Hi all
I was lucky to obtain one of these recently
I was told it can be refurbished with a new seal.
Has anyone done this before ?
many thanks
Jo'b

email (option): Jonnyob1@googlemail.com

Hi John,

Yes I did do that, I used a membrane from a Solex moped fuel pump but any such material would do fine. It's the round part removed from the thing that I needed as your probably understand. Quite an easy job to do.

Henk

email (option): ahum@quicknet.nl

Interestingly these oil tell-tales where originally a pre war AA part.



From the 1939 BSA spare parts list.

email (option): robmiller11@yahoo.co.uk

Hi Henk
How did you open this ?
It's not so obvious without doing damage
Your expertise required once more

Hi rob, thank you fir this

Best regards
Jo'b

email (option): Jonnyob1@googlemail.com

Hi John,

It's actually quite easy to take it apart. You have to get hold of the black indicator thing and pull while wiggle it a little and out it comes. For the inside parts you need a pair of pointy pliers or something you have to make yourself. Nothing complicated. With both mine the spring was rusty and broken and I had to make new springs. I made these from a guitar string

Henk

email (option): ahum@quicknet.nl

Thanks Henk
Not wanting to break such an unusual item I wanted to be sure
Thanks for the info
Best regards
Jo'b

email (option): Jonnyob1@googlemail.com

I guess anyone with access to a decent machine shop could make a good repro of these scarce indicators. I had intended to get some made but, as with many things, still on the back-burner...

These indicators disappeared rather rapidly on WD BSA's, during 1940 I think ? No doubt deemed an unnecessary fitting....and on the M20 a rather exposed component inviting damage from a spill or carelessly placed ammunition boot....

I think that Norton were the only manufacturer to continue to fit an oil pressure indicator button throughout WW2 on the 16H and Big 4 (although the item was deleted on later production WD Big 4's). Arguably, the pressure tell-tale on the 16H, being internal within the timing case, is far less prone to accidental damage than the external BSA component. I know that on the 16H, the tell-tale works well, popping up the moment the engine starts....

When ticking over, the tell-tale indicator bobs up and down nicely with the beat of the engine, a bit like a small boat on the water...:o)

henk what tune does your oil indicator play at full speed

Last trip it performed "Singing in the rain" I am afraid.

email (option): ahum@quicknet.nl

I made a reasonable replica of the oil indicator..it's not too complicated. I didn't actually need it for my (later)bike, it was just an interesting project, so I gave it away ultimately...Ian

If you don't get the seal right it is more like an oil leak indicator or a boot oiler...
Leon

email (option): leonhop3@planet.nl