oil level dropped a lot

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Anti sump valve and an oil pressure guage works as a solution for me. I accept there are alternatives.
 
I am certainly no definitive expert but it looks like someone in the know modified the dip stick.
Doesn't look OEM..
 
1969/70 BSA Unit single dipstick.

oil level dropped a lot


oil level dropped a lot


Riders handbook says capacity of tank is 5 pints and to fill to 4 pints using the 4 on dipstick. My dipstick from a 69 also has a 5 right next to the H.
 
Alan, what engine breather do you have?

The reed valve breathers that bolt on the rear ala Combat (cNw) or are built into the sump plug (NYC Norton) both do a GREAT job of returning excess oil in the sump to the tank.

If you have one of these, all you need to do is check the oil tank before starting and provided the level hasn’t dropped to expose the gauze filter on the tank outlet, just start it up and normal levels will resume quickly, just check the tank, you’ll see oil returning via the breather.

If you have a stock breather, or any type that doesn’t help evacuate oil from the cases, you need to be a little more careful. Some have reported on here of drive side oil seals being pushed out by starting an engine with a sump full of oil.
 
I'm one of the "don't put anything in the oil feed line" guys but a comment - Re 'Pinching the oil hose" as a method to stop wet-Sumping... I'd be concerned that if it's pinched shut for long periods it could become permanently restricted/deformed in that area. When you add to that the fact that the pump is trying to suck oil through that hose, a partial restriction could cause pump to suck the hosed completely closed.

OTOH, I guess if it's been working that way for years, your experience wins out over my concern! ;)
 
i have mikes xs650 breather ...the pincher I made isn't very strong in pinching and I use my fingers to pinch line back round if that makes sense my main question was why 400 miles no drop in tank level after sitting and suddenly after last ride it happened......
 
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I had a sump valve, once, a long time ago. Lucky for me it failed on the bench when I was changing out the oil lines. Never again. AMR mod and quick drain sump plug from that point forward

oil level dropped a lot
 
alan hodge said:
i have mikes xs650 breather ...the pincher I made isn't very strong in pinching and I use my fingers to pinch line back round if that makes sense my main question was why 400 miles no drop in tank level after sitting and suddenly after last ride it happened......
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If this was after just one week I'd be concerned. Mine will go for 3 weeks before the level drops that much. I believe the usual suspect is the oil pump itself, allowing oil to pass through it.
Wet sumping was known by Norton when these bikes were new - there's mention of it in the rider's manual under maintenance.
 
my anti drain courtesy of Muzz at Cyclecraft. Ignition key only released with red plastic lever when at flow.
 
If you absolutely feel compelled to pinch the hose then move to a different area from time to time to help prevent any weakening. It's still not a good practice though. I know lots of folks dislike the manual valve idea, but a full port ball valve rated for WOG would work quite well providing one has a good memory & allows ample time for oil to prime the pump, which shouldn't be more than a minute. The addition of the gauge or light/pressure switch should be included. My $.02.
 
I'd open up the timing side, remove the oil pump and do a rebuild on it or replace it with a new PROVEN one. Dyno Dave might
provide that service. Inspect that the oil pump seal is intact. Also inspect the pressure release valve.
Me? I have an RGM anti sump valve AND an oil pressure switch activating what was the assimilator
 
i dont have any human children but feel as if i have a tempermental teen with wheels instead of legs that constantly holds its hand out for money my other bikes are laughing....
 
I have both ,and they both have given me great joy and a lot of grief !
 
an old nursery rhyme........there was a little girl who had a little curl right in the middle of her forehead and when she was good she was very very good but when she was bad she was horrid...
 
The AMR timing cover mod and oil pump mod stopped my wet sumping problem.

At times when the bike sits for months, i can check the oil level with a dipstick, and find that i am losing more oil to wiping the stick, than into the sump. Other times, over a week or two, the oil level may drop 1/2 - 1 inch on the stick. I suppose it depends on where the engine happens to stop, and how the ball check valve decides to seat on the O ring.

The AMR mod is well worth the $70 plus 2 way shipping.

I also have a Comnoz sump plug breather, so purging a flooded sump is no problem, so long as I know not to try a vigorous kick at first.

I know others have said it, but I wish to emphasize..... get rid of the automatic anti sump valves. If you have one, AND a pressure gauge, you are reasonably safe, providing you are in the habit of monitoring the gauge.

The manual anti sump valves are OK providing you have an ignition interlock or fool proof method of preventing start up with the valve closed.

When you consider the cost of an anti sump valve, plus cost of interlock, it is really a no brainer to pop for the AMR mod, especially if you can use domestic mail.

I have no affiliation with AMR.

Slick
 
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