1927 EW 350 Oil System query

[DEW]

I was expecting to find an overflow outlet to allow surplus oil from the timing chest to drip onto the road. But looking over the motor I couldn't see anything obvious except for the breather at the top of the case.

So I removed the case and it still isn't clear to me how the surplus oil is meant to escape.

I had a good read of the post by Doug "The EW Duplex oil pump described and illustrated" https://www.douglasmotorcycles.net/index.php?topic=1002.msg3305#msg3305  which says  "But once in the timing chest, there is a stand pipe projecting up from the bottom that limits the oil level to just above the teeth on the lower cam wheel.  The excess oil is led off to drip on the primary chain.  This also acts as the breather for the timing chest.  Blocking this pipe to stop a source of an oil leak or over oiling of the primary chain will lead to oil blowing out the other joints of the timing chest."

I've attached a photo . On my engine (Engine No. YE 20446) there is no standpipe. There is a drain plug. Can someone please tell me how the surplus oil in the timing chest is meant to escape?

Or putting the question another way - how is the oil level in the timing case controlled/maintained?

Cheers Dan



Images aspect ratio fixed and converted to linked file - Dave, 04May2022

[Red]

The attached may help!

[DEW]

Thanks for the reply Red but no -  it doesn't help.

I have that manual and 4 or 5 others that say the same thing. And I have seen photos and video of other timing chests where the standpipe drain is clearly visible, so I understand that system.

But looking at my timing chest in the photo there is only one possible drain point - the drain plug at the bottom of the chest below the bottom cam gear. If that were used as the drain point then no oil would be retained in the timing chest and the bottom suction of the duplex oil pump would be sucking air and also there would be no oil to lubricate the timing gears.

As far as I can tell the timing case has NOT been modified. ie no one has removed  a standpipe drain and welded up the case.

So I am trying to determine how the oil level is maintained so that the bottom cam gear is just in the oil.  I'm assuming Douglas made some modification that obviated the need for the standpipe drain and it would be helpful to understand that before I attempt to start the engine.

Cheers Dan

[EW-Ron]

What about in the bottom of the timing cover ?

I've got a little pipe on a fitting there.
I've not yet explored there, but if it projects up a bit it would function as a level ?
It is actually just blanked of externally.
I'll see if I can get a pic.
Its cramped and dark in there and tough to see much.

When you read about Duggies, something that strikes you is how they changed and
worked things as they went along ??
Is yours early or late in the series.
Maybe they decided more oil was betterer ...

[Doug]

[DEW]

Thanks Doug you're a champion!!. Its just that the standpipe is missing on mine so I'll have to fabricate one. Simples....

There are two shafts that are level with the dotted line. What are they for? They are missing on mine.

[EW-Ron]

My pipe and fitting is very much more toward the front of the motor.
Its on the timing side of the lower frame tube.

And blanked off, as mentioned.
Are there any holes in the timing chest that could drain oil off into the sump ?

[Doug]

There are two shafts that are level with the dotted line. What are they for?

Those are for the exhaust valve lifter arms to pivot on. You ca see more about them in this post:
https://www.douglasmotorcycles.net/index.php?topic=3327.msg12090#msg12090

-Doug

[DEW]

Hi Ron,

Thanks for the comment. I couldn't see any other drain holes other than the one in the bottom of the timing case and as Doug's picture makes it perfectly clear that its not really meant to be a drain hole but a hole for the standpipe its all perfectly clear to me now.
My standpipe is missing, so all I need to do is fabricate one.

Cheers
Dan

[DEW]

Hi Doug,

Thanks - I feel a bit dumb for not being able to figure that out. The magneto on this bike has an ignition cutout so fortunately the exhaust valve lifter is something I don't need to find or make.

Cheers
Dan

[EW-Ron]

You can see a screw or bolt where one of those shafts has been removed. ?
Probably why your maggie has a cutout fitted.
Or it would be tough to stop it ....

[DEW]

Yes Ron - I assume you are referring to the photo I originally posted  - the holes for the shafts are clearly visible and there are bushes in the timing case cover for the other end. I don't know if they were removed or never fitted. This EW has the optional electric light so it may be that the owner specified an ignition cutout when it was purchased? Who knows.....

Cheers dan