Oil level.

[Gavin]

As far as i can tell a 51 A10 plunger frame should take 4 pints of engine oil. I measured 2 quarts and poured them into the empty tank. The level is about an inch from the top which seems rather high given all the other "Oil Level" indicators I have observed on photo's of other bikes. Any sage advice from the forum would be welcome. Thanks,

[bsa-bill]

Well I'd welcome any comments on my tuppence worth that the oil level wants to be a little below the height of the return wherever that may be on your particular bike

[Gavin]

I am pretty sure it is when i start the bike and the oil is cold, but warmed up, I think it could be line ball.

[BSA_54A10]

The air space at the top of the tank is to allow the frothy oil settle not to compensate for thermal expansion.
The worst thing that will happen is the excess will blow out of the oil tank breather.
So if you are worried then slip a catch bottle on the end of the breather tube,
Your bike was supposed to use ( burn ) 200 mil oil in each 100 miles.
This is why you are instructed to check the oil level each & every time you start the bike
Oil has improved a lot as have things like rings & seals so the consumption now days will be closer to 100 mil / 100 miles.
However if you plod around it will be less and if you valve bounce before up changing and even more important do a lot of heavy down changes then expect your oil consumption to go up.

[dpaddock]

"Your bike was supposed to use ( burn ) 200 mil oil in each 100 miles."

Where did you get this info, Trevor?

David

[BSA_54A10]

Sorry for the delay.
Just got back from the BSA National Raly.
Had a blast, thanks to the SA boys for a really good time.

BSA dealers service memo.
If I can lay my hands on them I will post it.
Some one scanned about 10 years worth onto a CD some time back and I bought a box full a few years latter off evil bay.
It was on one of them.
The sheet was distributed to  notify the dealers of what was an acceptable ( non warrantee  ) amount of oil consumption.

[bsa-bill]

Hi Trevor

The sheet was distributed to  notify the dealers of what was an acceptable ( non warrantee  ) amount of oil consumption.

Was it in the  "they all do that sir" section

[wilko]

I.ve never had a pommy bike or car that didn't burn oil.

[muskrat]

Hay Wilco, my "83 CB1100 burns more than all 3 of my BSA's. They did from new.
Cheers