Oil tank full of grit.................T160

auldblue

auldblue

Joined
Nov 20, 2012
Messages
1,200
Country flag
Bike has sat for almost two years MOT in May no problems but after summer camp I decided to give it the once over. New collector box and a full service but when I dropped the engine oil from sump two and a half pints and the same from the tank I noticed it was full of grit. The only thing I can think off is some kind individual has put a handful in my oil tank so I am in the process of trying to get as much out as I can to keep the damage to a minimum . But I think the damage may be done although on my last ride it did not sound noisey and there was no smoke and oil return seemed OK. Just have to wait and see.

Jg
 
auldblue said:
But I think the damage may be done although on my last ride it did not sound noisey and there was no smoke and oil return seemed OK.
Click to expand...


If any significant degree of damage has been done to the bottom end then the first sign of it on triples is often a conrod punching a hole through the crankcase!

In my opinion, an oil pressure gauge is an absolute necessity on these bikes, as oil pressure is critical.
 
Short of pulling the engine and EVERY oil-bearing hose, fitting and appurtenance apart and thoroughly washing each bit, you'll never be rid of the grit.

Likely the tank was sand/bead blasted before painting, without properly washing it afterwards.

If no intention of tearing the engine down:
You can always thoroughly flush the tank with Simple Green, scrubbing with a bristle brush, then high pressure car wash flush. Then, pull off ALL oil lines and fittings, replace the lines and wash the fittings. Then, flush the engine with kerosene from top to bottom (remove the timing and rocker covers to help), sticking a thin bottle brush in wherever possible. Then flush it again, and again.

Install a new oil filter, start up the engine, run it around the block and change the filter (and dump the sump). Check for grit and repeat if you still see any.

The damage is already done.
 
I have pulled the oil tank and gave it a good clean, a few bits of grit removed just need to weld the back bracket and will refit with new hoses. Will give the oil cooler a flush with original hoses and see if there is any deposits.
There is pushrod tube leaks so may take this opportunity to try and fix them and have a look at the rockers and cams.
I will also fit an oil pressure gauge as I am fond of this motorcycle and don't fancy the chance of throwing a rod.

Cheers guys for your input ,it will be squeaky bum time on the first few big runs.

Jg
 
Oil tank full of grit.................T160


This started out as a service!!!
 
I feel your pain. Same problem on my T140. Previous owner had the frame powder coated and a load of grit got into the oil tank. Flushed it out with paraffin loads of times and fitted an in line oil filter and changed oil after a quick start up. Still in the back of my mind though.
 
I'll just have to see how it goes
Oil tank full of grit.................T160


Fitted the tank non return valve, not a lot of room down in there. Still crawling about on the floor cos my lift has an ornament on it.

Oil tank full of grit.................T160
 
Grit blasting an oil tank or oil bearing frame always puts grit into it.

It is practically impossible to remove all the grit from inside the tank.

The Trident has a pressure feed side oil filter though, hasn't it? So, the crankshaft has some protection.

Good luck.
 
Cheers for that thrasher. Getting the bike ready for starting , just fitting the exhausts ,headers and new collector box. Stuck half a pint of oil in the cases and primed the nrv . Might make Ullapool , you never know.

Jg
 
Oil tank full of grit.................T160


Thrasher the feed line filter may have helped me out, here's hoping!


Oil tank full of grit.................T160


My new collector box 90 quid from hawkshaws in Liverpool . Was at carbeth inn today for a Glasgow tomcc gathering they are getting ready for the weekend so I'd better get my finger out.
 
Kinelled her up started and sounded good, still to refit oil gauge buggered the copper washers on the first attempt. But.......

Oil tank full of grit.................T160


20 years apart but both classics.



Oil tank full of grit.................T160


Oil gauge 145 +vat looks ok , don't know what that dogs looking for!
 
Seems to be fine in the oil pressure department , just have to see how it goes.

Oil tank full of grit.................T160


Gauge seems a bit skew wiff but hey ho..

Cheers Les, when I take her out for a run I will post photo ,but so far seems ok. Time will tell!
 
auldblue said:
Seems to be fine in the oil pressure department , just have to see how it goes.
Click to expand...

Now show us a photo after the bike has been thrashed around for at least 30 miles when the oil will have warmed up and thinned out. :wink:
 
The oil pressure was a steady 75-80 lb at revs tick over was thirty odd. The bike did use about 2 pints in 600 miles few leaks pushrod tunnels etc and left side a bit of smoke . But it ran well and started with a dab of the button. I was too pumped to take a o.p.g photo but I will get one up in due course. All in all a bloody good old bike! 604 miles and never missed a beat.

Jg
 
auldblue said:
The oil pressure was a steady 75-80 lb at revs tick over was thirty odd.
Click to expand...

That sounds reasonable.



auldblue said:
I was too pumped to take a o.p.g photo but I will get one up in due course.
Click to expand...

It's ok, we believe you. I was only making the point that you wouldn't normally see 85 psi at low revs once the oil was hot.
 
I'm glad you do not doubt my new l.p Williams o.p.g Les ,since it was on your comments that I spent the £174.00 .I am glad I did ,and I am going to photograph it at ever available opportunity just for the sheer pleasure it affords me.
The bike is awaiting an indicator switch refurb and the front brake is getting the full malky(not monty) before the distinguished G.R at the weekend.

My weekend jaunt cost about a pound a mile in workshop expenses not including brake and indicator parts. Money well spent.

Jg
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top