After all these weeks and work and parts, I sure hope this machine doesn't turn into a museum piece, started rarely--if ever--it needs to be ridden and shown. Nice machine that few people have ever seen, let along ridden. Thanks, Angus.
Good to hear it running, if only briefly. I've had the Charlie's type oil filter in mine for about 25 years and never had a problem with it stopping oil getting through (I've always used 15w50). I have had oil pressure issues on a few occasions, mainly when the oil pressure relief valve has stuck, and the excess pressure has blown the crank oil feed seal (in the timing cover) inside out, but that won't happen at idle speed. The other time was after having the oil system empty to change the oil pump - when I refilled it, the supply line from the tank had an airlock, and the pump wouldn't draw the oil through until I disconnected the line to bleed the air out and prime it. As you've already had it turning over and putting the light out, it must be primed, so it's not likely to be that, but it may be worth just pulling the oil line off the connector at the engine end to check that it's full.
The main “issue” I had with my T140V (T reg) back in the early 80’s was the oil light coming on, the first time it happened was on the M6 travelling from Birmingham back to Northamptonshire. I assumed it was low on oil but when I checked the level on the hard shoulder oil came pukking out of the frame, so there was plenty of oil there it was maybe not in the right place ? When I tried kicking the engine over and the oil light went off, and faced with no other option I limped the remaining 50 miles home with no apparent ill effects. After talking to a chap at Vale Onslow (when your show Fury was there) I stripped the oil pump and found it was working perfectly. The oil light came on two or three more times during rides and then the issue seemed to go away, I never got to the bottom of what the root cause was. The oil I used by the way was Duckhams Hypergrade 15/50. It would be lovely to see a little test run on the Bonnie once you are happy with it, permission/ insurance permitting although you don’t want it to get dirty either ! 🇬🇧
Thanks Stew for the anecdote. I left it to sit for a while and went back to it several hours later and the oil light started going out again on licking so all bodes well. You’re right about riding - the insurance will not allow unfortunately although I might try a bit locally to test brakes etc. if I can. Will take some advice.
This shape of tank came in for the 1971 season with the 650 Triumphs and A65 BSA. However, it would most likely have been late 1970 when they started producing them as my original oil in frame BSA left Small Heath in January 1971. For 1972, the centre seam disapeared on both the Triumph and BSAs. If I remembber correctly, 1972 was also the year when the rubber knee grips were added to the four gallon UK tank
After all these weeks and work and parts, I sure hope this machine doesn't turn into a museum piece, started rarely--if ever--it needs to be ridden and shown. Nice machine that few people have ever seen, let along ridden. Thanks, Angus.
Many thanks John. The owner is definitely a rider as is his wife so it bodes well.
The last few steps on a marathon journey, mate. Looking forward to seeing you 'break the tape'.
Cheers Phil. More like break my foot. Compression is pretty serious.
Good progress and nice to see some kicking action 🎬
Thank you for interest and comment and yes my right foot is feeling it. Compression has improved since it’s couple of short runs.
Good to hear it running, if only briefly. I've had the Charlie's type oil filter in mine for about 25 years and never had a problem with it stopping oil getting through (I've always used 15w50).
I have had oil pressure issues on a few occasions, mainly when the oil pressure relief valve has stuck, and the excess pressure has blown the crank oil feed seal (in the timing cover) inside out, but that won't happen at idle speed.
The other time was after having the oil system empty to change the oil pump - when I refilled it, the supply line from the tank had an airlock, and the pump wouldn't draw the oil through until I disconnected the line to bleed the air out and prime it. As you've already had it turning over and putting the light out, it must be primed, so it's not likely to be that, but it may be worth just pulling the oil line off the connector at the engine end to check that it's full.
Cheers Rick. I left it to settle and went back to it later and oil light now going out on kicking over 👍
It’s looking good. I’m sure it will soon be running good too.
Thank you Martin and yes I’m now confident that there’s not much to do to tune it.
The main “issue” I had with my T140V (T reg) back in the early 80’s was the oil light coming on, the first time it happened was on the M6 travelling from Birmingham back to Northamptonshire. I assumed it was low on oil but when I checked the level on the hard shoulder oil came pukking out of the frame, so there was plenty of oil there it was maybe not in the right place ? When I tried kicking the engine over and the oil light went off, and faced with no other option I limped the remaining 50 miles home with no apparent ill effects. After talking to a chap at Vale Onslow (when your show Fury was there) I stripped the oil pump and found it was working perfectly. The oil light came on two or three more times during rides and then the issue seemed to go away, I never got to the bottom of what the root cause was. The oil I used by the way was Duckhams Hypergrade 15/50.
It would be lovely to see a little test run on the Bonnie once you are happy with it, permission/ insurance permitting although you don’t want it to get dirty either ! 🇬🇧
Thanks Stew for the anecdote. I left it to sit for a while and went back to it several hours later and the oil light started going out again on licking so all bodes well. You’re right about riding - the insurance will not allow unfortunately although I might try a bit locally to test brakes etc. if I can. Will take some advice.
Looking good, are you missing brake caliper bleed nipple covers???
Hi Matt thanks and yes I am - never thought of that so will take a look. Cheers.
Gremlins! 🤣
Always Howard! Nothing serious and oil light now going out on kicking over so hopefully that’s fixed!
Nice. When did Triumph start doing the bread box style tanks in the UK vs the export style rounded tank?
This shape of tank came in for the 1971 season with the 650 Triumphs and A65 BSA. However, it would most likely have been late 1970 when they started producing them as my original oil in frame BSA left Small Heath in January 1971. For 1972, the centre seam disapeared on both the Triumph and BSAs. If I remembber correctly, 1972 was also the year when the rubber knee grips were added to the four gallon UK tank
Hi Dave thanks for interest and comment - yep @alexanderpotts is spot on.
ah, it's probably not finished and ready for delivery until you've had a test drive. I guess there are a few of us who are looking forward to it
Mmmm yes I agree JC but it may be difficult to undertake legally because of insurance constraints.