Triumphrat

wordman5 · 09-09-2008, 05:28 PM

Hello, a newbie here. Just got my Hughie Hancox rebuild DVD and watched it, and am curious to know if anyone has performed the timing cover oil seal conversion he shows. (Learned about the Hancox video in another thread here -- good investment.)
I won't be able to do the work myself, but is there a standard size seal, and what exactly is involved?
Any insights appreciated, thanks so much.

trophy2454 · 09-09-2008, 06:16 PM

I am currently rebuilding a 56 trophy 650 and like some info on the DVD you are talking about

wordman5 · 09-09-2008, 06:23 PM

Here is the link I used to purchase the DVD:
http://www.hughiehancoxrestorations.co.uk/
There is more info there about the DVD and Hancox himself.

Beljum · 09-10-2008, 02:25 PM

I'm in the middle of a preunit restoration and I wondered about the seal conversion too. A few folks that are true preunit experts recommended against this conversion. The reasoning is that the stock oil pump is way more than capable of dealing with the pressure losses due to crankshaft/oil control bush clearance. Also, the factory machining of the crankshaft end bush bore in the cover is sometimes off center by a good amount (like mine). This makes machining the snap ring groove tough (or impossible) without welding.
The advice and also the fact that the big-end was in good condition swayed me away from that mod.

bushybester · 09-10-2008, 02:40 PM

You guys have lost me, one is talking about a seal convertion and the other is talking about an oil pump, aren’t you suppose to be talking about a gasket?

wordman5 · 09-10-2008, 03:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bushybester

You guys have lost me, one is talking about a seal convertion and the other is talking about an oil pump, aren’t you suppose to be talking about a gasket?

We are talking about the same thing here, really, because it's all related. I'm talking about replacing the timing side cover crankshaft bush with an oil seal. The result, as explained by Hancox, is increased oil pressure. A worn bush will presumably decrease oil pressure -- where the thought about the oil pump comes into play.
I just wondered if other folks had thoughts about the seal conversion -- or how to do it.
My motor did not come with a timing cover, and I've since found two. They are both in various states of disrepair -- on one the threads for the oil pressure relief valve are bodged, and the other one has been (poorly) chrome plated at some point in its life, and all of the chrome is flaking. Not sure what I'm going to do. Probably keep looking for a cover in better shape, and perhaps attempt an oil seal conversion. Thanks for taking the time to reply.

t100rc · 09-10-2008, 06:40 PM

I've found that pre-unit timing covers are pretty plentiful and not very expensive ... unless, of course, you're looking for one with a tach drive. In that case, they're not only scarce but very costly. It would probably be easier to fix the threads in the one than to deal with the chrome on the other. Although, if you send it to a chrome shop, they can very readily remove the chrome. It comes off very easily in the vats, from what I understand.

Beljum · 09-12-2008, 08:38 AM

Wordman5..if you are still tuned in..

I'm hijacking this thread (I think you have already decided on the seal conversion) in the hopes that you can please post some photos of your 1939 5T. The prewar Speed Twins with the girder forks are my favorite of all time. Real works of art. After I complete my 6T over the winter, I'll be on the hunt for a neglected prewar Speed Twin basket.
If you did the restoration, maybe start a new thread with some pics and info.

wordman5 · 09-12-2008, 07:34 PM

Hello Beljum. I don't have any really good photos of that bike readily available, I'd have to dig for them. I will do so, though, when I can find some time.
The bike is all original from the headstock back. The front end had been removed at some point in the bike's life, and all I could find was a 1940 girder (the one with the helper springs on the side). So, I put that in, and had to modify a front wheel to suit. I can't believe how rare (read, expensive) girder forks and proper front wheels for those bikes are!!
Stay tuned...
BTW, haven't made up my mind about the conversion. Still want to hear from somebody who's actually performed the mod.

Beljum · 09-14-2008, 06:51 AM

wm5,

Yeah,,I'm preparing myself for the shock of "rarity" ($$

). I'm also thinking that it may be near impossible to find a basket in need of a home. I think the guys that have 'em just keep 'em (I probably would too).

Oh...one more thing about the seal conversion...I have a foggy recollection of certain brands of seals inverting the lip under high pressure (thats a bad thing!!). So if you proceed with the conversion, maybe check that in greater detail.