English French German Italian Spanish

Mystery Oil Tank

Submitted by martin_main on Sun, 07/05/2017
Forums
Singles

Hi all, wonder whether anyone could help me with identifying the oil tank that came with a project just purchased. Also confusing is that there is no obvious oil return pipe when looking down the filler neck.

any help appreciated - see attached pics.

Martin

Attachments 20170507_083648_resized.jpg 20170507_083730_resized-jpg

Submitted by richard_cornish on Sun, 07/05/2017

Permalink

Hi Martin,

No mystery, this shape of tank was used between 1931 and '39 on ES2 and CS1 only. The length of the neck changed about 3 times during this period, gradually getting shorter so I guess this one is mid '30s. At this time both engines had oil circulation indicators so the visual return pipe wasn't so important. There is a picture of a 1935 ES2 in themodels section of this site.

Regards, Richard.

Submitted by martin_main on Sun, 07/05/2017

Permalink

Thanks Richard, a good start having just joined the club.

Looking at said 1935 ES2, and noting the neck changes, makes sense that I found it difficult to find a tank on the net, exactly like mine.

I'm assuming the circulation indicator would have been on the timing chest?

Just one thing still not clear about - could you explain the presence of three rather than two pipe connections on the tank, and which does which. I'm just used to a feed and return on my A10 BSA, will probably use this tank and dont want to connect it up incorrectly.

Thanks, Martin

Submitted by richard_cornish on Mon, 08/05/2017

Permalink

Hi Martin,

Yes you are correct about the oil circulation indicator which is on the crankcase on the CS1 just behind the bottom bevel housing. On the ES2 it is on the top of the timing cover, although this was deleted when the engine was re-designed for 1938.

The large hole in the oil tank is for the feed union which has a large gauze filter and a 90 degree elbow. The fitting next to the large one is the return and the third on the transmission side is the breather. Make sure these 2 have their respective pipes in place as they can sometimes become loose. The breather has a straight pipe which is directed to the bottom run of the rear chain.

Regards, Richard.

Submitted by martin_main on Wed, 10/05/2017

Permalink

Hi Richard, all makes sense now. I'd never have figured out the layout, and guesswork had no place. Had a look at return pipe, with led and dentist mirror. It is in place but not too keen on the rust in there!

thanks again for your help,

Martin

 


Norton Owners Club Website by 2Toucans