AJS & Matchless Owners Club

Neville, the tap you show works by a ball and spring system where oil pressure is used to open the tap. I think Velocettes use something similar. The problem is that the default position is "off" so if the ball sticks shut you're b******d

quote:
Neville, the tap you show works by a ball and spring system where oil pressure is used to open the tap. I think Velocettes use something similar. The problem is that the default position is "off" so if the ball sticks shut you're b******d


Yes, I've seen other designs and I've helped a pal who's a retired injection toolmaker (well I've stood awed at his bench nodding and drinking his coffee) produce dozens of them (and other magical creations) for a tuning specialist (called Pearson I think?) who's a grand fromage in the BSA, mainly Goldie, fraternity. I think his units are opened by a vacuum in the oil system 'sucking' the ball off its seat.
I've not seen one of the eBay ones though and I fully agree that any extra widget in the oil line is risky when endeavouring to cure the symptom rather than the cause.Edited by - SPRIDDLER on 06 Mar 2011 1:17:28 PM

I would just like to say that I was expecting mine to wet sump over the winter but it didn´t, as I always leave the engine at tdc on singles. I believe also that the valve springs last longer- Thanks for all the comments..

I never had a problem with sumping before a major rebuild. Pre rebuild, the bike used to smoke a lot on first starting but then run fine the rest of the day. Post rebuild, on first starting, she hoofs out a lot of oil which is then OK but tends to drip a bit the rest of the day. Have now made a large cardboard notice with "oil tap" on it. I have resolved to be totally dsciplined with using it.Edited by - OLD SHEP on 19 Mar 2011 11:53:32 AM