Royal Enfield Bullet wet sumping topics discussed.

Just a few thoughts regarding the wet sumping that can occur in these engines.

[@hermangibbs8163]

Very good. Thanks!

[@anishpeter11]

Nice video. Thank you

[@56Model30]

Thanks for an interesting video Paul. I make a point of parking my Indian 500 bullets at tdc as in the past the older motor has wet-sumped on occasion. Since doing this I haven’t had a problem. The big head engine you put together for me last year was stood over winter while I did some work on various cycle parts and it started first kick last month with no smoking…. This motor has the roller bearing big end which as you mention would be more prone to the problem than the plain bearing bottom end.

[@adammedyna2365]

What is strange for me is that apparently RE used the same type of oil pump for roller big end and for floating bush and it works, when for example A65 or Norton used much more effective oil pumps for their plain big ends.

[@twostroke350]

There might be an argument for doing the opposite on a bullet. The weak point in the oil system is the teeth on the worm and if they get overloaded, they can wear/strip and then you have no oil. A bigger pump output and a floating bush restricting the flow probably makes this more likely to happen.

[@Tonyv1951]

Love these technical videos Paul. I hesitate to say much, being a pretty indifferent spanner man myself, but at the end, you touch on a far more likely cause of west sumping - the timing side crankshaft seal, or the seal behind that crankshaft pinion. I think.... (not sure) the timing cover always holds some oil in it, and the crankshaft end is pretty low down in that timing gear chamber. A poor seal there would surely allow oil egress to the crank compartment.

[@paulhenshaw4514]

Hi Tony, yes, that can and does cause wet sumping, too.

[@hotoilhands]

When I first got my Bullet I would get some wet sumping. But since I started leaving it at TDC after I shut off the engine I've never had the issue. Now I usually run the oil level between marks on the stick so perhaps that plays into it too.

[@John900C]

There is another reason to leave the engine around tdc on the compression stroke. I have suffered two instances of valve seat inserts partially falling out when a hot engine has been left standing for a short time. I always leave it on compression with both valves shut now.

[@-old-school-motorcyclesltd]

Great video Paul Thanks for sharing

[@twostroke350]

Parking on compression reduces the likleyhood of wet sumping. The bunded breather system stops it covering everything in oil when it does. You can also compound the problem (as I have done a couple of times) by checking the oil level before heading out, topping it up then realising it was wet sumped. There is an indicator device to let you know you've done this because your left boot goes all shiny and slips off the peg.

[@anthonyallsopp1474]

Useful, Thank you.

[@aleddavies6361]

All this talk of wet sumping is a reminder not to mix beer, curry and chips .

[@neilmcintosh1200]

If it takes 2 weeks to wet sump, start it each week! Alter to suit the bike in question.

[@chrishaywood4960]

I once used a 25/70 multi grade in my J2 and it wet sumped where it hadn’t much previously. I changed back to 50 and it was business as usual. My theory was the thinner oil when cold seeping through the crank bush. Any maybe the big end as well because I generally park it at or near TDC compression stroke. Any credence in that do you think?

[@LeytonC]

As a complete noob on these things, it's stupid question time... if the engine does wet sump, can't you just run it to pump it back? Or does it cause other issues? Love the channel although I have a modern-ish bike I love the old machines.

[@paulhenshaw4514]

The only issue with starting a wet sumped engine is it can create a lot of oily smoke, and even oil blown out from the crankcase breather. at worst, it can foul the plug and stop the engine, but it is unlikely to cause any mechanical harm.

[@LeytonC]

@@paulhenshaw4514 Thanks Paul!

[@morrisminor56]

When I had the iron 350 about 33 years ago I used Chatsworth straight 40 oil. Are people using that now?

[@Headwind-1]

paul where is the pickup for the oil pump return . .. is it at the bottom of the crankcase? . . .

[@paulhenshaw4514]

Yes, right at the bottom.

[@msharief6273]

Why you like bullets🎉 ?

[@paulhenshaw4514]

I like lots of old bikes, Bullets are just one of the types I like, they are good, solid and dependable.