Oil shutoff taps and newbies.

[john.k]

I see an interesting item on the NOC singles forum.............in a nutshell,a Frenchman has bought a Norton 500T,about which he knows nothing ,and is asking a long list of silly questions.......but his latest pics show a shutoff tap on the oil line to the motor,....in the shut position.............Now as he doesnt know what ignition advance is,I think it unlikely he has figured out the purpose of the tap...................Will all the British bikes be wrecked by tossers who pay the large sums demanded for these classics..........but think they are as straightforward to operate as a car?

[R]

Cut him a bit of slack, if we see a shot of him riding it with the tap closed may be different.
Everyone has to learn somewhere though, folks aren't born with this knowledge.
And it keeps the spares merchants in business. !, and forums busy !

My fav-o-rite was the early T Model Owners Manual, which mentioned draining the oil after 1000 miles.
No mention of refilling it.
How many Ford engines do you think Henry replaced - likely under warranty. ?
And possibly at gunpoint in some cases....

[john.k]

You had to get under the car to drain the lower oiltap,and I dont think anyone ever did..........Its said henry saved a 16c royalty on the dipstick patent ,refused to pay for an obvious device........

[Rex]

The fist time I heard that urban myth it involved a little old lady and a Morris Minor, but having seen a packet of unshelled US peanuts recently with the label "may contain nuts" maybe some people do need things explained down to a primary school level.

[mini-me]

Silly questions, from people who have bought their first classic, and don't know what end of a screwdriver to pick will be the death of the old bike hobby

don't get me started

[Rex]

Along with the immortal " got this old bike and I'm gonna build me one of those bikes out of Easy Rider".
The stripping, hacking and grinding are the easy part..now put it back together.
Or-
Just bought this old "Brit" 'cos I've always loved old Brits...how do I start it?

[iansoady]

Actually, that person with the 500T does seem to be making a decent attempt to sort it out and is asking reasonably intelligent questions. We do need younger people to get involved otherwise all our old bikes will end up as landfill, museum pieces or decorations in trendy coffee bars.

It is a nice and very original looking bike and I hope he succeeds with it.

[TGR90B]

Fair point Ian.

[john.k]

Yes,but does he know to turn the oil tap on?....Bit late now if he doesnt.

[Rex]

We do need younger people to get involved otherwise all our old bikes will end up as landfill, museum pieces or decorations in trendy coffee bars.

The world (and young peoples' interests) have moved on, and that's why things like aero-modelling, live steam modelling, old bikes and cars etc are only for the white-haired people.
People (young or old) either "get" the passion for oily dirty things or they don't, and since the advent of cars and bikes that don't need regular fettling/repairing/rebuilding sessions the opportunity to personally learn of get involved is limited.
The VMCC (for example) is always whittering on about the need to get the young involved but to me, it's thankless hopeless task. When I'm gone my bikes will be sold, and if they achieve £thousands or ten bob a ton won't make any difference to me...I'll have had my enjoyment out of them.

[TGR90B]

I've given my advice generously over the years, but have also been rather harsh on the odd plonker. We have to be very careful that we sort out the genuine tryer who hasn't a clue from the internet warrior; one of whom has posted copiously on here.

[R]

Yes,but does he know to turn the oil tap on?....Bit late now if he doesnt.

Ian has posted this info for him, and he has acknowledged that he understands,
so all is good.....

[R]

Bye the bye, Model T's have a sump plug under the 2 sump oil taps, which are merely for checking the correct oil levels.
I'm not sure I've ever seen a 4 wheeler with a sump plug which wasn't underneath it ?