dash pot oil - how frequent should this be topped up and what oil are people using?

[sujitroy]

How frequent should I be topping up the oil in the dash pots? The last time I needed to fill oil in the dash pots, I decided to remove the top covers and examine the diaphragms. All seemed OK,
Where is my oil going?
What is a good oil to use? Can I use regular engine oil. I always have it on hand?

Sujit

[davidf]

The recommended oil is engine oil (20/50).
There is an 'O' ring at the bottom of the air piston, on the needle mounting. It will need replacing. The whole lot is held in by a 'star' washer.

[mike@thenook]

ATF and I check mine monthly

[sujitroy]

Thanks. So basically if I change out the O ring. I shouldn't be topping up the oil every 6 months or so.

Maybe I'll start another thread on how to remove that star washer without scoring the bore.

[garyf]

these might help a bit

https://app.box.com/s/qnc1py2hx8hkro9f8o8a

http://www.stagbytriumph.co.uk/parts/stromberg.pdf

https://www.triumphwedgeowners.org/uploads/3/0/4/2/3042952/_zenith_stromberg_factory_tuning_manual_-_complete.pdf

[Tdm]

Personally, I just use ordinary engine oil to top up, and do so every time I open the bonnet to listen to how she (my Stag) is running, about every couple of months or so. I spray oil on the carburetor springs, the plug cables, check the level of the engine oil, PAS fluid. and auto transmission fluid, and also the water in the radiator.

I might be tempting fate, but in almost 25 years of ownership, I have had to do very little to the twin strombergs, apart from adjusting the mixture every now and again, and changing the "lugs" on the end of the linkages between the carbs. I also have had to change the diaphragms once when a crack appeared in one.

I have never suffered from "lumpy" running, never had to do any work on the float chambers, and have only had the carbs off when doing a head gasket change, or fitting a "refurbished" Inlet Manifold at one time.

In all my Stag has been pretty reliable, and a good runner, and the only thing I would critisize, and like to change would be the BW 65 auto gearbox for a 4 speed box, but living in Tenerife that is not an option available to me, which is a shame.

My car is presently stuck in a local Garage, having repairs to it's underside (new oil cooler, and several oil and petrol leaks attended to), and I am patiently waiting to get it back so I can drive it again. After a poor Spring here, the weather is now picking up (more Sun each day), crying out for the Stag to be taken out on the road again.

[Phil S]

atf/dextron or 3 in 1
although 20/50 is suggested it can be a bit on the thick side. check monthly.
Phil

[trunt]

You can use just about any thickness oil, but keep in mind that its what enriches the mixture when you plant your foot, the thicker the oil the richer it makes it during acceleration. Once you are at cruise its not a factor. So try some different ones, you may find it runs better on a particular weight.

Terry

[Jeff]

3 in 1 was the favourite in the 70's if I recall?

[SGN]

3 in 1 for me.

[Lingen]

3 in 1 is what was specified by S.U. 20/50 is what was specified by Stromberg. I suggest that they knew what their products had been designed to work with.
Mike.

[StagJonno]

Check mine weekly. One always needs a top-up, with the other lasting ~2 months or so. I know the solution but will wait until I need to strip the carbs as am happy with the way they're set-up and running. Anyway, a bit of upper cylinder lube never hurt anyone

Jonno

Oh, and I use engine oil (20W50) also

[MandM]

3 in 1 is what was specified by S.U. 20/50 is what was specified by Stromberg. I suggest that they knew what their products had been designed to work with.
Mike.

3 in 1 will rot the rubber diaphragms

[PJ60]

Burlen supply recommended oil - SAE20.

[Robmsharp]

I refurbished the needle oil seals last year without any big dram, the star washers will not score the bores as they are removed and there are plenty of you tube how to videos showing how to do the job. Replacing the two oil seals located above the needles should prevent any oil loss and to give you one more option on where to get the correct oil, Rimmers sell the correct oil in small easy to use bottles.