Douglasmotorcycles.net

Hi, on my 1951 Douglas MkV I have just taken out the oil pump and am about to change the oil. The oil pump was a little difficult to remove at first but there was no Cork gasket between the pump and crankcase, only a thin paper washer. Can the filter be cleaned or should I buy a new one? Please advise me of anything else I should do whilst I have the filter and pump out. I don't think it's been out for a very long time. Thanks, Paul Jensen 

Paul,
   While you have the pump out, remove the circlip and take the gauze strainer off to give it a wash. As I have said, it is only a strainer, and not really a filter, so washing it in situ may push foreign bodies into the pump. When you are ready to replace the pump, the thicker (cork) gasket goes between the pump body and crankcase - the thinner (paper) gasket goes between the pump body and the end plate, controlling the end clearance on the pump rotor and vanes. My personal preference is to just smear the gaskets with grease on assembly, rather than use gasket compound.
  Hope this helps,
                           Eddie.

Thanks Eddie. I have new spare gaskets that I got with the bike. Maybe the previous owner couldn't get the pump out, that's why it's there. Going on holiday for a week so I'll get to it when I return. Much appreciated advice