Bradford CC Lorry (The Tramp)

[k. rogers]

You've reminded me, Alan, that I had a similar problem with the vintage resulting in an erratic needle or low pressure and I traced it to a poor seal at the guage. I cured it with a small O ring.

[AlanBartlett]

An update, I've now re flared the pipe ends and things have improved.

Oil gauge reading now 35-45 on the road, and 20 at a warm idle which I am happier with now. Thinking back I recently moved the oil pressure pipe to tidy up its route around the engine, as it comes from the front, around the side and up to the bulkhead. I must have moved its seal on the union which was giving the poorer readings.

[Tony Fearn]

Isn't it surprising that the simplest thing is usually the culprit!
The trouble is that there are many simple things to look for.
Glad you've sorted it, and full marks to Ken this time.
When 'Mary Ellen's' union at the gauge slackened off some years ago, the carpet was a right mess.
Tony.

[AlanBartlett]

I took the pick up out for a longer run today, and again it is showing lower oil pressure, around 20-25 when running and about 10-15 on idle. Quite low when in comparison to at 50 at 50mph which is what it has been. I can hear no rumbles or knocks, even took off each plug lead to see if I could hear anything of a Big end when bringing up the throttle. I'm about 60miles short of 1000 miles, it is now a bit of a worry. What could it be?

[Forumadmin]

Try a different gauge or put a plaster over it and wait for a knocking.

[AlanBartlett]

I've been looking through the technical section on the forum, and found a piece about the oil pressure relief valve. I believe I have everything except a "distance" piece. Can anyone advise? There is no mention of it in the spares list. Or is this for CA/CB engine?

[David Kemp]

Going back to basics, how clean is the oil filter?
Try adjusting the pressure relief valve.
My memory was a Bradford should have steady 22pounds pressure, when it dropped it usually meant I was low on oil

[Tony Fearn]

Hello again Alan.
As you'll remember, George Garside used to post on here until he thought it got too involved for him to access.
He's in the 2018 membership list, and still in the members' list on JowettTalk.
Perhaps a phone call, or an email (NW Section) would help. If I remember correctly, he was a whizz on all things Bradford.
He'll need the engine number of your Lorry.
Tony.
P.S. I for one, miss his input.

[Forumadmin]

What oil is in there? A modern multigrade may well read a different oil pressure.
I also found one pump that sucked air in through a broken gasket.
Silicone could have blocked an oilway but normally that would increase pressure.
Is the pick up gauze the correct mesh gauge and not blocked?

[StevenGray]

CA/B pressure relief valves, the plunger,spring, screw and nut are common to both housings.
The plunger is also common to the CC but nothing else acording to the parts lists that I have.

The reference in the Bradford Technical info to a spacer seems to indicate that it fits into the block first with a screwdriver slot facing outwards, as such it probably doesnt come out of its own accord when removing the prv bits. Although not shown or even called a distance piece in the parts book there is
an item 135, part no 6475 Plug listed along with the other prv parts

Whilst not wholly relevant to your concern the oil pressure on my CB starts off when cold at 50/55 psi when driving and 30/35 at tick over as the engine heats up it drops to about 20/25 when really hot whilst driving at anthing over 30mph and as low as 5 at idle. I consider this to be normal and has not been an issue in over 30 years.

In an earlier post you were concerened about the oil pump weeping, did you do anything to stop it, if so has your pressure problem only occured since?

The fact that you have acceptable oil pressure at idle suggests that there is nothing fundamentally wrong with the engine,
what oil pressure do you get at start up?

It could be thet the newness of the overhaul is now wearing off and the readings that you are now getting are more in line with what they will settle at.

Steven

[AlanBartlett]

Tony
I was wondering why he hadn't posted in a while, I shall give him a try. I still find it quite difficult to log on sometimes.

I've been in contact with Paul Beaumont, and chatting to him this has come up with a thought. I recently before all the troubles started changed the oil filter. Didn't really think much of it. It is possible that the filter I fitted is slightly wrong. (As it is a modern equivalent.) So I've just ordered one for JCS. Plus another one matching the part numbers of the original one I used when I put the engine together.

Steven/Split pin
The pump I re sealed with sealant around the very edge of the pump cover, and was happy it wasn't leaking. My original plan was the sure various oil drips, one from pump, and one from the filter casing where it bolts to the side of the crankcase and while I was doing that change the oil filter, as I was a little under (100 miles short) of 1000 miles since the rebuild. To do the "To do" List before Buxton. So I've now changed the filter again for the right one. (Rubber end seals instead of cork ones, half holes/half fins in the filter) The gauge readings are now 50-55 when cold. 10-15 at a warm idle and 35-40 on warm running conditions. Perhaps I am worrying too much, just as I've always been used to seeing the gauge reading high, with the change of oil after "running in", I guess its "running in" period has come to an end. So a new normal is what I am getting.

[Tony Fearn]

Good to see the Bradford's oil pressure is now sorted.
Perhaps a 'start to finish' piece on your problem could be sent to Hon. Ed. for the magazine. It might just help someone in the future.
Tony.