Triumphrat

rmak · 08-01-2009, 08:14 AM

I just picked up my T140E. One owner, 6,400 miles. I rode it about 60 miles home without any problems. The engine had top end work (po had receipts) at 6,000 miles but was in storage since 2001.

I do have a few concerns about the engine. First, the valves are loud. The previous owner said that's the way it always sounded, but the valves are louder than other bikes of this type I've heard. Is there anything other than a valve clearance check I should be looking into?

Second, there is seeping of oil in the rocker boxes, sorry I'm not sure of if this is the proper term, and also from the speedo drive. I assume the seals are old and bad, since all the rubber is cracked and brittle elsewhere. What should I do? I found a top end gasket kit on the internet that includes o rings. Should I just plan on replacing every gasket and seal in the kit, or would I get away with doing a certain part of that job?

Finally, if my description suggests other problems I'd appreciate knowing. Visually the Engine looks very good and oil tight everywhere else. The bike was started periodically and the oil was kept clean and changed on a regular basis but other than that the bike has sat without care for some time.

daveforty · 08-01-2009, 09:35 AM

Rocker spindle O rings do harden and leak, its a regular problem on my bike - particularly the exhaust rocker spindle. Easy enough to replace but you will need the tool that compresses the O ring as you insert the spindle back into the casting. Last time I assembled it with a smear of high temp. silicone snot and it has sealed them nicely. Oil leaks from there make a mess as it runs all over the cylinder head and burns on. Part no. for the tool is 61-7019.

There are three O rings on the pushrod tubes, one at the top, one inside the tube at the bottom and a square section O ring that the pushrod tube sits on, but replacing them requires taking the cylinder head off.

Tacho drive may leak because it needs tightening, take the screwed plug off the side of the thing, pull out the gear and tighten the nut that you will see beneath the gear, note it is a LH thread. You may need a new Dowty washer between the tacho drive and the crankcase. Also check the welch plug in the bottom of the tacho gearbox, I have had those come loose before now and leak oil.

(looks like we have similar 'collections').

rmak · 08-01-2009, 09:58 AM

Thanks much, Dave. You do have good taste in motorcycles! Any thoughts on the valve chatter?

Plewsy · 08-01-2009, 10:40 AM

Hi rmak,

you might find this handy though you settings are 00.8" for inlets and 00.6" for the exhausts set cold

http://www.triumphrat.net/vintage-te...ets-video.html

this is on my 650 but the ideas the same,
you can also get one valve down and set the other on the same cam, it's a bit easier that way

rmak · 08-01-2009, 01:29 PM

Thanks, Plewsy! Great video. I see you have the tank off too. Anything else need to come off?

Let me know when you offer a rocker spindle O ring replacement video too. I could use the help.

daveforty · 08-02-2009, 08:22 AM

It is a bit rattly - e.g. more so than a Commando.

To do the O ring, ideally take the rocker box off, place it in an oven until it is sufficiently warm that spitting on it sizzles, then tap the spindle out a little and you'll see the O ring about 3/16" from the end of the spindle, cut off new one, place tool over end of spindle, put new O ring on spindle and then tap it home, leave it to cool. Dont tap the spindle too far out. You will need the guide tool to guide the O ring in place, if the O ring is 'shaved' on the edge of the rocker box it will leak again.

In practical terms, take it for a ride, get it nice and warm then take off the oil feed and proceed as above. Put the dome nut back on the end of the spindle and apply gentle hammer taps to the nut rather than the threaded end of the spindle.

motersikelist · 08-03-2009, 01:53 PM

As long as you are checking the valve clearances, you may as well check/re-torque the head and rockerboxs first.