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Rear view of the oil level gauge; still working despite a generous
covering of gloop. The pipe feeding into the top is the return pipe
for any liquid oil collected in the crankcase breather. This pipe
was still open but, unfortunately, the breather outlet was completely blocked
with oil sludge. |
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The components - delightfully simple and beautifully made. The drain
tap is a tapered brass plug with a cross drilling. The black spring
ensures that the drain plug does not leak when closed. |
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Back in one piece and showing 'MAX' as the unit is resting on the float.
The drain plug leaver required straightening due to a gorilla's touch some
time in the past. It is important to make sure that the spring-loaded
retaining catch (in front of the 'SHUT' lever) is free to spring in and
out. |
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The oil pressure relief valve in bits. The high
pressure relief valve is on the left and is set to lift at 15psi.
Centre is the low pressure valve, also set to lift at 15psi, which is
in a common chamber with the rocker outlet on the right. (NOTE the
ball bearing non-return valve which is not shown in the drawings.)
The effect of the two valves is to feed the crankshaft at 25-35psi and
the rockers at 15psi.
Various factory modifications were made to overcome operating
problems encountered in service; the majority being due to the poor quality
of oil available at the time. These solutions created further malfunctions
that were, in turn, rectified with unsatisfactory results. I have
returned the springs back to original settings (supplied by the PIIITS)
with satisfactory pressure results. As the valve mechanism has also
received the secondary modifications I will monitor the eventual performance,
on a clean engine, with interest. The oil holes in the two banjo
screws on the tappet filter have been enlarged to the original dimensions
in order to return the rocker oil flows to original specification.
Valve seals have also been replaced with Teflon chord.
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The cleaned item. Oil inlet, at the left, from the pressure filter.
The small outlet at the base is for the oil pressure gauge in the dashboard. |
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The left hand pipe connects the top of the pressure filter to the inlet
of the pressure relief valve. The right hand pipe connects the oil
pump to the bottom (inlet) of the pressure filter. Yet another example
of the idiot's charter to car maintenance. This will require replacing
before the engine runs. |
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The oil filler pipe deeply pitted from years of water leaking from the
cracked block - obviously before the 'temporary repair' was effected.
I have just cleaned this and painted the corroded area to stop further degradation. |
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The lid, right, shown partially dismantled. The spring loaded plate,
still in the lid, was not removed as it is riveted and I did not want to
risk permanent damage. Everything was cleaned thoroughly and re-assembled.
The holes in the leather seal are copper grommets. |