets: was just going to use grease)

Title: Re: Sump Plate - loose studs & sealing
Post by: A10 JWO on 15 Apr, 2018, 17:04
I would just clean them up and pop them back in. You obviously had a tight fit. If it's not broke, don't spend more money. I use the blue jointing compound, only because I have some.
Title: Re: Sump Plate - loose studs & sealing
Post by: AWJDThumper on 15 Apr, 2018, 17:26
Either use thread lock or lock two nuts on the end of the stud to enable you to screw the studs in tight into the crankcase. If you don't, they will just come loose again and eventually wear out the thread in the soft crankcase metal;.
Title: Re: Sump Plate - loose studs & sealing
Post by: hoogerbooger on 25 Apr, 2018, 23:57
The studs I have are too short to seat. (didn't realise until non threaded section started disappearing ! - so may have a bit of damaged thread now)

stud holes are 1" deep. Stud width appears to be 1/4" ..but I have no idea on what the right thread is . Can anyone confirm on the right studs to get for my B40F ?

I found this link but the non-threaded section looks too short if it needs to match the sump plate thickness ( i.e sump plate + sump filter + 2 paper gaskets = total of 3/16")

https://www.britishbikebits.com/stud-1-4-unf-unc-x-1#.WuEBb9TwbMw


Also should nylock nuts and normal washers be sufficient - or is there a need for a spring washer as well ?





Title: Re: Sump Plate - loose studs & sealing
Post by: AWJDThumper on 26 Apr, 2018, 04:10
I think the correct ones are shown below with 1/4" BSW thread into the engine and 1/4" BSF for the nut. Nowadays using a plain washer and Nyloc nut is probably best. If the threaded hole in the engine appears to be too deep, insert studs up to plain section and use a Loctite thread and stud lock to fix in place. If a thread is damaged then you will need repair with a Helicoil.
Title: Re: Sump Plate - loose studs & sealing
Post by: ROYC on 26 Apr, 2018, 07:51
I made my own studs from ¼whit bolts.
I cut the hex head off and ran a ¼bsf die down the plain part of the bolt.
Title: Re: Sump Plate - loose studs & sealing
Post by: AWJDThumper on 26 Apr, 2018, 12:34
Sorry, missed off the link to the studs:

https://www.feked.com/bsa-engine-stud-31-222.html
Title: Re: Sump Plate - loose studs & sealing
Post by: ROYC on 26 Apr, 2018, 12:51
Quote from: AWJDThumper on 26 Apr, 2018, 12:34
Sorry, missed off the link to the studs:

https://www.feked.com/bsa-engine-stud-31-222.html

Those are only 1" (25mm) too short if you have a thick aluminium sump plate.
Title: Re: Sump Plate - loose studs & sealing
Post by: AWJDThumper on 26 Apr, 2018, 13:24
These are longer and may be ok:

https://www.ebay.ie/itm/BSA-Sump-Filter-Plate-Stainless-Steel-Studs-Long-for-alloy-finned-sump-plate-/162986716380?hash=item25f2c3ecdc

Title: Re: Sump Plate - loose studs & sealing
Post by: hoogerbooger on 26 Apr, 2018, 14:17
agree. these look like the ones I have and 1/4" too short on the engine side.

To my great annoyance, I have lost 1/4" of thread on one hole ..leaving 3/4" of thread not damaged. I'm presuming that's enough to fix studs without loctite ...if I can find a stud that is 1" .

If anyone know of a source of studs that are 1" engine side....I'd be grateful to know.

the last post link is only half inch engine side...but thank you for posting.

red locktite and (the Granville Bearing and Studlock that I have) say they are permanent...but looks like you should be able to double nut to extract the stud later. But what about the set threadlock left in the stud holes ? is this not going to be a problem to later fitting new studs ?

having messed up once it would be good to avoid exacerbating the problem

Title: Re: Sump Plate - loose studs & sealing
Post by: MALCOLM.JOHNSON on 26 Apr, 2018, 21:47
1/4 inch BSW threads are the same pitch as 1/4 inch UNC, except that the former has a thread angle of 55 degrees and the latter 60 degrees. Which makes the use of UNC useful when dealing with worn BSW thread holes, which is often the case. Are you sure the thread in your stud hole goes right the way in to an inch deep - it is rare that they cut the thread that deep even if the hole is that depth.  If the thread is that deep, then for simplicity in your case, buy a UNC allen set screw of the required length using a spring washer under the head, making sure that it will not bottom out AND do not over tighten - just use a couple of fingers on the allen key. At most auto jumbles you can buy taps that are good enough to clean threads out in alloy very cheaply. If you have 1/4, 5/16 and 3/8 taps in BSW for studs or in UNC for allen set screws you will meet most situations. When I re-build an engine or gearbox I ALWAYS remove all studs and gently file flat the inevitable raised lip around the holes, for a better gasket face. I also ALWAYS clean out thread holes with a suitable hand held drill bit to remove all traces of gasket glue and then clean the thread with a suitable tap. I have lost count of thread holes AND casings, found burst open by hydraulics involving Hermatite or similar that I have found needing serious attention.
Title: Re: Sump Plate - loose studs & sealing
Post by: hoogerbooger on 26 Apr, 2018, 22:54
Have rechecked the two open stud holes.  One is one inch deep and blind. can't tell if it's threaded to the top. This one not knackered.

However the one I've knackered is open and 3/4" deep - seemingly threaded to the end. So 1/2" of thread left ( plus now - as you highlight I have a surface bur to carefully remove)

I had presumed studs always  go into a blind hole and were tightened into a blind end. I'm not sure how they wouldn't shake loose if they didn't.... unless thread locker is used. Wish I'd done a bit more checking.

The studs I have seem in ok condition and have 3/4" of thread. Reckon that's enough to threadlock in place  ?? (having removed the surface bur on sump plate mating face )

Let me know  if  this is not likely to be sufficient  - with  1/4" at the plate end now enlarged and threadless

I have no taps or experience of using these  ( nor a Helicoil kit). So I'm hoping threadlock will do for now.....although if this fails using one of these approaches  looks like it'll be needed.






Title: Re: Sump Plate - loose studs & sealing
Post by: MALCOLM.JOHNSON on 27 Apr, 2018, 10:27
If you have 1/2 inch of good thread, then that will be plenty, but clean the thread to get rid of all traces of oil, otherwise threadlock will be a waste of time. Similarly wire brush the male threads. I usually give the threads a squirt of carb cleaner and blow off with an airline before using threadlock. Test screw in first by hand to the depth you require and then follow with threadlock and leave to set before final assembly. Finally do not use big socket sets to tighten small nuts. For 1/4 bolts and studs into alloy, need little more than a 4 to 5 inch spanner !!!!  Good luck.
Title: Re: Sump Plate - loose studs & sealing
Post by: hoogerbooger on 07 May, 2018, 16:31
Still having problems with studs. Thread locker not really working & I'm a bit worried when I put the nyloc nuts on they'll start moving the studs...as they were undoing them after leaving the thread lock to set for 2 days ( when the official setting time is 45mins)

Should standard nuts & spring washers be ok  to seal & stay sealed ?

as I'm presuming they're less likely to turn the studs. (I've checked and straightened the sump plate and filter - sump casing looks straight/level)

(the 2nd attempt with thread lock on the damaged hole was strong enough &  I could undo the nut on it. Had 2 attempts on the other lose stud and it just comes out . So have just had a 3rd attempt with no nut on it gripping with mole grips on non threaded bit... but now need to put nuts on with out dislodging/winding studs in)

(I did my best to clean out the case holes with carb cleaner & screwing in the stud a couple of times carefully. Cleaned up the studs with carb cleaner and wire brush....... no air line, so used track stand pump and football inflator nozle.  I thought I had blown out the carb cleaner and left it long enough to evaporate. not sure if it's dirt, residual carb cleaner or worn threads causing the problem)

Title: Re: Sump Plate - loose studs & sealing
Post by: AWJDThumper on 07 May, 2018, 17:58
Which thread lock are you using since they come in different strengths? It's best to lock them firmly in place otherwise you run the risk of eventually wearing out the threads in the soft aluminium crankcase.
Title: Re: Sump Plate - loose studs & sealing
Post by: ducati2242 on 07 May, 2018, 18:28
Helicoiled mine and then loctited new studs in . Worked fine .
Title: Re: Sump Plate - loose studs & sealing
Post by: hoogerbooger on 07 May, 2018, 18:39
I realise that ultimately helicoil may be necessary. But this s probably beyond me currently and if it can be done with the engine in the bike I'd need a professional with a decent lift. Hoping I can do something in the interim to get it running ....then I can size up what needs doing for a more decent restoration.

I used Granville Bearing Fit and stud lock.- It's a red one saying it is permanent.

Title: Re: Sump Plate - loose studs & sealing
Post by: hoogerbooger on 11 May, 2018, 18:16
Just tried using bsf nyloc nuts and it started winding in a 3rd stud & on unwinding took the stud out ! !

the nut went on a reasonably way  so I think these nuts were bsf threads ( as they were sold to me). Standard Bsf nuts seem to go on fine.....So I seem to have no choice (presuming I can get the stud to threadlock ok ) but to use standard nuts and spring washers.

This likely to be leak proof ?

Title: Re: Sump Plate - loose studs & sealing
Post by: MALCOLM.JOHNSON on 13 May, 2018, 21:32
You are lucky that 1/4 inch BSF is exactly the same as 1/4 inch cycle thread (BCY) which is 26 TPI and a 60 degree thread form. Do not try BSF to the other BCY sizes, as they DO NOT interchange. Bolt it up and get riding. If it leaks a little it proves you had oil in! ;D
Title: Re: Sump Plate - loose studs & sealing
Post by: AWJDThumper on 14 May, 2018, 07:45
Strictly speaking, the 1/4" thread forms are not the same: BSF (and BSW) has a 55 deg thread angle whereas BSC has a 60 deg thread angle in the same way as metric threads. That said, I've never found any problems in using them interchangeably.
Title: Re: Sump Plate - loose studs & sealing
Post by: hoogerbooger on 14 May, 2018, 15:13
points noted on the differing thread angle. Thanks.

Sounds like Malcolm thinks the risk is a bit of a leak rather than a lot ? A small amount of leakage seems bearable  ( & perhaps traditional !) Do you think I can be pretty sure it shouldn't be more than a small amount of leakage with spring washers ?

(Would nyloc nuts always have been used on 1960's sumps studs ? or have they come in later as a less shake proof option ? )



Title: Re: Sump Plate - loose studs & sealing
Post by: AWJDThumper on 14 May, 2018, 17:01
I'm not really clear whether the threads in the crankcase have failed or are still in reasonable condition. If a thread has failed, the use of thread lock will not work in which case you have no choice but to repair the threads affected with a Helicoil. If the threads are ok, it should be possible (as a test) to use suitably long BSF bolts with lock washers on them to clamp the sump plate in place. If the threads are ok, it should be possible to tighten them to a torque of about 10Nm. The reason bolts weren't used originally is that they tend to wear out the threads in the soft ally crankcase after repeated use.

In terms of the type of lock nut used, Nyloc nuts weren't around in the 1960's but are the modern replacement for the sump plate nuts. I think the original ones were cleveloc or aerotight locking nuts.
Title: Re: Sump Plate - loose studs & sealing
Post by: hoogerbooger on 14 May, 2018, 18:46
I take it you mean use the bolts to test if I can fit sump to 10NM.

Then if that works I ought to be able to fit studs with thread lock .

By lock washers do you mean rectangular spring washers ?

I don't think the threads have failed, as I wouldn't have been able on the one to over tighten it.. so that it carried on going in for 5mm too far. Seems like the threadlock is not working well. ( Granville bearing fit & studlock)

(One other studs started turning inwards after I'd threadlocked it...seemingly when the nyloc section was engaged the stud. I stopped as soon as I saw it start turning.... and that stud ended up coming out)

I guess it could be an old rubbish batch of the product although I bought it online recently) .
Was also wondering whether the internal surface wasn' clean enough; or whether all the carburettor cleaner hadn't evaporaaed off; or whether there is wear on the threads so that the gap to fill is bigger .

Title: Re: Sump Plate - loose studs & sealing
Post by: AWJDThumper on 15 May, 2018, 07:51
Using bolts will test that the threads are still ok - use spring washers to stop them unscrewing. If the threads are ok then there should be no reason why the studs can't be locked in place. I would recommend high strength Loctite 270 but clean the threads beforehand as well as you can to remove any oil film. Squirting brake cleaning fluid into the threads and using some cotton buds should normally do the trick. If brake cleaning fluid is not available then substitute some other solvent.
Title: Re: Sump Plate - loose studs & sealing
Post by: hoogerbooger on 17 May, 2018, 18:18
Thanks for all the advice.

right size spring washers arrived. So sump plate back on. No torque wrench so have just had to judge it ( but might borrow/buy cheep one to check if 10NM)

No sign of studs turning. Had repeated using Carb cleaner the Granville bearing fit & studlock. I hadn't previously been using much torque when the studs turned with nyloc nuts... so not that confident the threadlocker will prevent them shaking free...but we'll see. If/when I get the bike going I'll be doing some standing tests and very short trips with regular checks for leaks/movement.

All advice banked as I may need to use if the studs fail.  Thanks again.

( I am leaning gradually ! .... and progress is slowly being made !)

Title: Re: Sump Plate - loose studs & sealing
Post by: MALCOLM.JOHNSON on 18 May, 2018, 10:44
I have been out of commission a few days and just seen I had some brain flatulence re thread angle of BSF. Over 70 (that is years not MPH) and it seems to happen more often. I am sure hoogerbooger has the main theme of my post. Hope it all seals up for you. Happy riding.
Title: Re: Sump Plate - loose studs & sealing
Post by: OVERTHEHILL on 18 May, 2018, 20:52
Just been reading this thread, if the studs are fitted with locktite and you use spring washers and standard nuts all will be well. That's what I use and oil does not leak. That's what was used when the bikes were new only they did not use locktite just screwed the studs in. Do not overtighten use a short spanner and modest pressure.