Hitchcocks Forum

Ayup all,

I'm doing an oil change on Bertha my 2007 350 Classic & for a change I'm thinking of draining oil from the timing chest by removing the oil feed plug. Are there any hazards to watch out for?

What should I torque it up to on refitting? The workshop manual doesn't refer to it, I think.

Incidently, what is the purpose of this plug? I think it's something to do with oil supply to the main bearings and/or oil pump, but I can't find out for certain.

Cheers,

John

Yes, that's the oil feed for the big end. It used to use a cork seal (inside on the quill) but modern ones are neoprene. No problem draining oil out, just be ready to catch quite a lot. When first running after oil change, top up after a few minutes running as the timing chest will have filled up again.I wouldn't think torque was critical, just so it seals.

I pulled a quill bolt out recently and the thread came out with it, bugger.

Personally, I would not touch that unless necessary to inspect the seal,otherwise it could get damsged removing it at every oil change.
Royal Enfields need only two things--Loctite and Neverseize.

Hi JOHNLB---------- Unless you NEED to remove the timing chest then I'd leave well alone..... These machines are tempremental enough as it is without adding to it !------------------- These might put you "in the picture" as regards the position of that quill bolt.......>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

The quill bolt does need removing to check it and the quill seal for wear. I think I will pull the timing cover in future to drain the oil from the timing chest in the same way you have to do it with an Electra because they don't have a quill bolt

OK chaps, thanks for your thoughts. I think that I will leave sleeping plugs lie & not disturb matters. There isn't a lot of oil in the timing chest to drain anyway. Last time I did an oil change I trickled in fresh oil via the tappet chamber (I forget it's proper name!) so as to displace/dilute the old oil-I did this until the oil draining out was fairly clear. I can't do it this time because I've already put my new oil into the tank & I don't want to drain it out now-doh!

I must get her fit for the Stafford show in 3 weeks time…

Happy & safe riding,

John

As I can't remove my oil filter due to the aftermarket exhaust pipe being too close, when I do an oil change I remove the quill bolt and take the whole timing cover off. This enables me to completely drain out all the old oil, clean it all up and fit the new filter after filling it with new oil and check the seal on the worm drive, which does wear. The timing cover gasket has been re-used about ten times so far without any jointing compound and there are no oil leaks. Pre-filling the new oil filter also gives quicker flow to the rockers.

--------------ARRRGGGHHHhhhhhhhhhhhh !! Only 3 weeks to Stafford ?? Ye Gods, where's all that time gone to ?? Thanks for that timely reminder JOHN LB....See you there ??

You are on the money Midge