TWIN QUERIES
Rick addresses a pair of common issues for Brit bikes: tank sealing and wet sumping
Martin Boote seeks advice about the 1970 BSA A65 he’s been offered. First, he says the tank has been sealed and although it isn’t leaking yet, the sealer is flaking off inside. He asks how to remove it in order to do the job again. Second, the owner reports that the bike wet sumps, despite the oil pump having been reconditioned. Would I recommend an anti-sumping valve?
Some older sealers apparently dissolve in acetone. More recent types like ‘Slosh’ require MEK (Methyl Ethyl Key Butanone; both solvents quantity online and I’d t of the old sealer in a jar whole tank with possibl The solvent will probab destructive to paint and plastic parts in the taps threaded plugs or corks best but make sure no so can seep out and attack
Ethanol in petrol has lifespan of any sealer unpredictable anyway a to repair leaks by brazing or soldering – as I did on the Norvin tank (CB February). Wet-sumping is the inevitable result of leaving dry sump bikes standing for long periods. A tap is the most effective solution – but potentially also the most disastrous. Antiwet-sumping valves rely on the oil pump overcoming a ball held closed by a light spring. Many see this as an undesirable restriction that oil starvation. he safest e is to fit one of 1970 627771) d sump plates rain bolt. For just this allows you drain the excess a clean jar and t back into the Norton owners get an easy-drain p plug from l (01543 278008).