Oil level indicator wire

[FergusonFE35]

Now getting to know a Short 2, my question is how reliable is the oil level indicating wire? If i remove the cap the wire stands proud of the tube by a few mm. i can then raise the wire with my fingers to about 12mm proud of the tube. Is this correct? Also, after running up there is a few minor oil leaks which i was expecting, however is this typical?
Thanks
David

[k. rogers]

The wire indicator should extend at least 2 inches above the brass tube when pulled up. If yours is only half an inch it sounds like it might have been shortened for some reason. When the sump is full there should be about an inch and a half of wire showing. The only sure way to ensure the sump is full is to empty the oil and put in 3.5 pints and mark the indicator perhaps with some red paint.
Regarding oil leaks, if you look back through the threads you will find many comments on the subject, but it is worth checking the function of the oil breather, which as long as your car isn't before about 1925, is inside the round casting under the oil filler spout.

[Tony Fearn]

Hello David.
Have a look at this topic link viewtopic.php?f=4&t=4203
Be advised this is for the pre-war 7hp, and not the vintage, but the idea may be the same.
Perhaps Ken will comment on this.
Tony.

[FergusonFE35]

Many thanks, I shall drain the sump and refill 3.5 pints and see what happens, at least then I know it’s correct. I hadn’t considered the wire may be too short, or shorter than it originally was. This is a 1924 engine, Short 2 recently acquired. While I have your attention is there anything else prudent to look at? Oil pressure is good and climbs as the engine speeds up.
Kind regards
David

[Tony Fearn]

Hello again David.
It's quite a few years since I had my 1927 long 2, but there are similarities between the vintage and pre-war vehicles that need constant surveillance.
I suggest you have a good look around the more obvious mechanical bits.
For example see viewtopic.php?f=4&t=5525&p=42950&hilit=brake+rod#p42950.
Before you drive it in 'anger', make sure it stops, and it doesn't wander about.
There aren't many members on this forum that contribute vintage knowledge, but don't be discouraged, keep posting questions if you need to.
Maybe other platforms will have more detail, but I can't comment as I am an old technophobe.

"And whilst I have your attention" join (or even re-join) the Club. You'll not look back, and will have greater access to the amazing archive Keith has created.
Regards,
Tony.

[FergusonFE35]

Many thanks, i have rejoined the club and will work my way through some of the articles. Your input is appreciated, its easily understood too. The brakes are in working order and the steering is good too. I have been gently taking a run to get used to the controls. Although an earlier car, it has the “banjo” shaped piece on the oil filler pipe, will this be a converted type breather? It has a breather pipe from it. I was out last week and unfortunatly was towed home - only a clogged jet. I took the opportunity to clean the whole carb though. This week it seems to run even better, and the oil leaks not so bad. Perhaps it will improve with more running.

[k. rogers]

Yes, that's the later type breather valve housing. If it has been kept to original spec, inside should be a simple strip of leather covering a circular pattern of about 6 holes with a light metal spring lightly holding it in place - very simple but effective. without this, you could have oil pushing out from everywhere, so worth checking!

[FergusonFE35]

Many thanks, i have drained oil in order to change this week and shall have a look into the breather at the dame time, which i think it is needing. I shall report back with my findings.
Again, thanks all for the very useful knowledge.
Cheers
David