Oil Leak in Grey Motor

[plumer46]

G'Day All,

I purchased a reconditioned Long GEM Grey from REPCO in Feb 07, I installed the motor and started it up yesterday for the first time.

There is a Oil Leak from a missing bolt hole behind the Large Cam Pulley Cog, it appears to install the bolt the Cam will have to be pulled out, along with all the push rods etc.

Has anyone experienced this problem from a GEM Grey, and possibly provide some assistance as to my next move 

Regards

John

[colt]

John, can you see if there are 2 bolts or screws holding the cam retaining plate on? maybe they have missed 1 of these? Have they
taken the cam gear oil sprayer out and left the hole open? The only other cause is if they left one of the screws holding the front engine plate on out. If this is the case you may have to take the cam out.

There are normally 2 holes in the cam gear to insert the retaining bolts. If 1 of these is missing you should.nt have to remove the cam.
Colin.

[plumer46]

Hi Colin,

Yes it is certain that GEM have left the top plate retaining bolt out, this is where the oil is leaking out at this stage, there is no access from the front, however is it possible to screw the bolt from the reverse side ?

Who knows what other problems are lurking in the Grey.

I went to REPCO this morning where I purchased the Grey, they have suggested to contact GEM direct and explain the problem, I am sure they will want to know about this situation as there maybe more Greys with a similar problem.

Please stand by for GEM's solution to my dilemma.

Regards

John

[EffCee]

John,

While you may be able to screw a bolt in from the back, you will need to remove the harmonic balancer and timing cover to gain access to the reatining plate to put anothr bolt back in. I would also be checking to ensure that the oiler is in place and that the second retaining bolt is tight

Keith

[plumer46]

Hi Keith,

I have removed the Harmonic Balanced and the Cover Plate, the Oil Screw is in place, however cannot see second bolt that holds the Plate in place.

I am not sure of the next step, I will have to wait and see what GEM are going to do, I hope it will be a happy outcome with them.

Regards

John

[colt]

Hasn't your cam gear got holes or open areas around it? You should have access to the retaining bolts or holes as you spin the motor. This is the whole idea of the retaining plate. To retain the cam in place after installing it. If 1 of your bolts is missing, simply spin the motor until your empty hole is visible in the hole in the cam gear and instal a suitable bolt or screw. I have seen greys with bolts and screws here.

[plumer46]

Hi Colt,

Yes you are correct about the holes in the cam, when the engine is turned you can see the missing bolt, however it is at an angle to the cam hole not straight in line with the hole.

I will take another look tomorrow and see if there is enough clearance to insert a bolt.

Regards

John

[EffCee]

John,

Forgive  me if I am wrong but this is ringing alarm bells with me, from memory the bolt holes in the retaining plate are set so that they cannot be installed backwards, being slightly offset. This is so that there is a small oil groove that lubricates the "thrust" of the cam.

It is a long time since I put a grey together (25+ years) but I am sure that this was one of the traps for the unwary.

Keith

[plumer46]

Hi Keith,

Thanks for your advice, I am talking with GEM on this issue, they require a photo of the missing bolt hole so as to make a decision, my mechanic will also put a quote together as to the time required to pull the Cam out so to facilitate replacement of the missing bolt.

I will keep you updated.

Regards

John