Subject: Re: Crank, sludge trap
Author: Darrell J Dick
Date: Jun 12, 2003, 8:19 AM
Post ID: 1713362284
Crankshaft sludge traps are real common in motorcycles built before the
advent of oil filters. They are a standard feature on Triumphs, BSAs,
etc. Some older Hondas used the centrifuge concept too, but the "filter"
was mounted on the end of the crank under a side cover. A lot more handy
than pulling the crankshaft out. Guzzi's design usually comes out a lot
easier than the English equivalent. They can be a real BITCH.
Darrell Dick
Imlay City, MI
On Thu, 12 Jun 2003 14:38:08 +0000 Kevin Graf <kgr-@midwestpension.com>
writes:
| Hey guys, Pete, The sludge trap is "built" into the crank. The mid section, where the rods live, is hollow to allow oiling to the RR Main, big end & Frt crank bearing. I'm not sure how many others(if any) have this design, but anyways, Guzzi was thinking that centrifugal(sp?) force from the crank spinning would separate & trap the sludge from your oil into that mid section while the oil would go on it's marry way. Must work 'cause the crank gets alot o' crap built up in there, esp. after 30 some years. Rich is right, can't get to it without removing the crank. If you ever have to pull the crank, It's a alluminum(sp?)10mm allen plug. It's peened from the factory, with the idea that, as it is removed the threads strip out and there's no way around having to buy a new one. I guess some come out with no harm done (the ones I've done have) and others strip out like they were supposed to do. They're pretty cheap if it does strip out. After claening out all the crap and making sure the oil passages are clear, I apply red loctite to the plug and peen it over again with a punch, drift, whatever. Hope this helped. Kev |