Hello, Greasers

Grignapoco Posts : 178 Join date : 2014-05-20

Long time no speak.

Am in the process of replacing the copper crush washers on the eternally leaky LH Cyl Head oil feed banjo.
Oh that's fun.

Couple three questions:

Since I can't get a torque wrench in there, how can I get a sense of how much torque to apply?

And on that note, the washers aren't crushed or much marked up at all, despite my prior attempts to "nip them up",
which is a Roperism.

Can I use aluminum washers? Would that be even better because it's softer?

Off to the parts house.

Guest

I just use the reset pin in my right elbow, its adjustable for any pressure. geek

Find a similar bolt, easily accessed, that has the same torque value, usually determined by thread size and pitch. Loosen it and torque it up. Now using the ring spanner you need for the banjo, crack it loose 1/4 turn and then retighten to exactly the same position you started from.

Aluminium washers will work just as well, although thermal expansion properties will be different.

Copper washers can be renewed by really fine (1000) wet n dry wrapped around a sheet of glass, good for removing finger prints as well. pirat

Grignapoco Posts : 178 Join date : 2014-05-20

GRiSO Capo Posts : 361 Join date : 2014-09-02

I don't think you need to use a torque spanner on a banjo bolt, just don't over tighten it, especially if you are using new washers. If it leaks you can nip them up a bit tighter. If you were using old used copper washers you might want to anneal them to restore the softness in the copper.

I prefer to use copper because I think it stays usable for longer if opened and closed a few times, but I don't see a problem in using aluminium if you don't get any joy with the copper.

Good luck with it, Thumbs Up

Don Abbondio Posts : 6086 Join date : 2014-03-13 Age : 69

Refurbish copper washers by heating to red hot and dunking in cold water. Called annealing I think and softens up the copper quite nicely. Had to do this on my BSA years ago on the head gaskets. Always worked.

However the price of new crush washers may justify the price over this method which is a bit time consuming.

Grignapoco Posts : 178 Join date : 2014-05-20

Am really struggling to start the bolt back in.
Hands too big.

Trying to avoid pulling the tank.

Any hot tips?

GRiSO Capo Posts : 10712 Join date : 2013-05-29 Age : 67

Pull the tank.

Grignapoco Posts : 178 Join date : 2014-05-20

Sigh.

Grignapoco Posts : 178 Join date : 2014-05-20

Where do I find that procedure for depressurising the system?

Don Abbondio Posts : 6086 Join date : 2014-03-13 Age : 69

Disconnect the tank electrics. Turn your motor over with the starter button (it might cough and splutter but won't start). Disconnect fuel connector - no pressure exists anymore.

Voila!

Grignapoco Posts : 178 Join date : 2014-05-20

Grazie mille!

Don Abbondio Posts : 6086 Join date : 2014-03-13 Age : 69

Grignapoco Posts : 178 Join date : 2014-05-20

Hah!

Some call it persistence, sticktoitiveness, tenacity, grit.

I call it sheer pigheadedness.

Called over a friend with Trump-hands, and he was able to get the banjo bolt started.

No tank removal!

Bwahhahahah! (evil laugh)

Grazie per tutti!

Grignapoco Posts : 178 Join date : 2014-05-20

I may now actually be leaking a little more oil than before.
Suggestions, candle burning, voodoo incantations welcome.

GRiSO Capo Posts : 10712 Join date : 2013-05-29 Age : 67

Well, first thing is to find exactly where it's leaking. You've done the switch, you've done the banjo washers so now it's imperative to find the exact source so you can address it.

Pete

Grignapoco Posts : 178 Join date : 2014-05-20

Agreed. Naturally. But it's a gentle weep. Baby's tears don't quite cover it. Not like the time the...was it oil pressure sensor?...cracked, and was pissing. Maybe if I could run it with the tank off.

Anybody tried/use an inexpensive endoscope? Which one?

Don Abbondio Posts : 6086 Join date : 2014-03-13 Age : 69

not a colonic one, try the other end type!

Grignapoco Posts : 178 Join date : 2014-05-20

Ok let's call it a borescope then.

Grignapoco Posts : 178 Join date : 2014-05-20

I can't see where the LH banjo is leaking. But something is leaking, and it got worse after I messed with it. Which means it's likely these things are related. What does that leave?
The banjo at the tip of the V on those lines.

Is it possible to nip that up without tank removal?

I think it isn't but it's worth asking.

Grignapoco Posts : 178 Join date : 2014-05-20

Update:

So now it's leaking more when being ridden. It is not leaking, or dripping, as it used to when parked.
I think I fixed the banjo and either created a new problem or it's always been there, blending in...

What say you, Greasers?

Biondino Posts : 244 Join date : 2016-09-28 Age : 64

I suggest you should upload some photos, anything else is digging in the dark.....

GRiSO Capo Posts : 1108 Join date : 2017-08-06 Age : 70

I picked up one of those 12 dollar bore scopes that attach to a smart phone, fleabay, I'm actually fairly impressed.

Don Abbondio Posts : 6086 Join date : 2014-03-13 Age : 69

Bob, is your cat lazy or just looking for the next level thrill?

GRiSO Capo Posts : 1108 Join date : 2017-08-06 Age : 70

Lazy, but doubles as a watch dog.

GRiSO Capo Posts : 735 Join date : 2014-04-23 Age : 77

rustyrotor wrote:: Update:

So now it's leaking more when being ridden. It is not leaking, or dripping, as it used to when parked.
I think I fixed the banjo and either created a new problem or it's always been there, blending in...

What say you, Greasers?

I'm saying you've probably cracked the banjo. See if you can replace it without taking off the tank!