Jubilee Wet Sumping Advice

Start the engine let it pump it all back to the tank. Then top up the tank as needed.

I'm with Alan.

They all do it. Leave it long enough and all the oil tank contents will be in the sump.

If you didn't overfill the oil tank, there will be enough air under the pistons to run the engine at low revs. The oil will return to the oil tank in a continuous stream. Can be seen by removing oil filler cap and squinting on with a torch. When the crankcase is cleared of excess oil the flow returning to the oil tank will be discontinuous.

Use larger throttle with a crankcase full of oil and you run the risk of pushing the drive side crankshaft oil seal into the primary drive with raised crankcase pressure.

Best to use them regularly.

Peter 

Having a number of running bikes. Some wet sump much, other less. I note the oil level when they have been ridden. Then check before next start how much level has dropped. If needed I drain the sump. Seen a for sale Norton blow the crank oil seal some years ago.Has forgotten twice to open a tap. Luckily on a roller bearing crankshaft bike. All depends on how often you use the bike. If not used at all during winter, I recommend draining.

Just remember to check oil level and top it up shortly after a run. Don't refill the oil tank if lots of the oil is inside the engine.

How do you check oil level? Very easy. Remove oil cap, can middle finger touch oil? (after running of course) If it can you have enough!

Elf'n'safety Al, that oil will be hot! 

Ian,

Your photo suggests that you have a Navigator de-luxe. With rear fairing.

If you are lucky you will still have the original oil filler cap 22057 which has a dipstick. No oily finger for you.

Those of us with less luxurious lightweights have soft fingernails.

Peter 

That FB front fork and front brake are Jubilee, but if some one has fitted the Navy engine? So why does Peter H think it is a Navy with a a jubilee front end?? The change of colour cannot change the cc Please confirm that R17 is Jubilee.

I need to go to Specsavers. The forks and front mudguard are very Jubilee.

Peter

Hi Ian.

  Your pictures very much suggest it is a Jubilee, the forks are lightweight as used on the Franny B, and the head mounting is jubilee not Navigator, the frame mounting and clamp are different. We all suffer from wet sumping on Nortons some more than others, I always drain the sump if the tank level has lowered a lot while standing. Looks a nice bike, happy riding. 

Peter F.

For years I have been draining the sump as it makes starting easier and stops the engine smoking and sooting up plugs , recently I have stopped the procedure before the oil rush slows. My thinking is that leaving some oil in the sump is usefull as the crank can pick it up and give the cam and piston skirts some much needed splash on start up where we are told the most wear occurs . Why did I not think of this before???. 

Several giveaways - Forks & frontwheel suggest a Jubilee (but a Navi engine could be shoehorned in) - so not definitive.

However, the engine size can be determined by the Head Steady arrangement, as Navi differs in that department - & yours has the Jubilee setup

PLUS, if you count the fins on your barrel, you have 5, whereas a Navi has 6

If Jubilees are like Electras there is some concern with starting the engine and let the oil pump empty the sump.  When I drained my sump after an extended park, I was considerably short of what oil I had added to the tank prior the parking it. 

Turns out I was able to drain 1+ liters of oil from the primary chain case.  It appears I have a leaking main seal on the drive side.  This could cause some engine damage if the engine is run too short of oil in the crankcase.

Does anyone know if I can replace the drive side crankshaft seal without splitting the cases?

Thanks.

The short answer is 'yes'.

How? Best get a manual.

What you might find?

Seal has blown out of housing because of raised crankcase pressure and outer bore of seal housing not peened in 3 places.

Worn seal.

Holes have been drilled through the crankcase to permit drift access to back face of roller main for removal. If visible outside the seal, the only cure is to plug these holes - somehow.

Happy fettling Ron

Peter Holland

WOW!

Thanks, Peter.

Looking at those possibilities, I am definitely hoping for a worn seal.  : )

I'm ordering the seal today.  Will get to it this fall/early winter.

I will keep you up to date.

Ron