'74 Commando 2023 First Ride Disaster

[Steve G.]

   Well, not really a disaster. Lets just say the undercarriage of this British bitch can be considered rust free and squeak free for this season. I've done alot of things on this one in anticipation for the Norton rally this spring, which I have committed to. One was a new rocker feed oil line, which was a gong show surprisingly, but now with a factory Andover unit, it's leak free. Little things like side stand and center stand return springs, lubricate both, swingarm lube, basic stuff.
   I unfortunately forgot about the habit of pre '75 Commando's to 'wet sump' where, when parked,  they slowly weep oil through the oil pump and into the crankcase, usually 1/2-3/4 liter. So I overfilled the oil tank. The test ride went nicely, the Norton enjoyed the cool air and is running fine. I stopped for coffee, only to quickly realize the EXXON Valdez effect I was offering onto the parking lot. All I could think of was to get home and fix this right way. Heck, even the two Harley Shovelhead chopper dudes were impressed!!! By the time I got home the back end was soaked, my little side street is guaranteed to be dust free for the riding season, and I'm checking the flyers right now to see who has a gallon of Simple green on sale.
 Dam!!!

[stanfromhell]

When Steve gets his leak fixed I'll be bringing a small jar full of clean oil to every coffee gathering and guess whats going to happen next time he brings his Norton. 

[Galactica]

Stan, you are pure evil.

[Steve G.]

   That does sting a bit Stan. But I deserve it.
   And I think it's time I step up actually, to assist Stan, in his admirable attempts at dust control these last 2 years with his majestic Falcone.  I'm here for ya Stan!!!!

  Just to clarify, The Norton didn't actually leak. You see, the oil level was so high, the PCV valve [positive crankcase ventilation] hose, which makes a negative crank pressure based on crankshaft main body revolutions, negative versus positive position in the cases, and burns those gases off via the hose to the back of the airbox. So basically it was sucking straight oil, instead of crankcase gases,  into the airbox, most of it dripping straight down and out of the filter and onto the engine securing plates and the bottom area of the bike.

  So the PCV is working great!!!!

[fffCycles]

Yes Steve, unfortunately I did that to my self quite a few years ago and my 850 left a mess of cleaning to do and the rear tire was not to be trusted. I tend to drain at the end of the season and renew the oil on the machine I am running this summer.
Frank