Triumphrat

baldkraut · 05-25-2009, 02:34 AM

I went to check the oil level on my 74 bonniville, when I removed the cap under the seat oil came out. Could the problem be plugged filters?

rmak · 05-25-2009, 07:49 AM

Man, Baldkraut, I wish I could remember the details of my oil in the frame Bonneville. You would have better luck in the Classics, Vintage and Veterans forum. Click on "Classics and Cruisers" on the menu on the left to find it. Good luck with that '74!

OzBloke · 05-25-2009, 08:55 AM

Baldkraut,

Most likely at one stage you've had a bit of wet sumping going on, where oil from the OIF has bled back through the return side of the oil pump into the sump with the engine stopped. When you checked the oil (previously) it seemed down, so you filled it up to the neck of the filler hole. When the engine ran, the oil was pumped out of the sump, overfilling the OIF "tank". Hot engine oil also expands a little.

Empty some out of the bottom plug of the OIF, down to about 3 inches below the neck of the filler hole. If you suspect wet sumping happening again, start the engine and run for 3 minutes or so before checking oil level, checking return flow is happening via the small pipe just inside the fller hole. This will empty the sump, and ensure you have an accurate reading of the oil level. Constant wet sumping usually requires repair of the ball valves in the oil pump.
HTH

baldkraut · 05-25-2009, 03:16 PM

If I understand you correctly, this could be because i overfilled the oil. IF I change the oil and clean the mesh filter on the oil plug would this solve the problem? The bike sat in the garage all winter. (not quite sure what the oif you are referring to is)

Quote:

Originally Posted by OzBloke

Baldkraut,

Most likely at one stage you've had a bit of wet sumping going on, where oil from the OIF has bled back through the return side of the oil pump into the sump with the engine stopped. When you checked the oil (previously) it seemed down, so you filled it up to the neck of the filler hole. When the engine ran, the oil was pumped out of the sump, overfilling the OIF "tank". Hot engine oil also expands a little.

Empty some out of the bottom plug of the OIF, down to about 3 inches below the neck of the filler hole. If you suspect wet sumping happening again, start the engine and run for 3 minutes or so before checking oil level, checking return flow is happening via the small pipe just inside the fller hole. This will empty the sump, and ensure you have an accurate reading of the oil level. Constant wet sumping usually requires repair of the ball valves in the oil pump.
HTH

Caulky · 05-25-2009, 03:40 PM

OIF = oil in frame.
To find out if its wet sumping, leave it for a day and undo the angled drain plug/filter under the engine. If more than 200cc comes out, it is.
So the drop in oil level is due to the sump filling.

pookybear · 05-26-2009, 08:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Caulky

OIF = oil in frame.
To find out if its wet sumping, leave it for a day and undo the angled drain plug/filter under the engine. If more than 200cc comes out, it is.
So the drop in oil level is due to the sump filling.

Careful Caulky,

Most of these bike love to wet sump. Most of these bike will
also wet sump if you just run it for a minute or so and then
shut it off.

Then you check the oil and the level is low so you add abit
more oil. Next thing you know it is overfull. So always, run
the bike for a few miles to get the sump pumped out. Then
check the oil.

Of course your answer was also right, but not the only answer.

Pookybear