Hitchcocks Forum

I've taken off the timing cover to inspect the teeth on the oil pump spindle for peace of mind. It looks in perfect condition - along with the worm. The spindle is however quite hard to rotate with my thumb but does move with the help of a screwdriver blade. Is that because of 'stiction' from the remaining oil in the pump bodies, or should it turn more freely? I don't really want to strip the pump bodies if it's unnecessary. Also the previous owner fitted the Hitchcock oil filter packing piece (page 15 in catalogue) and magnet. Are these good ideas? They don't put extra pressure on the pump by restricting the flow through the oil filter do they?

If it turns smoothly without any roughness it will be fine.

The spindle should turn withonly the slightest resistance at most, you shouldn't have to use any tool to lever it! Look at the technical notes on the left for pump spindle.

It is definitely very hard to rotate. It is a 2004 model, so should have the lighter springs in the end covers. What should I look for? Hitchcocks suggests plunger rubbing on chamber in their tech notes. Surely after 5000 miles everything should have worn down by now and not be rubbing anywhere anymore. I guess I should take a look at the pump bodies?

I agree with PeteF. if there's oil in the pumps then I would not expect to turn the spindle with finger pressure. Perhaps a real shove might move it by hand but a wooden dowel or similar should move it smoothly. Having built a 535 & a 612 both have been like this. Neither show any spindle wear.

Thanks, Bobw - that's what I really wanted to hear. I guess Hitchcock's description is with a dry and cleaned up pump assembly. I'm going to put it all back together as it is - I think if you worry about all the possible weaknesses with these bikes, you would never ride them!

A quick note to Electra-X owners (and those with other AVL Bullet derivatives), the oil pump spindles on our engines need to be free running for the same reasons as on the classic Bullet engines. Check the pump gears have just enough end float to spin freely with the pump end plates properly tightened up. There are no springs holding the pumps in place. A.

Stop sodding about PB, saddle up & ride the thing

Beezabryan, agreed, if I worried about rattles, clicks, knocks, and clattering, I would never take our CX500 outfit out of garage. I just don't start it without wearing ear plugs. It has sounded like a spin dryer full of scrap metal since we bought it 2nd hand 25 years ago. My wife has been to Brittany on it as I have, and she has toured from the South to the North of Ireland and back on it.

There isn't a weakness with these bikes, apart from Indian build quality. Just ride it like any other classic i.e. not holding it at sustained high speed (over 60)and enjoy.