Forum

[Thunderdird 2]

Right, this is how I do it:
2004 AVL 350
Run engine till hot or after a run, put on level ground, leave for 3 mins at least,
un-screw dip stick, wipe and SCREW BACK IN.
Pull dip-stick again and try to find level of oil on said stick.
Is this the right method? as I see lots of deviations and different idea's across the web sites.
Terry

[Frank]

If it's anything like the 500 lean burn then that's correct, but delete "at least" and insert "at most", añything more than that and the oil will disappear from the dipstick.

[Tim NZ]

Hi Frank


If your oil level is 'dropping' noticeably after only a few minutes standing, then the end float in the feed-pump gears needs checking...

[Thunderdird 2]

Thanks Frank, I was pretty sure as I have no manual, tool kit yes, First Aid kit yrs, but no manual!
Another common arguement seems to be how to stop the engine, some say key/switch stop others say use de-comp, I use the key, although I used to use the de-comp on my Iron Bullet.

Terry

[Frank]

Thanks Tim, I will bear that in mind. As for stopping I always use key,I think the decompresser idea is to protect the starter sprag clutch but again if it's like the 500 the decompresser is useless anyway and fragile. I always use the starter and have never had a problem with the sprag but from the comments here I have lost my faith with it and every time I push the button I wonder!

[papasmurf]

I have made my own dipstick for my Electra X (ish,) due to the wet sumping problem which seems to be "designed" in.
I use the dip stick before using the bike and as long as there us 4 inches of oil in the tank before I start the engine I leave well alone.
The bike also has oil on the fins on the barrel but not the head or below the barrel, so I am leaving that alone unless it get worse as well.

[Craig]

I have a 350 AVL Machismo (So same engine as a Thunderbird, is its No Points 7 pre unit gear box,5 speed?) 2005.. Now perhaps not the correct way? But after any Run or To Work in about the Time it Takes to Dump your Gear and Make a Drink! I check my oil "Dip Stick " resting on Top..And if its Half way on the Dip stick I feel Fine.
Like wise I stop it with the Key..Being a 350 Kick start No Prob...
I Have had this Bike 5 years Now running along side My 350 Std..And at First I did not Like the Looks of the Engine..But in daily Ride to Work and Fun I now Love it!..IT FEELS, about 1,000 Rev's Happier and 10MPH faster than a Classic 350..I have Cruised at a Stead 60mph plus on Motorways with the Oil Pump & Bike Happy (I would not on the Classic) and It Use's Less Oil than the classic too...(Once put in Fully Syn & up to the Top line..and it Pissed it out...) SO IMHO Dont Panic Do Use It & its a Good Engine (I take it you Have the 5 speed box as well) I use and abuse mine a hell of a lot more than any Enfield I have Owend and "After 5 years" is Fine (As is me Std Home Mkt 350 after 26 years),,,Sorry Rambling on..Use it and Enjoy it (And Mr H do's have some related Manuals & Parts too).... Cheers Craig

[Craig]

Papa, RE:he bike also has oil on the fins on the barrel but not the head or below the barrel.............
Evey Enfield 350 & 500 I have Owend has done this?? inc my AVL only the Std 350 when I decoked and fitted the Composite Gasset was oil tight..I was always told they liked where the Push rods came through?..but while all had a "Wet Hesd" they never used more than an egg cup full a month?? and the AVL even less...:0)

[papasmurf]

Craig the slight smell of evaporating oil gives the bike "character." If it starts dropping oil on the garage floor I will do something about it. (It does at least indicate oil is reaching the cylinder head.)

[Thunderdird 2]

Yes Craig, the 5 speed box is a vast improvement over the old Bullet, no points or condenser to worry about either.
I've gone with papasmurfs dipstick idea, took level reading this morning and marked the stick.
Like you I had to get used to the gawky engine, but the look of the Thunderbird I could not stand, looks like a paying mantis on steroids!!!
Now Bulletized with Electra bars, 08 chrome/black tank, silly grab rail off and fork gaiters, now its respectable.
Pulling the choke is a bit difficult as the petrol tap hides it, but no real difficulty as it warms up quickly enough to push in before setting off..
Most things are Electra, except for the seat base that I know of.
I had the (dubious) please of running it in so I know that has been done properly, 500 MILES to their 500kms, it trots along at 4000rpm, 60mph satnave speed, will go higher but whats the point, 50-55 is fine most of the time any way.
MPG is brilliant, it must be doing 80+ but I try to stick to Shell as I went with Morrisons for a couple of tank fulls and got more difficult starting.
Now 1000 miles (1600kms) on the clock, I'm planning the Route 500 run next year, the Scottish Coastal scenic ride, start only 50 miles from me so its got to be done!
I'll bung a pop up tent on the back and camp out I think.
Terry