A10 plunger oil tank

[bigjohn]

Hi all - must be a senior moment but after I blasted the outside of my 55 plunger A10 oil tank until it was mint and de-rusting the inside until you could eat your dinner off it, I suddenly noticed the lack of a metal, internal oil return pipe which normally exits at the inside of the filler cap on most tanks. Not being an expert on A10's, should there be one? Now I know what the answer is likely to be, but after spending so much time on the tank, I just wanted to make sure. I am wondering if it is possible to insert a pipe into the return hole (held in with perhaps Araldite) and then attach the top of it to the inside of the filler neck. What do you think?

Regards

John.

[duTch]

 There should be one a bit further in than right at the filler hole; did you poke a piece of wire in the return coupling and see where it goes...??

[morris]

There definitely should be one.
Seems logic as the return line outlet sits very close to the feed line inlet. There's a lot of air bubbles coming back and if there wasn't a pipe, they would get sucked back in, leading to a very insufficient oil feed. For that matter I would solder or braze one in. If your araldite lets go...

[bsa-bill]

don't know if the plungers rocker feed is different to s/a but isn't the hole in the side near the top of the pipe of a size that restricts the flow and encourages oil up to the rockers

[duTch]

 My return pipe is in from the hole, you may need to get down further and look in as per pic (needs a bright light), and the breather pipe is further back.

 Bill, I seem to recall reading that somewhere recently

[bigjohn]

Thanks everyone for your input. The two photos show that my return pipe is in fact missing. I have the breather pipe. I can see how the return pipe would fit into the recessed hole at the bottom of the tank. It would be impossible, I think, to braze the new pipe into the hole unless I open up a panel in the tank for access and weld/braze that up again. I need to start looking for a suitable sized pipe before my next move. Will keep you informed.

Regards

John.

[Greybeard]

Thanks everyone for your input. The two photos show that my return pipe is in fact missing. I have the breather pipe. I can see how the return pipe would fit into the recessed hole at the bottom of the tank. It would be impossible, I think, to braze the new pipe into the hole unless I open up a panel in the tank for access and weld/braze that up again. I need to start looking for a suitable sized pipe before my next move. Will keep you informed.

Regards

John.

I recently changed the oil tank on my Plunger A10 due to a slight leak somewhere on the rear. Since it's been on the shelf in my garage I have managed to make a small dent in it.  If you feel that sorting it out might be easier than fixing your one you are welcome to have it.

[bigjohn]

Message to Greybeard - thanks for the offer. It will I am sure be easier than cutting into my present tank. I have an idea that may or not work with my tank. Let me see that to it's conclusion, if no good I would be very grateful for your tank. I will of course give you something for it and pay the postage.

Thanks

John.

[Greybeard]

...if no good I would be very grateful for your tank.

Private message sent

[Greybeard]

Where are you located BigJohn?

[bigjohn]

Hi Graybeard - located in Stoke on Trent. thanks again for the offer, I will let you know.

John.

[Greybeard]

Not too far from me in Leamington Spa.

[RoadRunner]

It would be impossible, I think, to braze the new pipe into the hole unless I open up a panel in the tank for access and weld/braze that up again. I need to start looking for a suitable sized pipe before my next move. Will keep you informed.

Hi, I used a guy called Ray Petit located in near J26 M1 - north Notts area who is an expert at taking tanks apart, fixing and re-welding up and pressure testing!  Not been there for a couple of years but may be worth punt. R/R

[bigjohn]

Hi all - managed to make and fit a new pipe  that seems to be ok. Will let you know for sure once I get the bike running. Thanks again for everyones input

BigJohn.