Walneck's Classic Cycle Trader - November 2008 - (Page 29)

MONTHLY FEATURES always happen, and with the price of oil these days, something had to give. If you don’t mind a little extra wrench turning, a very easy fix, and one that is absolutely foolproof, is to install an aftermarket sump plate with a magnetic drain plug. So long as you don’t let the oil get too high in the sump and start leaking, you can easily pull the plug before starting the bike, drain the oil into a clean receptacle, and return the oil to the tank. If you buy a sump plate with a magnetic plug, you get a little extra protection too. Many take this road, and it’s a good one. On the opposite end of the safety spectrum is fitting a manual shutoff valve. I can’t even remember my own cell phone number so I didn’t remotely consider the option, but I will throw something out for public consumption. I think it might be pretty easy to run an ignition system bypass to a valve assembly thereby making it impossible to start the bike without turning on the tap. This might be a workable solution, but just running a shutoff valve alone, for me anyway, would be closely akin to smoking at the fireworks factory, an accident that’s almost inevitable. About ten years ago, I attacked the wet sumping problem in this very bike by stripping the timing side, pulling the pump, and replacing the check ball and spring. This fix worked for about two years, but it reverted to its old evil ways after that. Doing this job also took quite a bit of time, something else than seems in short supply at the palatial Brown estate lately. If you’re lazy and like to live dangerously like I do, you can also install an anti-wet sump valve. There are several kinds, and this one works by employing a spring-loaded block in the intake line of the oil system. The spring, while lightly loaded, is stronger than the one in the oil pump, but not so strong (you hope) that it will prevent the suction from the pump from drawing back on the spring and consequently letting oil flow when you want it flowing. While indolent and reckless by nature, I’m not absolutely crazy, so I also decided to fit an oil gauge so that I could see it when I started and rode the bike. I made darn sure this system worked before I fitted the valve. If you just have an idiot light, this is better than nothing, but make sure it works. The warning light should turn on when you turn the ignition key and if it does not, check the power to the light and then the light itself. The system works by connecting to ground when there’s no oil pressure and interrupting it when there is. You can roughly test the switch itself with an ohmmeter. You should not get continuity to ground when the bike isn’t running, and continuity when it is. A65s before 1969 don’t even have an oil pressure switch or a place to fit one, so I’d never run an anti-wet sump valve on one of these models. It is possible, however, to machine earlier BSA cases to accept the later switch or a full gauge. It’s a worthwhile investment. OK, the photos show how to fit the valve, so I’ll leave you to your thoughtful analysis. If you find the time, say a little prayer for my bike and me. I’ll do the same for you. WALNECKS.COM TIP OF THE MONTH ? Locate the pickup line for the oil system and remove it. Anti-sump valve is shown. Silver end goes to engine side. While the instructions that came with the valve said it wasn’t necessary to drain the oil to install the valve, common sense said it would be easier and much less messy so this was done. Oil line will need to be trimmed slightly to allow for installation of valve. Best spot to do this is where it attaches to the oil tank as this is the section most likely to fail and leak. Oil line will now be reinstalled with the valve fitted. I WALNECK’S CLASSIC CYCLE TRADER® | November 2008 29

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Walneck's Classic Cycle Trader - November 2008 Contents American The Buzz w/Buzz Walneck Our Winners Stories! By Rick Weiler 1962 Henkel Tourist Motorcycle Tips w/Mike Brown Our Winners Stories! By Tom Sutherland Event Listings & Advertisements Bench Racing w/Mark Zimmerman British Biker of the Month: Hagon Shocks European Japanese Davenport Show Recap Motorbikes & Scooters 1956 Maico Mobil 197cc 1952 45cc VeloSolex Memorbilia Antique Cycle Clubs Parts, Accessories, Want Ads How to Place a Word Ad How To Place a Photo Ad Area Code Directory How To Subscribe Let Us Help With Your Event

Walneck's Classic Cycle Trader - November 2008

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