electra engine oil
hi beening the proud owner of new 08 electra i am at a loss as to know is there a limit to keep topping up the engine oil, per the handbook it states that the oil slowly seeps into the sump when stood a while and will need topping up.if there is no leaks will it slowly reach and stay at a descent level or overfill itself once engine gets warm and the oil moves around engine. yours confused :? :? alan

Alan, if you ring 893739 we can have a chat as I've done 17000 Electra miles and will be pleased to give you my opinion of the Electra. I live in Preston, Cheers John H

Alan, The engine is a dry sump design which means there shouldn't be (much) oil in the sump at any time. One oil pump takes oil from the oiltank and feeds the big end/crank/cylinder wall and this oil falls into the sump where it is scavenged by a second (slightly larger) oil pump which feeds the rockers/timing gear and so back to the oiltank. Because the second pump is larger there shouldn't be much oil in the sump. Enfields have a habit of oil seeping into the sump when standing, which is quickly sent back to the oiltank as soon as you start up. Leaving the engine at TDC while idle helps to stop this "wet sumping" If wet sumping gets too bad the engine may chuck oil out of the breather system (messy) So don't check the oil level before you start up - check it after the engine has run for a bit. (I check mine after I get home from a ride) If you are having to keep adding oil it's either burning off or leaking out somewhere. A new engine might be burning some I suppose - is it smoking from the exhaust?. Also, don't fill right to the top of the dipstick - about half way is fine. Peter

Hi, You should always check your oil level after the bike has run for a couple of minutes and then stood for the same. Oil does go into the sump to cause wet sumping but this is usuay returned to the tank on start up because Electras, unlike the classic engine ,are fitted with high flow gear pumps and not rotary pumps. The myth of stopping the engine at top dead centre is purly that because the oil pump on a classic is driven at a ratio of 8:1, so yo have a 1 in 8 chance of the engine stopping with the port in a closed position. It is still worth trying though as i have done it myself and on more than one occasion it has worked, but it is not a guaranteed method. Oil consumtion can be high for a while until the rings and piston have bedded in but it should then settle down after 500 miles or so. Has the modified resistor been fitted to the starter system to help solve the sprag clutch problem?

That's interesting Jim. I like people who bust myths :D But....doesn't having the engine at TDC, with the big end as high as possible, help to stop oil seepage? or is it not finding it's way through the big end?

You have a very valid point Pete. If the height of oil in the oil tank is higher than the top of the big end then you will result in a tendency for the oil to try and find a level, so if the oil tank is low then the method of stopping at TDC is well worth it. Perhaps that is why it has worked for me a few times. If the crank is at BDC then the difference in height is much greater, so i would say that you are right and it is better to park at TDC. Oil can also run through the timing side bearing from the crankcase if worn. Jim

hi jim you asked if the modified resistor been fitted to the starter system to help solve the sprag clutch problem? i dont know i bought the bike from r.m.bikes from beverley. nothing was said about it and i am none the wiser it was new with 23 miles on it, i just ride it have to learn all these tech terms what you people come up with if some one told me spark plugs use a flint to spark i would know doubt belive them lol :oops: when i have time of from work i will try to get down to see you. you seem more for the customer and bike then where i got mine from. alan