Hitchcocks Forum

Refitted the original oil cap
with it's dangling thin rod to
a recent rebuilt pre '55 Twin.
Had assumed this cap was from a
earlier machine, and was simply
making do, but now discover that
all post war Redditch motors use
the #19670 oil cap combo.Not only
is the rod too thin to see the
(fresh) oil, there are no top
and bottom level marks either.
Using a screwdriver poked down
the filler, how far down is the
oil when filled with the usual
specified two quarts, and the
handle rests on the filler top?
And for that matter, was is min.
low level when motor has rested
over night too? Am inclined to
fit a strip 3/16" alternative
dip stick like most other 'bikes.
Thank you! Gordon

Gordon, I know it's annoying but stick with the wire type cap. If you examine it carefully you will see it has a tiny breather hole in it (about 1/64th) which the late ones don't have, no hole will equal pressurised oil leaks, trust me! The level should be about half way up the stick, mine had a mark stamped on it by a previous Owner, probably with a chisel. (I'll check it for position later.) I've also seen paint used. Don't be tempted to use quite as much oil as the book says, too full and the oil tank can't breathe and it will pump out! Does this mean the bike is finally a runner???
REgards, Mark (1953 Meteor.)

And Oh Boy! can I endorse Mark M's comment regarding oil leaks with no hole in the filler cap! Still going well with NO leaks.

Thanxs, Mark for confirming
those dip stick specs. Little
wonder the collective instinct
to pour more oil in when the
readings are so vague. Motor
is/was running finally but left
awhile as an oil pump issue has
be resolved. Turned out the
mystery distributor was from a
'57 Truimph TRW side valve twin,
which a friend with much Lucas
expertise modified somewhat. So
the odyssey continues! Gordon

Good to hear that Gordon! Do you still want a measurement? I reckon you should take the "full by the book" level and then reduce the marking by experience, you may be lucky and have no oil burning or breather pumping issues! However it is common to experience high oil consumption if overfilled without seeing noticeable smoke so use your skill and judgement...
REgards, Mark