ES2 magneto chain lubrication

A certain amount of oil mist or weepage comes through the cam bush which is why they put a drain at the bottom, but on a rebuilt engine, not very much. I give my chains a wipe round with a blob of grease on a fingertip. They certainly don't want packing. They don't seem to dry out under European road conditions.

Richard is right. The chain is lubricated by oil mist through the bush. If you get a lot of oil dripping from the t/chain case, the bush needs renewing. Definitely don't pack it with grease.

George

Hi Richard,

   Just to add to Richard P's comment, the drain pipe under the mag chain is set at a level so the oil fills the chamber to a level so the chain can just run in this puddle and any excess runs out of the pipe onto the road. As Richard P says when the engine is in good condition this works well, but as the engine wears the combination of a worn cam spindle and bush and excess crankcase pressure means too much oil gets through and you end up with an oil mess under the bike. This type of design is why British bikes got a poor reputation for leaks. I find it best to soak the chain in oil then drain off the surplus before fitting.

Indeed, Richard. There is a 'Richard the Third' joke in there somewhere.

I could change my name to Dick Payne if it helped, but it sounds like a medical condition :-(

Yes I am frequently told I'm a right Dick, but that doesn't mean I'm correct !!

I never realised that the drain pipe actually acted as a level control. Very nice idea and much better than the grease that lesser makes ask you to slather around.

I can't agree with you, Ian, that it's a "very nice idea" to have a dripping oil total waste system. It was designed when oil was a lot cheaper and before environmental issues ruled the day. I've fitted an empty yoghourt pot to mine (painted black) and empty it back into the oil tank at the end of each run. Saves carrying a drip tray around with me!

George

... which should mean you only lose a tiny bit. And oil was never cheap and as a proportion of the ordinary working bloke's (or woman's) wage much more expensive than it is now.

I do accept the environmental argument but if I took it to extremes the Norton would stay in the garage.....