Introduction!

[mikeb]

i also provide opposing points of view...
yes if a sludge trap is completely full of goo then your bottom end is toast. so definitely ask about the oils used and when it was stripped down last.

but the problem is many of the guys here think nothing of pulling the engine down as they have the time, skills and inclination. if you are not as skilled (yet!) or don't have the time then like tomcat says just get riding it (definitely with new tyres). then if it shits itself there's nothing lost, right?

maybe a compromise here is an oil filter on the return then run a suitable modern oil. so any shit in the sludge trap won't get worse. there's a debate about if modern oils will dislodge the crap in the sludge trap - i think the braniacs conclude not (http://www.a7a10.net/forum/index.php?action=post;quote=81607;topic=10886.0;last_msg=87536) - but if concerned run a classic monograde. only down side if your oil pump is weak - just make sure there's a steady flow back into the tank. or fit a new mega-money srm one (which I'd recommend if you pulled the engine down anyway - its the heart of the motor)

so this way you can fall in love with it before it causes you masses of pain and expense (sorry I meant to say enriches your life with new opportunities to learn and make new friends)

[LynnLegend]

Aware this may be getting a bit more technical than the board strictly permits - but if I were to buy a (£300!!!!!!) SRM pump, would it change my life? Would I notice the benefit on a daily basis bearing in mind I will be riding the bike a couple of times a week at the most?

In fact, that begs the question - is there any component I should replace which will genuinely make a huge difference based on the frequency of my riding. It does seem that draining the sludge traps seems like a very sensible thing to do in order to ensure I don't wreck her, so will probably work with the old man to have a look at that.

Thanks again for all your guidance.

[mikeb]

if I were to buy a (£300!!!!!!) SRM pump, would it change my life?

its a bit hard to tell. they are a nice blue colour and everyone feels slightly better for that. but seriously that's why finding out the history of the bike could help you a lot. if its been sitting for ages the only 'must-dos' are oil and tyres (however much tread is still left on them).

if you pull it down to clean the sludge trap it would be great learning, good assessment and insurance. But the sludge trap is the very last bit you get to inside the engine. where would you stop? while £300 is mega-money for an oil pump its nothing compared with if you find you need a rebore, do the valve gear, cam followers, maybe a set of rods... the list goes on. or do nothing and assume the best 

i think there's a theory that old bikes should be cheap because they are old, but they are not. but if you don't ride them they're no fun either - so whatever you decide read some oil threads (much more technical than this!) and get it on the road for your northern summer. enjoy it!

[duTch]

 Hiya Sam, welcome aboard  - good story and along with the others I'm happy to help...

Aware this may be getting a bit more technical than the board strictly permits

 You don't need  a SRM pump; noone will ever see the pretty blue of it. You can buy a cast iron High-Flow  pump from John Phelan (forget his details, >Bantam John < or something, doesn't have a website; old school only(carrier pigeon ) but I know Greybeard has one too) fro about half? the price. works for me and I feel better for it

[Topdad]

RR ,no strangers on this forum just people he hasn't spoken to yet !    from sunny Liverpool . Lots of sound advice already given . i just thought back to when i got my first A10 ,didn't know diddly ( some people may say I still don't after 50 yrs ) hadn't heard about a sludge trap ,so it was change oil get her running ,change oil again and then ride which I did for 9 mths then she let loose ,but she had been nhammered only as crass 16 yr old can hammer a bike ! The next A was fully stripped and the sludge trap cleaned ,engine was unburstable after that . so ask grandad as mentioned before and get a few gentle miles on the bike ,plenty of time to strip engines after you've got the BSA grin well fixed on your mush 

[terryg]

"a bit more technical than the board strictly permits"
No way - we like technical!

Is your new bike an easy starter?  I ask in relation to 'other components to replace'.

I struggled with a dodgy magneto for too long, before accepting that 50 year old condensors (capacitors) have nothing but antique appeal. A magneto test and potential overhaul might mean you ride a bit more than tinker - if starting is a bit hit or miss.
Depending on where you live there are a number of mag and dynamo specialists who will be pleased to freshen up your mag. Beezermacc (Macclesfield) does a good job but others are around too.

It's worth saying that you can get too fussy about the mechanics. As others have said already, it's good to get out and ride it (if gently at first).

[duTch]

 

just people he hasn't spoken to yet ! 

......or heckled

 

  from sunny Liverpool .

..funny you should say that, we've just started having precipitation from above for the first time in a while 

 Just re-read you initial;

Old man went straight over a crossing with no barriers only to be met side on by a tram carrying fruit and veg to market in Wisbech .....

....so he became the smoothiest dude you'd hope to meet..

 Just get that Plunger together and use it, your life will never be the same again...

[LynnLegend]

....so he became the smoothiest dude you'd hope to meet..

Oh dear oh dear.

Is your new bike an easy starter?

Apparently so.

while £300 is mega-money for an oil pump its nothing compared with if you find you need a rebore, do the valve gear, cam followers, maybe a set of rods... the list goes on.

Fortunately I won't need any of this work doing, the bike will run a treat and nothing will ever go wrong.


New tyres, and some decent oil seem like the only must-haves in the first instance. It also sounds to me that I just need to get on the bike and ride it gently, and fix things as they go wrong.

That having been said the fact the SRM pump is blue is clearly a relevant factor. Everyone needs blue components.

[RichardL]

I discovered the importance of removing and flushing sludge traps on an engine that has uncertainty around the state of said sludge trap. A sludge trap is a very quick way to make an engine shit itself. ........
Most of here have learnt the hard way.

Learned the hard way.

Richard L.

[Greybeard]

.... A magneto test and potential overhaul might mean you ride a bit more than tinker...

Seconded. I'm very glad that I forked out, (quite a lot of money) to have my Mag overhauled. The bike starts and runs very reliably. Great value for money!!

[jimbo]

You are a lucky man. It's a lovely bike, and I would suggest riding it about a bit to get to know it. Different gear change, no brakes, and the handling may feel unusual. Do a few miles and fall in love.

[LynnLegend]

Hello again all,

Finally got the bike home this week and had the chance to tidy it up a bit. Photos hopefully attached. I'm absolutely in love already, she's beautiful.

First jobs are to get some new pipes (grandad decided aluminium paint was a good idea...) and a sump with a plug/tap - would welcome advice on the best place to get those.

She's stood for about 2 years so I'll have to drain the oil from the sump, should I put it back in again or replace with new? Any other considerations?

Also, where's the best place to get insurance?

Hope you enjoy the photos!

Thanks,

Sam.

[Billybream]

Looks a good original example, ride it and enjoy.
Exhausts etc Armours are quite good, even try s/steel option.
You should drain the oil and replace with fresh, best to clean oil filter in the oil tank and try and clean tank best you can.
The sump drain can be replaced with magnetic sump plate, Priory Magnetoes should be able to help.
I have just changed to Carole Nash for insurance.

[a10 gf]

Fine original looks. Congrats.

[ellis]

Carole Nash have always done Bike insurance at a good price for me.  Nice looking bike that I'm sure you will be proud to own. 


ELLIS