A few answers needed

[Ozmadman]

Hi just wondered if anyone can answer a few questions for me about my 1960 model 8

1) My engine oil level always drops to about an inch below the return hole even after a short run but stays there and doesn't go any lower(I top it up to just under). Apart from a few drips when standing, a couple more out of the rear chain case drain hole now and then, a very slight run down the centre stand n/s leg and a bit of smoke on start up (nothing at all when running) if it has been left a while (a few weeks without running). any ideas? I have a good oil return from start up , the engine has only just about run in from a top end rebuild and the inlet valve oil screw seems adjusted correctly (about a 6th of a turn)

2) I have noticed that I have a short oil filter fitted, should I have the long one? could that cause the above?

3) I have the original gauze filter that comes attached to the chrome nut would that be better to use?

4) How can I straighten the footrest arms they are both slightly bent causing the rests to angle up a bit when tightened up (can't really notice it until you look at the bike from the rear)

Many thanks

Paul

[Rob Harknett]

I would not be too concerned about that.

[Janet]

4) How can I straighten the footrest arms they are both slightly bent causing the rests to angle up a bit when tightened up

I tell people mine were designed like that to enable race cornering.

Well, it is a CSR.

[Rob Harknett]

The footrests may not be bent. Check the bar, thats a weaker point that may be bent. If so put nuts on the thread grip in a vice and you may be able to straighten it.

[Ozmadman]

I would not be too concerned about that.

Hi Rob, which part of the question or all of it??

Paul

[Ozmadman]

4) How can I straighten the footrest arms they are both slightly bent causing the rests to angle up a bit when tightened up

I tell people mine were designed like that to enable race cornering.
Well, it is a CSR.

Very good!! At the bike event in my home town Bank Hol Monday a guy was looking at my bike and asking about the make of the rear tyre. I said it is only a Mitas tyre, I don't need anything fancy as I just plod around and don't go round roundabouts angled over at 45 degrees. oh! he said, I thought you did and that's why you have holes in the knees of your jeans.. joker!!!

Paul

[MikeM.]

Nowt wrong with Mitas.

[Ozmadman]

Nowt wrong with Mitas.

I know nothing about tyres and I just presumed it was a cheapy. looks right on this kind of bike though

Paul

[Tolly]

The oil level on my G5 is exactly the same; fill it to a fraction below the return hole and within 20 miles it will be 1 inch below and that's where it stays for ever and a day. I know some have said on this forum that it should be only just below the return hole but if I keep topping mine up it doesn't stay there, I don't know where the oil goes I assume it burns it because it doesn't leak. I've just accepted that it finds it's own level and I've had no problems. The breather does keep the chain nicely lubricated and I have a small amount come out of a hole on the tin case. I wouldn't worry about a little oil on the stand leg, that may come from the gearbox. Do keep a check on that level and make sure it's always topped up.
I'm not sure about the oil filter but there was a thread on here about the length of them, I do believe they modified early in there run.

[Ozmadman]

The oil level on my G5 is exactly the same; fill it to a fraction below the return hole and within 20 miles it will be 1 inch below and that's where it stays for ever and a day. I know some have said on this forum that it should be only just below the return hole but if I keep topping mine up it doesn't stay there, I don't know where the oil goes I assume it burns it because it doesn't leak. I've just accepted that it finds it's own level and I've had no problems. The breather does keep the chain nicely lubricated and I have a small amount come out of a hole on the tin case. I wouldn't worry about a little oil on the stand leg, that may come from the gearbox. Do keep a check on that level and make sure it's always topped up.
I'm not sure about the oil filter but there was a thread on here about the length of them, I do believe they modified early in there run.

Thanks Michael, very helpful and reassuring!! a carbon copy of what my bike is doing.. I am aware that there is a slight leak on the gearbox main seal because the previous owner told me, it's not much but it does require a small amount every so often to keep it full. I have a spare re-built box that one day may go in but at the moment there is nothing wrong with the one on the bike (apart from the leak) so that can be a winter job at some point.

Paul