HI, I am considering making an alloy oil tank for my C15. It is in a B40 frame (I think) and currently has a bodged together "standard" steel oil tank. I would like to make a narrower tank with space for a re-routed air filter and neater and enclosed electrics. I have searched the forum and found lots of snippets of good advice but wondered if anyone could help me with some "first principles"?

What should the minimum advisable capacity be?

What is the best return route (can it enter high up or does it have to be a tube running up inside like the standard one?)

What diameter tubes should be used at the return junction to cause the right amount of oil to split off to the rockers?

Where should the breather be positioned?

What oil filter should I use (standard internal one or are the "pit bike" type external ones ok, for example?)

I'd appreciate seeing any examples you may have made (any bikes), or diagrams etc. If I have missed an obvious post elsewhere, please point me in the right direction! Thanks, Mark

http://www.norbsa02.freeuk.com/goffyoil.htm http://www.dcclassicmotorcycles.co.uk/parts/oil_filtration/oil_filtration.htm https://www.morgo.co.uk/product-category/morgo-oil-filter-kit/ https://www.trialsbits.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=85_143&products_id=342

Any of the above filters would be perfect for your bike.

For the oil tank I would make from alloy, pick up pipe needs to be from the base of the tank with return into the top where it can be seen to be working.

For the tank http://www.terryweedy.com/products.html

 

18 minutes ago, trialsrfun said:

http://www.norbsa02.freeuk.com/goffyoil.htm http://www.dcclassicmotorcycles.co.uk/parts/oil_filtration/oil_filtration.htm https://www.morgo.co.uk/product-category/morgo-oil-filter-kit/ https://www.trialsbits.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=85_143&products_id=342

Any of the above filters would be perfect for your bike.

For the oil tank I would make from alloy, pick up pipe needs to be from the base of the tank with return into the top where it can be seen to be working.

For the tank http://www.terryweedy.com/products.html

 

some great links and advice there, thanks - I like the look of those Morgo parts! - a useful looking "T" banjo for the return too.

38 minutes ago, markparrish said:

some great links and advice there, thanks - I like the look of those Morgo parts! - a useful looking "T" banjo for the return too.

Yes you can take the rocker feed from there but the oil filter must go in the return to the tank 

I see a lot of bikes fitted with the Terry Weedy oil tank

Edited April 8, 20206 yr by trialsrfun

thanks Trialsrfun - yes those Terry Weedy tanks look great. I don't think my design would vary greatly from those. I think I'd like to make one because I enjoy a challenge and learning new skills. If it all goes wrong, I know where to buy one now though! Why do you say that the filter needs to be in the return? The current filter is in the tank and the engine is fed through this. The return line splits just before entering the tank. It's not a problem - just helpful to understand if I can. Thanks for your help.

The filter is usually fitted  into the return line on a classic bike to prevent oil starvation, think it's all explained on some of the filter websites.

Yes, filter on return so has pressure to push the oil through rather than relying on gravity. There used to be one called a hidedehi, or something along those lines which was well made and used the filter from a triumph trident. Add a clear tube running up the outside of the tank connected top and bottom so you can see the oil level at a glance

I can’t claim any credit for the fabrication as it came with a Faber frame I bought, but this combined air filter/oil tank was made and works well. Uses a modern air filter element from a Sherco or Beta and an in-line oil filter from D&C classic motorcycles. Oil return is into top of tank, you can see this at front of first pic, with breather visible next to air filter.  May help with ideas of what can be built.

Thanks Timdog - some great ideas there - what a nice job, whoever made that tank! Thanks for the helpful photos! Can you estimate how much oil it takes?

 

Seem to recall taking about 1 1/2 litre but that’s not 100% as I haven’t measured it, just fill it up. The oil never gets too hot,  Definitely want the return in top of tank above the oil level so you can check it’s flowing fine.  It took slightly more than a Terry Weedy tank if anyone can help with the volume for those.  Perfectly happy with Terrys tank but I like the high air filter on this unit for the very wet North East!!

I already have two spare special alloy oil tanks (for sale) that were purpose made for a trick B40 trials.

Please contact me if your intersted?

Thansk,

Johnny

i have this one, uses the same 50mm dia filter as the morgo version. Cost me £45.00