Having cleaned up my WM20 oil tank ready for painting, and looking through the maintenance manual, I think that the internal return pipe may be missing! Has anyone successfully managed to re-attach a section of pipe within the tank? I would assume it woukd have been welded/brazed to the union before it was secured? I have read many of you don't worry about a return filter, so the correct method of securing it wouldn't matter so much. But I will certainly need a way of checking the return flow of oil.
Would anyone have a picture of inside an empty tank they wouldn't mind posting on the forum please?
I would think it wouldn't be too hard to slide a thinner diameter pipe inside the existing spout on the outside of the tank, and then solder it in position. Just clean everything well first or the solder won't stick. The oil pipe has only to rise above the level of oil in the tank, after all. I can't post a picture of the inside of my spare oil tank I'm afraid. I've never managed to master the technique for getting them on here! If you want pictures, send me an email and I'll wing some back to you.
Thank you for the reply! Yes I will see about getting some of the right diameter steel pipe, can it up and see if I can get some silver solder to stick.
Do you know if the pipe is full diameter where it exits or is it similar to other marks where they are crimped or capped with a smaller bore side exit hole?
This one is pretty manky inside, but you can see there is a circular seat for the filter to sit on and the top of the pipe is blanked off, presumaby there is a hole somewhere on the side?
It doesn't seem that long ago that there were several at every jumble for £25 a time, but things have changed, still a few on ebay for £75 plus postage but it depends on how much you value your time I suppose?
I just missed out on a reasonably priced tank last week (£35), by a matter of minutes on ebay sadly.
I have some 5/16 copper pipe and will give it a go with some silver solder, I don't mind spending time fixing things, and it would be a shame to see this one on the scrap heap. If it doesn't work I will keep my eye out for one that's not too expensive. I have plenty more to do on the bike in the mean time.
I have a tank that is complete internally and in usable condition but will require some filler for a few dents before painting....You can have it as a freebie if you pay the postage on it (I don't know where you are but UK only I'm afraid)...Contact me off forum if your repair doesn't work out....Ian
Adam
I know strange things happen to these machines over the years but this is a bit weird. Do you have any idea as to how the pipe came to be missing?
I bought a very nice tank before realising later the oil pipe was missing...Fortunately the dealer took it back and refunded my money...He hadn't noticed either!!...I don't think it's a common problem, in 50 years I only know of these two...Ian
Interestingly there doesn't seem to be any sign of the internal bracket having ever been fitted, but you can see where there may have been a pipe attached to the inside.