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Fuel on magneto plate...

Posted: Sun Oct 14, 2012 10:52 pm
by david1230
Hello mates!
While wanting to check point gap on my Silver Century 1971, I noticed quite a lot of unburned fuel on the plate under the magneto.
Does this mean that the upper crankcase seal is shot and should I worry about it? The engine runs quite smooth at all rpm's and the points are dry even though they are surrounded by a coating of unspent fuel at their base.
I hear it's quite a job replacing these seals :cry:
Your help and recommendations are quite welcome!

Re: Fuel on magneto plate...

Posted: Mon Oct 15, 2012 11:17 am
by Taspiper
If it ain't broke don't fit it!

Or if it's not broke get a bigger hammer and if it breaks it needed replacing anyway.

Re: Fuel on magneto plate...

Posted: Mon Oct 15, 2012 7:07 pm
by The Tinker
Quite normal when the engine has done lots of hours. No seals in a seagull crankcase, the bearing clearance acts as a seal along with the correct amount and type of oil in the fuel. The bearings are brass bushes and would have to be very worn before they need replacing.

Re: Fuel on magneto plate...

Posted: Tue Oct 16, 2012 3:13 am
by david1230
Thanks 4 the comment...the motor has very low hours but I might have mixed a richer batch of fuel and it seeped through the bushings. Also I revved it up for a long period and was trying out a new hotter spark plug. A perfect formula for leaks maybe?
Looks like the Gull's engineers foresaw the possibility and that might explain the presence of drain holes in the base plate...not only for evacuating sea water and rain in order to protect the points.
Typical British excellence I would say!