Wet sumping

[nickphipps]

Hi all, my vb appears to be wet sumping, when left for a week or two without being run i am getting oil leakage from some of the seals .....Do any of you have experience of wet sumping, any remedies or cures......any info on this would be greatfully received..........also am getting fuel leakage from a non sealing fuel tap pull, i believe the cork outer has gone off......i have a replacement, should i put anything on the cork before installing?........many thanks in advance......

[simon.holyfield]

I soak my fuel tap corks in a light oil before fitting them - works a treat.

[nevhunter]

re the first problem before you start the engine remove the oil cap and observe how much oil returns. IF it is a steady pulsing stream for say more than about 10 seconds you have more than normal in the sump. Is there any smoking of the exhaust at this time?
Ariels (singles) don't normally drain much oil into the sump when standing like some with gear pumps do.
To rectify, check the fit of pump plungers and for leakage. Use Kero mixed with a bit of oil. Also replace both check valve balls , check the springs and seats and check the gasket under the pump. Nev

[dave.owen]

Nick, how much oil are we talking about, it will only be drip from ineffective gaskets ,as the pump shouldn't let oil past.The sump and timing cover gaskets in my experience are most prone to leak.

Before fitting new corks for the petrol taps you can any of the following 1.soak them petrol 2 boil them in water 3. I not tried this one, set the alight to expand the cork,but don't let them burn.
I use no 1

rgards
Dave

[nevhunter]

That type of pump is normally OK, but I have had trouble when the ball doesn't seat consistently. IF the pump inlet port is open (even partially) the oil can leak past the ball, and it will then go straight into the motor under gravity. Sometimes the seat wears to a bad shape or the ball gets a rust pit on it. The spring can also break or collapse partially. Nev

[nickphipps]

Many thanks for the input, i will remove the oil pump during the next week and have a look, and will get back to you with an update.........Nick

[Wali.Badger.Taylor]

Wet sumping will not kill an engine, leaking fuel into the sump via carb, valve and rings will. I know the VB is not downdraught it could still happen. Leaky valve corks can often be rectified by holding in steam.