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ES2 Oily Top End

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Hi all,

On my newly commissioned oily rag '55 ES2, just on warm up in the workshop I'm seeing a lot of oil at the top end around the plug and fins in that area. When putting it together I did not see any gaskets between the rockerbox and the head and its that joint that I suspect the oil is coming from. When I put it together after the re-bore and new piston I lapped both the top of the head and the bottom surface of the rockerbox, using flat plate glass and grinding paste, plus the use of a jointing compound.

So, am I correct - no gasket and what's the best method of sealing the joint - or is it a case of they are all like that sir?

Thanks - Paul.

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It cant be right as it is. (Can it?) Otherwise easy2's and model 50's would not have a good reputation. 

May I suggest a wash down with brake cleaner and dusting the area with talc?

This way you will see exactly where it is leaking from.

Regards, George. 

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... that there's no gasket (at least there isn't on my 1952 ES2). What sort of jointing compound do you use? I swear by wellseal - a thin brushed coat then left to go tacky for 15 minutes or so (longer in current temperatures). Mine doesn't leak from there at all.

You may find as George suggests that it's coming from elsewhere - what about the rocker feed banjo? I use a Dowty washer there.

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Ian, George,

Thanks for those suggestions - I'll try again with Wellseal.

I've already re-done the rocker feed banjo and the dome nuts on the rocker shafts with plumbers tape.

Regards - Paul.

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... the tape (ptfe?) will necessarily stop leaks. You need proper washers. As I mentioned I use Dowty washers either side of the banjo and under the dome nuts. If you object to them (I know some do) then good fibre washers will do although if I use them I often give them a quick coat of Wellseal as well.

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Take care when tightening the rocker feed banjo, the thread  strips easily. I use alloy washers with a thin coating of Hylomar, but Wellseal is similar. I ended up making gaskets for my rocker box as there always seemed to be a slight weep there. 

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Thanks again for the tips.

My first run out on it today, last on the road in 1978.

Got a rear puncture 2 miles from home and had to push it off the dual carriage way for 1/2 mile - got my exercise today!

Fixed the puncture when I got home, take the rockerbox of tomorrow to fix the leaks. 

Thanks - Paul.

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you say you rebuilt after a rebore so you had a new gasket at the cylider base, is it possible that you didn't get it the right way round? If the drain holes are blocked by a wrongly fitted gasket there will be a build up of oil in the rocker box. Also, I have several o.h.v.Nortons, and I have always fitted a gasket between the head and rocker box.

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hi Andrew, the base gasket has two holes in both sides to ensure you can't get it wrong (one hole is redundant). As above guidance the ES2 has no gasket between the head and rockerbox. 

I'll let you know on progress.

Thanks Paul.

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Hi Paul,

   You are right to grind the joint faces flat, but it is best to use gaskets and sealer as the wall width is quite narrow. If you have some fine scissors and some hole punches they are not too difficult to make, but remember to use a washer of the same material on the single bolt near the top of the pushrod tubes just to keep everything level. The rockerbox feed banjo originally had a copper washer either side to seal each face.

   One reason that could be causing the oil leak is the feed pipe/banjo soldered joint may be fractured due to vibration. The length of this rigid pipe causes leverage on the joint and for reliability it is best to cut a small gap a couple of inches from the banjo and use a suitable rubber pipe to join the two ends together.

  

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Richard - thanks for the further info. I had the issue you describe at the other end of the pipe on the oil tank and re-soldered the joint. I'd already replaced the pipe with flexible hose.

Regards - Paul.

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The joints between the cylinder head and the rocker box does require gaskets. A top end gasket set will come with the gasket(s) you require.

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Thanks Albert - I have bought a set from the club and fitted them - much better now.

Regards - Paul.

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I remember reading somewhere here that it is best to anneal the oil feed banjo washers each time you remove them.

I did that the last time I had them off and have not had any leak issues since.

Mike

 


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