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Motorcycle Discussions => British Bikes => Topic started by: ramwing7 on February 06, 2026, 09:03:28 PM

Title: Igniton points cam oiler?
Post by: ramwing7 on February 06, 2026, 09:03:28 PM

I recently picked up a 1949 BSA B31 in pretty much complete condition.  I've been getting acquainted with it before I start any serious work.
  I have a question concerning the magneto and how the ignition points cam is lubricated.  The points spin around while the plate cam stays fixed.  The mechanics manual gives directions for oiling a wick.
 I can't find wick anywhere in the points compartment.  The manual shows a picture of a fixing screw for the oil felt, but nothing resembling a felt.
Can anyone tell me where to look and what it might look like? A picture would be fantastic.
Thanks.

Title: Re: Igniton points cam oiler?
Post by: R on February 06, 2026, 10:08:45 PM

A quick spray with WD40 every blue moon goes a fair way to substituting for this  !?
Keeps the moisture at bay too.

??

Title: Re: Igniton points cam oiler?
Post by: cardan on February 07, 2026, 12:19:02 AM

Or the tiniest smear of grease on the cam. I mean a drop, smeared over the cam and more-or-less wiped off until there is nothing to see. Redo every ten years, unless you're desperate for something to do. Not sure which magneto you have - ring cam or face cam - but the fibre rubbing block does wear a bit over the years. If it's badly worn you can probably find a new one.

Leon

Title: Re: Igniton points cam oiler?
Post by: Rex on February 07, 2026, 10:04:02 AM

Wicks don't always seem to be fitted to mags, same as the little felt effort that used to be in distributors years ago.
 As the post above says, a tiny bit of grease on the face cam or cam ring is more than enough.

Title: Re: Igniton points cam oiler?
Post by: ramwing7 on February 07, 2026, 04:04:45 PM

Thanks to all. I can certainly do that