Forum

[Norm]

Not having a clear indication as to how long Dave has had this bike, how many miles he has put on it,or if this is a new problem that has just developed. If this is a first start up problem it is most likely a wet sumping issue that will clear after a few minutes once the scavenge pump clears the sump

[DM]

Norm, I've only had the bike a week of two as a project whilst waiting for other Honda bits and bobs to materialise.
I was aware it wet sumps from the get go, and other repairs as stated. What I didn't know until the other night first start up was the oil leak via drive sprocket / crank end. I have just tonight fitted the sprocket bung and finished the carb rebuild (monoblock instead of original for some reason) with the intention to fire it up again to check flow and blow me if it won't start.
Having checked the Lucus mag its opening 180 degrees out, can't fathom it, as it ticked over nicely ish the other night.
So, timing chest off and check timing @ sprocket and the pump whilst I'm there.

[Norm]

Ok got it now Dave, now you just have to get your head around the Enfield oddities and there is plenty of those. Can't see how the timing can move but if that is what you think has happened pull the timing cover, its about time you had that off so you know what is happening in there and pull the pumps apart at the same time and inspect them and the pump spindle and the seal in the worm nut, that needs inspecting regardless

[DM]

Your not wrong there Norm, a quirky bike for sure. Not helped by so many bodged to overcome, albeit only a two owner bike with matching numbers.
Malvern Clasdic Bike show tomorrow so may find some spares and contacts. Will update as I go, thanks for advise this far.

[Roy]

When the engine is running you should see a flow of oil back into the oil tank from the oil return jet situated just below the top of the oil tank. If not then your scavenger pump is faulty as it has to pump the oil back into the oil tank at twice the rate that the input pump pumps oil into the engine. The fact that you are getting oil up to the valves indicates that there is a flow of oil into the engine but it is not being returned to the oil tank properly. I had a similar problem with mine but it was caused by a blockage in one of the channels. I used a guitar string to clear it. Roy

[DM]

Roy, yes I would think the flow is restricted, will check it out later today.
Still baffled by the 180 degree out firing order.
It ran, it leaked, I changed piston, rings valve guides etc...thought I'd chech the timing and found the point opened on opposite TDC i.e. Exhaust valve partially open and no push rod slack., should open with both valves closed @ tDC ...baffled

[simon]

I definitely suggest a dillengent check of the oil ways as stuff does get in em. I have to go further though and suggest if its an old bike thats been bodged a bit then a full dismantle might be a good insurance against future misery. I seized two pistons on my old 51 Bullet before I finally pulled it down to discover that someone had replaced the floating bush big end with a roller bearing but hadn't cleaned the old white metal out of the oilways. These machines are capable of running albeit badly with some major issues. Good luck with it.

[WDCO42]

Hello Dave, have a look too at the pump disks, and how they sit against the timing case wall. A good lapping job may be necessary there, to get the best of the scavenge.
Hope it will help you.
Claude

[Norm]

Roy, I'm not sure how the scavenge can pump back twice the amount of oil that the feed pump, scavenge pump can only return the amount of oil the feed pump delivers to the big end

[simon]

And a shiver went through the Middle East. They really were a Royal Oilfield!