oil level dropped a lot

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alan hodge

alan hodge

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ok so this is a wetsump question so don't laff too hard/long I rode my 850 for 50 miles last weekend I have 400 miles on it now checked oil level when got home level was at 4 on stick checked it today it has dropped to L on stick but screen not visible I started bike and it filled tank to 4 mark in a minute or so....this is first time oil level had dropped like this...I have read dozens of posts about wetsump some say no worries others say get a valve others say if crank engine with oil in bottom end it will blow out main seals I have 20/50 Valvoline oil and its 95F here...…..PS I have a 68 BSA A65 so wetsump is part of life with it when it sits for a few weeks...….PS the 850 has mikes xs breather and does not leak a drop......here is a pic of a thing I made from small clamp with rubber tips and pitot tube cover to pinch oil feed line closed
thanks
oil level dropped a lot
 
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Whatever you do DO NOT put a valve, of any kind, between the oil tank and oil pump intake.
 
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the 4 is halfway between H and L when I first filled tank I put in 2 1/2 qts and that's about where the level was.....but I understand there are different length sticks?
 
There is a 4 on mine, but not on a Norton but a BSA B44 Shooting Star, there is also a 5 next to the H, guessing its pints of oil.
 
Probably a H with a leg missing or obscured somehow, looking like a 4.
 
kommando said:
There is a 4 on mine, but not on a Norton but a BSA B44 Shooting Star, there is also a 5 next to the H, guessing its pints of oil.
Click to expand...

4 Imperial pints would be approximately 2.4 US quarts.
5 Imp. pints is approx. 3 US quarts.
 
here is the stick it was what was in the tank when I bought it (the tank that is) as I said 2 1/2 qts takes the level to near the 4
oil level dropped a lot
 
alan hodge said:
here is the stick it was what was in the tank when I bought it (the tank that is) as I said 2 1/2 qts takes the level to near the 4
oil level dropped a lot
Click to expand...

OK. In that case I suggest the '4' mark be regarded as the maximum fill level.
 
My '74 850 will drop oil level to below the metal screen inside the tank within 7-10 days of no running. I did do the "drain sump & pour back into tank" thing a few times but this got really tiresome, messy and risked grime contamination each time. And I did blow out a crankshaft seal into the primary after only a light wet-sumping volume. I now run a manual shut off ball valve with integrated ignition disable on the operating lever. Life is good.
 
Cool Alan, like others, never seen that 4 before , but there it is .... I like your simple & effective anti sump accessory , wish I had one, always worry my anti-drain will fail me someday , so I check and replace often .... all the while knowing I play with fire .....
 
Problem with valves in the oil pump intake not only will they ensure destruction of the engine if closed while the engine is running, the pump can lose its prime while the valve is closed.

If you insist on a valve then an oil pressure indicator becomes mandatory.
 
so...….am I being paranoid again as I learn the many nuances/quirks/attributes/facts/folklorisms/phantasies of a 1972/73 Norton Commando Roadster?
 
JimC said:
Problem with valves in the oil pump intake not only will they ensure destruction of the engine if closed while the engine is running, the pump can lose its prime while the valve is closed.

If you insist on a valve then an oil pressure indicator becomes mandatory.
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Agree having Oil Pressuge Gauge is a good thing...I've got one.
If the engine wetsumps below intake mesh in tank, then also safe to assume pump has potentially lost prime as well. I open my valve minutes prior to starting to allow flow down from tank and kick through a few time before attempting powered starts. I see no delay of pressure build up on the gauge.
 
alan hodge said:
so...….am I being paranoid again as I learn the many nuances/quirks/attributes/facts/folklorisms/phantasies of a 1972/73 Norton Commando Roadster?
Click to expand...

Once you master all the above, you are a true Nortoneer, and can rightfully display the Norton logo on your Tee shirt, I-Pad cover, or lunchbox.

Slick

BTW .... you left out <leak chasing>
 
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“Once you master all the above, you are a true Nortoneer”

Are Nortoneer and masochist interchangeable?
 
They are indeed synonymous. You surely must recall your training sessions of pushing, kicking, kneeling, lying in the oil & grime, praying to get home on dark nights, etc. That was all in the first semester, the second was buyer's remorse & reconciliation to the fact you wouldn't sell when it cranked off first pop in front of your buds. It's been a long road......with lots of BS too, & I can't find that race video swooshdave put up some months back to save my soul.
 
got lots o experience with BSA Triumph MG some antique aircraft......Commando like Supermarine Spit and/or Jag E Type...…..texas slick no leaks (so far) on this bike I built from bare frame up
 
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