FUEL PUMP OIL LEAK or “I DIDN’T KNOW THAT!”

For years now I have had an annoying puddle of oil which has collected after every run in the bottom righthand corner of the nearside lip of the crankcase – below and to the right of the carburettor. Now, I have always attributed this to oil leaking from the valve chest cover plate above and have spent hours trying to get the plate oil-tight – until I had an inspection from Gary at Munwellyns.  If you have this same problem, start the engine and look at the ends of the spindle of the fuel pump (see photo) and you might see what I saw – oil leaking out!  Apparently, it’s quite a common problem and one that’s quite difficult to cure and a relatively simple transplant is the simplest solution. And don’t forget Gary’s advice – when re-fitting the fuel pump keep the curved lever hard against the inside of the crankcase so it rests on the camshaft and, afterwards, turn the engine over gently on the handle just to check there is free movement before starting it. David Whetton DA7C