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[1950s Bulleteer]

I intend using a 1959 Redditch outer primary cover with the Indian inner case. I have thought the only real problem to solve here is that the Indian primary is filled through a hole in the outer cover and the UK primary is filled through a hole in the inner case, therefore I will have no way to put oil in it. Short of converting to belt drive, I feel the best way is to drill and tap a hole in the top of the inner case. If anyone has done this, two questions......


1) At what place on the inner case should the filling hole be located, where was it on the Redditch case?


2) is there enough thickness in this area to drill and tap a hole for the threaded plug?


I had a look at the online parts book, but the illustration does not show the relevent detail!

[Mark M]

Dan, maybe I misunderstand your question but both Indian and Redditch covers should have a filler hole in the middle top, also convenient for checking chain tension. Have a look at the pictures of Customer Enfields for pics of that elusive left side!


REgards, Mark 

[1950s Bulleteer]

Hi MArk, thanks for your input. Mine looks exactly like the one in this illustration......


 http://www.hitchcocksmotorcycles.com/pa ... se_Assemby


 Only two holes, the central fixing and the level plug beneath it. I was unaware that the Redditch covers ever had the filling hole! Maybe more investigation is needed..........


 


 

[Mark M]

Dan, I see the problem. That is a Bullet case, it was the Twins I was thinking of, they had one or in the case of the models fitted with the "scissors" clutch, two access plugs. Indian Bullets certainly have a plug. The Redditch ones fitted with plugs feature a stiffening boss to add extra strength round the plug 'ole which obviously won't be present on yours. Having said that, I used a modified cover (that I found at an Autojumble,) on my Trials Bullet and that has a chaincase inspection plug of the type used on BSAs and Triumphs inserted without extra welding and it works fine.


REgards, Mark 

[1950s Bulleteer]

Ah thanks Mark, I should have said what model it was for. Good to know that the inner case is up to the job of having a plug hole cut in it.


So... if the owner of a 1959 Redditch Bullet was able to say just where that hole should be located, I feel confident now to go ahead.

[p]

Am I missing something here, or can't you just fill it through the level plug?

[1950s Bulleteer]

I suppose it would be possible, and I did consider it, but it is a very small orifice, through which a flexible pipe would have to be fed- leaving enough room for air to escape to avoid a pressure lock would mean a very small tube indeed so possible, but the several hours it would take to perform a simple oil change would make this very impractical.

[Chris Tindal]

Hi Dan


 I have just the same issue but never got round to addressing it. My engine is a bitsa of Indian and Redditch parts, with Indian crankcase and inner chaincase and Redditch timing and outer chaincase. The original filler hole is about halfway along the chaincase, but mine has the Indian inner with no hole. I fill up my chaincase using several big plastic medical syringes full of ATF and a thin plastic pipe over the level hole. It's not very practical and a bit messy but it does work and only takes a few minutes. As soon as oil starts running back out of the hole, I screw the nut in and ride the bike. Like you I intend getting a hole drilled and tapped at the top, but not until I strip my engine for other reasons, for now I can live with it. BTW my 56 outer and 99 inner fit togerther perfectly with no leaks, as does the timing side/oil pump. You will need a new shorter central bolt for the chaincase though to fit its slimmer profile.

[1950s Bulleteer]

Thanks Chris, I think that's got it covered now then. Good thing you said about the central fixing bolt, I'll get that ordered along with a suitable threaded plug for the top. I've got a primary/gearbox/rearhub combination of jobs to do so that will be the oportunity to drill and tap the inner case. Glad you could tell me that it works out in practice, always a good thing to know in advance.


Like your's my bike is a 'bitsa', it makes life so much more interesting/frustrating doesn't it.

[John M]

Dan, mine has the non-alternator outer cover and this only has the small level plug on it.


I fill mine via this hole as it does not take much oil.


I have in the past used the flexible nozle found on 1litre oil bottles with the nozle found on silicone sealer tubes to act as a micro funnel.


You could tape it on but I just relied on an interference fit.


Also have you considered if the grommet for the alternator wires will pull out of the inner coverand allow access?


I now use a traditional oil can with a trigger operated pump and squirt oil through the level plug hole.