C: Clutch Series ‘C’ Rapide Clutch Slip

[danno]

Sorry, You may know this,
But if we find the engine oil low after a layoff, We drain the sump ,
The sump is called a dry sump, But there is always a small cup full of oil in there !,
The engine drain bung is in a round cutaway in the left " Sitting on the bike ",
Front prop stand holding plate,
It has been known to get a few PINTS out of there !,
So get a big tin underneath.

Normaly you should just see a metal bar about 3 .1/2 " Down the oil tank filler hole,
That's what I use as to the highest I want the oil level to be.

Yes. I normally check that the oil is over the metal bar in the oil filler. It often needs topping up so it’s going somewhere.
I’ve never drained any oil from the sump. I think the plug is brass.
Spoke to a mechanic recently who suggested draining off all the oil and then filling with the correct quantity.
Also mentioned that leaks could be down to insufficient engine breathing and the oil then finds it’s way to the first
gap.

 

[Bill Thomas]

It's a long road Danno,
We have to remember these are old bikes,
And most of them have had a hard life, I know I have Raced the Nuts off mine !.

Most of them leak a little bit,
When I bought my first Twin Outfit in 1965 From Surrey, By the time I got back home to West London,
Oil was pouring out the main feed union , It had a stripped thread !.

When the Jap's made bike engines , They split the cases half way up,
Which seems better for less oil leaks,
As I have said , A better than standard breather may help,
Maybe the rocker feed washers might need replacing etc.
Where the screws go into the covers, I always put a touch of red hermatite ,
Under the screw heads.
I also put a bit of "Red stuff "on both sides of the copper washers on the rocker feed .
So much to learn , Hard to get it across in one go.
Have Fun.

 

[Alyson]

those copper washers (ET188) they fit between 188 and the banjo. I notice they have a very slight lip on one side. With a very fine wet sand paper and glass I do a figure 8 for just a few seconds and smooth out the one side. That side goes against the banjo dry. I have no leaks on mine. Also the heads on 188 have been undercut so the underside of the hex is smooth. No built in washer.

 

[Bill Thomas]

Thanks Alyson, You are right,
That's the proper way,
But mine are still 1950 pipes, So need a bit of Bodging .
One set are Chromed !, So there is no hope for me !.

Funny, We fitted New pipes on a friends Bike, About 6 years ago
And the top of the pipe, Where the small bolt goes in , Was too thick,
And the inside touched the top of the rocker feed bolt, Before the big washer was nipped ,
So we had to drill it out from inside.

We just have to check the fitting of each joint.
Cheers Bill.

 

[danno]

those copper washers (ET188) they fit between 188 and the banjo.

I see 188 and ET188 is an oil level plug and washer in the the spare parts list, drawing MO32. Are these used on the oil feed pipes too?
I don’t think they’re leaking anyway.

 

[Bill Thomas]

Morning Danno ,
Some things are used for 2 or more jobs on Vincents,
I am guessing the 188 is the primary chain case level ?,
But also holds the oil feed pipe to the rockers .
Top right hand of the photo.
I am just talking about where leaks often happen.

On the second photo over to the right hand side , The level plug 188, Primary case.

 

[danno]

Thanks. I see now.
I checked the spare parts list index for ET188 and it referenced MO32 only.

 

[Bill Thomas]

Tricky things these Vincents.
Nothing like them to me,
So many things can catch you out,
What really drives me mad is the wheel spindle nuts,
Just asking for someone to put a spanner on them, And mess the bike up BAD,
I wonder if I did it once ?.

 

[danno]

Sorry, You may know this,
But if we find the engine oil low after a layoff, We drain the sump ,
The sump is called a dry sump, But there is always a small cup full of oil in there !,
The engine drain bung is in a round cutaway in the left " Sitting on the bike ",
Front prop stand holding plate,
It has been known to get a few PINTS out of there !,
So get a big tin underneath.

Ok thanks.
Have drained some oil out of the sump. Ok to fully drain this?
I’m doing an oil change soon anyway, just not sure how often the sump needs to be drained.

 

[Bill Thomas]

Danno , Really after you have had a ride, You should not have to drain it again,
For the summer season,
Till after a long layoff, Unless the oil pump is worn really bad.

If there is too much oil in the sump , It's a bit harder to start ,
And when It starts , Oil smoke comes out the exhaust BAD !,
The " return "of the pump is more than the supply,
So it should sort it's self out after a time.
Like I said keep checking the level, There will always be a little in the sump,
So after a start up , It should have some left in there all the time.

Some Vincents "Wet Sump " Some don't , It's just your luck.