Triumphrat

dorkingbonny · 01-07-2007, 02:40 PM

I have just had the engine rebuilt and went to change the primary oil - but nothing drained out!

Is this right? - I read something about holes in the crankcases keeping the primary level correct and draining into the crankcase?

Any ideas?

Thanks

Mark

KADUTZ · 01-07-2007, 05:47 PM

[ This message was edited by: KADUTZ on 2007-01-28 00:27 ]

TRI-AL · 01-08-2007, 04:07 AM

Sounds like they forgot to put oil in! UNLESS you're not useing the right drain plug? Should be right off the bottom of the chain case. It should be slightly LARGER than the 10 or so screws that fasten the chaincase cover to the engine. Should be near the center of the case (maybe slightly forward) OR you could also drain it by removing the plug and screw adjuster that you used when "adjusting" the chain "tensioner" which is parallel to the frame, below, near the left driver foot peg. (access from rear of bike) To make SURE, remove the entire chaincase cover and take a look! Now, having said all this, I'm speaking from a 1977 model experience, but I doubt there's any difference. Good luck. Hey, I'm at work....what do ya want? :-D

htown16 · 01-09-2007, 10:38 AM

On a 1970 the primary and crankcase share oil. It enters the primary side at the crank and when it reachs the level of the bottom of the chain the excess is drained back by three small holes at that level. When you drain it, you refill with about 150 cc's of what you are using for engine oil to prime it. It self levels when the engine is started. Maybe it was never primed to start with. There shouldn't be anyway for the "prime" to get out of there unless the cover or the drain is leaking per Kadutz.

GrandPaulZ · 01-09-2007, 10:47 AM

It could be that the oil passages are gummed up and there is no flow over to the primary side. VERY easy to be the case on a bike that has been sitting.

Mecchanica · 01-09-2007, 06:13 PM

The oil is blown into the primary by the crankcase blowby and the back and forth huffing of the engine at low rpm...there should be NO seal behind the engine sprocket. If there is one, then that would keep the oil from moving into the primary. I would guess somebody mistakenly put a seal between the left main bearing and the sprocket.
I am assuming you are draining the oil from the drain plug which is at five oclock relative to the center slotted adjustment plug. You may have to remove any build up of sealer from around the adjuster nut to get the oil to run out. Or pressurize the case with an air line.
I usually prime with the full capacity of the case, about a third of a quart of engine oil.

dorkingbonny · 01-10-2007, 01:00 PM

Thanks Guys

Does this mean that it doesn't really need to be filled? - as it will get oil anyway from the crankcase, and any excess will merely return to the crankcase?

So underfilling/overfilling doesn't matter as long as there is enough in the "engine"?

Or am I just being dumb? - It has been known!

Cheers

Mark

GrandPaulZ · 01-10-2007, 01:43 PM

You first need to confirm that there is no seal installed behind the primary sprocket, which is behind the alternator rotor. You pretty much have to remove the entire primary drive with clutch & alternator.

Then, you need to verify that the 4 little holes are nice and clear. You'll be able to see them clearly when you remove the primary.

Lutz · 01-30-2007, 11:30 PM

Hey GrandPaulZ,
I have been gone for a while and was just reading some older threads .Onefrom 2007-01-10 you mention four little holes that should be clear I have checked my old engines and some new drive side cases and cannot find the fourth hole can find only three.
Lutz

TBS · 01-31-2007, 06:44 AM

There are only 3 holes.