AJS & Matchless Owners Club

Right...pursuant to earlier posts, I drained the sump 6 days ago and replaced the plug. Bike on centre stand. Drained again last night and about half a pint issued forth. Therefore, it seems I am getting static wet sumping, which if left longer, I guess would permeate through the crankcase bearings, into the chaincase, overflow through somewhere - looked like the inspection cover last time - and spray everthing to the rear with oil.

So - what to do in the meanwhile

Dove tap/microswitch - pricey, but seems to work.
Plain tap - too risky. I fear I would forget that one time, and that is all it takes.
Thicker oil as Mick suggested - worth a try...on 20/50 at present
Drill and tap sump plug for a wing bolt/O ring - making draining easier before any ride out.

Manual also suggests checking feed pump fixing screws on the pump plate - one for later.

Thoughts?

Hi Oggers

Well that's fairly conclusively diagnosed the issue.

I'd go for SAE 50 mono grade oil, now we are into summer up here normal use should keep the sump level within limits.

For a permanent fix I'd investigate reconditioning the delivery pump - modifying the sump plug is OK, (rather have to replace a drain plug than sort out stripped threads in the crank case), but also adds another component to fail unless you fit a locking device to the drain plug.

Regards Mick

Hi Mick

Inclined to agree with Mono SAE 50. Easiest possible part remedy for sure. Any particular brand? I admire your faith in the Scottish summer, but if it was anything like last year.......

The drain within a drain - as it were - is a common fix on classic cars where access is a bit of a pig, and a strippped thread on the weak casting would present a major problem. Should be OK with a 6mm wing bolt. Plug hex seems pretty thick....