b31 newby question

[EDDIE SIMPSON]

hi , i m new to the singles , took the timing cover off today [ 1958 model ]and saw the timing side[/img][/img][/img] oil feeds have no oil seals. are they missing or is this normal ?  also is there anything else to check before i try to start the engine other than the obvious .tappet gaps, points gap , oil circulation.

[chaz]

Looks fairly dry in there, I would give it a good prime with oil first, probably wet sumped

[EDDIE SIMPSON]

hi chas, i havnt fitted the oil tank yet and need a lot more  work before i fire her up.
should there be any oil seals or fibre washers fitted on the timing side?

[GLENN]

Hi Eddie, looks like the camshaft oil seals are missing fom the timing cover  -part no,   66-1923. 

I would also advise you remove the sump plate and take out the oil pump.  These usually tighten up after long term storage.  All the best, Glenn

[Nanonevol]

Why not download and study the parts manual?
https://partsbooks.britishonly.com/partsbooks/20-10194C.pdf

[idie]

The seals are available on Ebay.

[EDDIE SIMPSON]

thanks for all the advise. i want to avoid any silly oversights.
i have the parts manual saved but not always so clear. 
is the haynes singles manual a good idea ? been unable to find a genuine bsa repair manual so far.
it seems the oil pump is worth investigation before i start up?
who is the best bsa parts dealer for b31 s ?
many thanks

[chaz]

Haynes are generic, cover all years and often all of a style eg, C15, B40 etc. In the beginning they were ok for the home maintainence rider but based on car mechanics which often do not apply to bikes. keep looking for a genuine one, they are probably out there otherwise Bruce Main Smith probably do copies.
Oil pump!! ignore it at your peril, if its not working properly all that money you spent on crank regrinds and new bearings will be gone. I would like Morgo ones but cost three or four time the cost of an original.
Draganfly as normal for spares but others like Burton  can supply, often getting their stock from the same places

[GLENN]

I also like C&D Autos for parts. 

As for a manual, how about:  https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BSA-Singles-Restoration-by-Roy-H-Bacon-Paperback-2012/192961792434?epid=112374627&hash=item2ced6b49b2:g:fB0AAMXQNo5TWh1T

All the best, Glenn

[Blackthou]

I recently bought the Haynes manual supposedly covering "the singles" and to be honest am disappointed as it's virtually no help at all. I will say that I bought as I haven't found Haynes manuals to be to bad previously.

[Pete C]

Eddie
Send me your email and I will send you some notes I have on the oil pump. If the timing side oil feed seals were missing I would be inclined to check everything to be sure there are no other unpleasant surprises. These engines are really robust but just because one will run it doesn't mean it isn't knackered!
There are many BSA Service sheets which cover most aspects of the engines.
cheers
Pete

check out thethe forum and technical sections of http://www.wdbsa.nl/    Primarily for M20s but a lot is the same as a B model

petercomley@web.de

[EDDIE SIMPSON]

hi pete, ive sent you my email address and thanks for the m20 information site. its given me some tips and i m going to remove the oil pump tomorrow

[EDDIE SIMPSON]

i took of the pump today and yes it was solid. luckily the body is in good condition and after i reamed out the spindle holes [1/4 "] it all turned well when bolted together. however,  sadly for me, further engine overhaul  looks on the cards. oil pump gear debris i was able to remove. but look at that horrible silicon and the rounded crankcase bolts. bore looked oily as well. no money to spend so the project goes on hold .

[cdsdorset]

Did you resurface the side plates on the oil pump? Pretty pointless rebuilding it if you haven't.

[AdrianW]

Eddie,

Manuals :-
I have the Haynes "BSA Pre-Unit Singles" , it's ok and useable for many tasks..
The Roy Bacon  Singles "Restoration" book is what it says, about restoration. Lots of nice photos if you want to get things right, a workshop manual it isn't..
I have an old (2003!) Draganfly Parts List - very useful, I am sure there is a more up to date version.. ! 
There were also BSA "Service Sheets", I have some of these somewhere, they are the original factory / dealer notes. They may be available online.

Parts - C & D Autos , Draganfly and various suppliers on Ebay !

Good luck with your project !

Adrian
Bristol UK