Oil Pump Control Spindle Position

[BILLINGTON]

I hope you can help me. There is an Oil Pump Control Spindle on my 1932 W32-6 500cc side valve BSA, however I can't find out which way I should have it turned.

I know that this controls the oil pump which takes oil from the sump an delivers it to the big end. It will turn through 180 degrees.  At the moment I have the small handle on the spindle pointing forward because this was the position it was in when I purchased the bike. Could you please tell me what pointing it forward or backward would do.

Thank you for any kind help.

[BEVANC]

Gidday from N.Z.,
Here's a page from the book BSA Motorcycles, by D A Munro, 1948, which seems to answer your question.
Cheers,
Bevan

[BILLINGTON]

Thank you Bevanc this was helpful. It would seem that you needed more oil flow when the engine was new. I've also now read that you may need less oil flow at low speeds and move oil follow at high speed.

I think I will keep the oil control knob turned fully anti clock wise to ensure maximum oil flow on the bases that this is likely to do less harm than being in an oil starvation situation with the oil control knob turned fully clock wise.

If I do get a lot of blue smoke out of the exhausts I can always try turning it down in small increments.

On a side note I will be on the south island of NZ in a few months, and it always interesting to go to the museums to see what Kiwis do with bike such as Burt Munro, John Britain, Ivan Mauger, Hugh Anderson and Tommy McCleary.

[BEVANC]

If you are passing through Canterbury, you would be most welcome to drop in for a chat. I've got an ohv S29 and one or two other bikes of interest.
Feel free to get in touch.  My cell is 0211598383
Cheers,
Bevan
ps
there are a few video clips i shot at the Motorcycle Mecca museum in Invercargill - worth going down there jsut for that:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5HAPK67lj0c&t=4s