Author Topic: Engine oil use?  (Read 3295 times)

Offline Green1

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Re: Engine oil use?
« Reply #15 on: May 28, 2019, 11:42:52 PM »
Hinkley Triumphs are the only bikes I can think of were you wind the dipstick in.
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Re: Engine oil use?
« Reply #16 on: May 29, 2019, 07:23:06 AM »
As Julie indicates, knowledge of piston sequencing will allow placing them correctly.

If you take off the right side timing cover and look for timing marks you'll see a T mark by either 1/4 and 2/3,  this indicates those pistons numbered are at the top of the barrel.

If you turn it to either one of the T marks ( it's not critical which numbers you start with as it will produce the same result from either) then further by 90degree,  all the pistons will be half way up the barrels to let you put something in.

Looking at the timing marks you'll end up half way between any of the marks to confirm position.

Offline Bradders

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Re: Engine oil use?
« Reply #17 on: May 29, 2019, 07:53:50 AM »
Thanks for your replies Julie and K2-K6. Do I use just the normal engine oil? Can I use the plug spanner in the bike toolkit to get the middle plugs out without moving the tank? It looks very short of room there.

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Re: Engine oil use?
« Reply #18 on: May 29, 2019, 07:58:44 AM »
The centre plugs can be done with std spanner and without removing anything else,  but it's always very fiddly on these engines with access around those centre two.

Opinion is going to vary  ;D on what to put in it,  I'd try with neat reddex at first to see if you get any effect.

Offline Nurse Julie

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Re: Engine oil use?
« Reply #19 on: May 29, 2019, 08:23:01 AM »
Yes, normal engine oil or Redex as Nigel suggests. It is awkward to remove the middle plugs with the tank on until you get the knack, even more difficult to get them back in. As you are going to have bike standing for a couple of days after doing this, I think it would be easier for you to remove the tank. Just pull the rubber pad back at the back of the tank, remove the fuel pipe to the petcock pull tank back and lift off. It will also be easier for you to get the oil down the spark plug ports without the tank on.
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Offline Bradders

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Re: Engine oil use?
« Reply #20 on: May 29, 2019, 09:15:01 AM »
Thanks very much. Will have a go later today and see how I get on.

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Re: Engine oil use?
« Reply #21 on: May 29, 2019, 09:50:29 AM »
You can use a piece of clear tube to suck up liquid and then put it into the cylinder get in there easily.

Just make sure it's long enough so you don't "inhale" the brew of choice when you suck on it ;D

Offline Andych

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Re: Engine oil use?
« Reply #22 on: May 29, 2019, 09:55:46 AM »
Should be no need to inhale... simply insert said piece of tube into the liquid and put a finger over the end. you should be able to lift out however much is in the tube as long as you keep your finger sealed on the end.
At least that is the theory..... :)
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Offline Bradders

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Re: Engine oil use?
« Reply #23 on: May 29, 2019, 10:32:26 PM »
Just wanted to thank Julie and K2-K6 for their advice with regards to my high oil consumption and the “How to” guide on putting oil down my bores. I would not of felt confident enough to do it without there advice. Keeping my fingers crossed that it fixes the problem. 🤞

Offline Nurse Julie

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Re: Engine oil use?
« Reply #24 on: May 29, 2019, 10:41:03 PM »
Yes, fingers crossed for you Bradders. This is all part of the DIY 'diagnostics' process. Start with the simple things you can do for yourself first. Well done. Give us an update sometime.
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Offline Bradders

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Re: Engine oil use?
« Reply #25 on: May 29, 2019, 11:31:46 PM »
I will Julie. Thanks again for your help.

Offline Bradders

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Re: Engine oil use?
« Reply #26 on: July 09, 2019, 02:43:55 PM »
Afternoon. My 400/4 is still using a lot of oil. 1/2 a litre in about 200 miles. Have tried putting Redex down the bores. Is there anything else I could try or is it time to get a mechanic to have a look for me? Is there a mechanic that anyone could recommend local to me? I live in Crowthorne Berkshire.

Offline SteveD CB500K0

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Re: Engine oil use?
« Reply #27 on: July 09, 2019, 02:50:55 PM »
It’s either leaking it or burning it.

If you don’t have pools of oil under your bike, I’d take to Hatfields. They are pretty old school and should be able to run a compression check for you.

I don’t have a compression tester any more.

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Offline Nurse Julie

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Re: Engine oil use?
« Reply #28 on: July 09, 2019, 03:07:48 PM »
At least you tried the basics Bradders. The compression readings were very good on my 400/4 but, when I stripped the engine and found 3 pistons and rings with serious damage, it was actually the carbon build up that was stopping oil getting by the rings and the carbon build up also helped maintain the good compression. Not saying your engine has such substantial damage and issues that mine had but....worth bearing in mind.
« Last Edit: July 09, 2019, 03:10:08 PM by Nurse Julie »
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Offline Bradders

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Re: Engine oil use?
« Reply #29 on: July 09, 2019, 03:29:44 PM »
That’s interesting Julie. Hadn’t thought about that. Steve I’ve been into Hatfield’s a couple of times but they said that they would do MOT’s but that was about it as my bike was too old! Maybe I’ll try them again. Chris.

 

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