BSA Owners' Club Workshop Discussions

The BSA Workshop => Singles => Topic started by: Phil C on 18 Apr, 2020, 09:20

Title: Fitting a new rocker oil feed pipe
Post by: Phil C on 18 Apr, 2020, 09:20
Morning everyone, Following discussions on this forum in the past, I think I'm going to replace my rocker feed pipe. Being a novice, I was just wondering if anybody has done this before and can offer any advice, for example which end to start at (rocker end I guess in order to be able to cut to final length at the other end?), which route to take, possible pitfalls, etc.
Thanks in advance.    Phil
Title: Re: Fitting a new rocker oil feed pipe
Post by: Phil C on 18 Apr, 2020, 09:32
Two things I forgot to mention:

-  copying the old one is probably not a good idea: it has an off-centre joint at the rocker end (see photo) and is quite a wiggly shape elsewhere.

- the bike is a 1965 B40F.

Phil.
Title: Re: Fitting a new rocker oil feed pipe
Post by: Bess on 18 Apr, 2020, 10:28
Hi Phil,
          I would start with one of these:

http://www.shop.srmclassicbikes.com/product/billet-cnc-alloy-rocker-feed-pipe-a7-a10

Then one of these:

https://www.draganfly.co.uk/index.php/component/hikashop/product/8311-

Join with a flexible pipe, filling with oil before starting up. Some put a clear pipe to  see if oil is flowing. When starting put your finger over the discharge in the oil tank to ensure oil is fed to the rockers as soon as possible. Oil back pressure on your finger will let you know when oil is there.

Best wishes...

Title: Re: Fitting a new rocker oil feed pipe
Post by: Phil C on 18 Apr, 2020, 10:57
Thanks Bess, but I don't quite get it. Obviously the first item you show bolts onto the rocker cover. But then how does the second item connect? What is the fitting on the end? Sorry if I'm being unusually dim!   Phil
Title: Re: Fitting a new rocker oil feed pipe
Post by: Bess on 18 Apr, 2020, 11:14
Hi Phil,
           It connects to the oil tank, number 28 on the image:

https://www.draganfly.co.uk/bsa/bsa/a710--b3133--c101112--m202133/category/867-bsa867

You can use the existing copper tail if it is in good condition.

Best wishes...
Title: Re: Fitting a new rocker oil feed pipe
Post by: Phil C on 18 Apr, 2020, 11:34
Thanks for bearing with me, Bess. Mine looks a bit different from that. See photo of my tank (awaiting a lick of paint.)  I was planning simply to push the copper pipe into the rubber pipe.    Phil.
Title: Re: Fitting a new rocker oil feed pipe
Post by: chaz on 18 Apr, 2020, 11:49
we make the alloy billet rocker feeds at work, classic to modern no flexing and looks good although not for the conventionalist
Title: Re: Fitting a new rocker oil feed pipe
Post by: Bess on 18 Apr, 2020, 12:18
Hi Phil,
           Sorry, I just read your second post. I thought you had a A10, although you may get a billet for a B40.

Best wishes...

Title: Re: Fitting a new rocker oil feed pipe
Post by: Phil C on 23 Apr, 2020, 08:48
Hello again everyone, could anybody please tell me, for a 1965 B40 F, what route the rocker oil feed pipe should take, between the rocker and the junction next to the oil tank? For example, should it pass in front of, or behind, the head steady? Any photos of its route along its length would be much appreciated.  Phil
Title: Re: Fitting a new rocker oil feed pipe
Post by: Greenfield on 23 Apr, 2020, 09:42
Hi Phil
These are photos of my '62 B40. The pipe on mine goes under the head steady bracket and valve lifter.
Title: Re: Fitting a new rocker oil feed pipe
Post by: Phil C on 23 Apr, 2020, 10:37
Thanks very much for that Greenfield, much appreciated, and 
- don't know why but - not the route I had expected. So would  that be the standard route for a '65 B40F? Any other thoughts or photos, anyone, please ?  Phil
Title: Re: Fitting a new rocker oil feed pipe
Post by: CLIVEDACKUS on 23 Apr, 2020, 15:03
Seems a readily available part? Not sure about the quality?

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Rocker-Oil-Feed-Pipe-BSA-BSA-C15-B40-B44-40-0183-41-0658-/141758018816

Title: Re: Fitting a new rocker oil feed pipe
Post by: Phil C on 23 Apr, 2020, 15:58
Yes, thanks Clive, it is, but of course it still needs to be bent to fit. Any comments or further photos to show the route the pipe should take please anyone?  Phil
Title: Re: Fitting a new rocker oil feed pipe
Post by: Beesy on 23 Apr, 2020, 21:12
Cant see it matters that much. As long as there are no kinks in it and looks good what difference can it make?
Title: Re: Fitting a new rocker oil feed pipe
Post by: Phil C on 27 Apr, 2020, 10:01
Okay I'll do it the same way as Greenfield's, which looks good, thanks again for the very useful photos. 

By the way, I see on the parts diagram that the pipe is held in place by nuts and washers, but what keeps it oil-tight there?

Phil.
Title: Re: Fitting a new rocker oil feed pipe
Post by: JulianS on 27 Apr, 2020, 10:10
The washers are soft copper.
Title: Re: Fitting a new rocker oil feed pipe
Post by: Phil C on 27 Apr, 2020, 11:07
Ah, okay, thanks Julian.  Phil
Title: Re: Fitting a new rocker oil feed pipe
Post by: Phil C on 27 Apr, 2020, 11:19
No need for any goo?   Phil
Title: Re: Fitting a new rocker oil feed pipe
Post by: Pauldemob on 27 Apr, 2020, 17:53
Hi
Not sure if its right but I have always kept the metal tube fairly short and used good quality oil pipe, easier to fit. mine goes over the back and is held in place with the rubber cable ties to the frame

WD b40 1967