Well might actually be back up and running this weekend with some luck and grazed knuckles (was supposed to be today but things happen on days off)

Just wondering on the correct oil to use in dash pots. Have been told sewing machine oil or auto trans fluid. Have used trans fluid before but always wondered if it was correct.

Yup something thin like ATF is fine. My boss used this 3 in 1 stuff once, donno how well it worked.. It was on a Mini so ran like #### whatever you did

must be your bosses mini, my old one used to run like gold... i was proud when i could take on twn cam excells withease ;)

Hahahaha

Yeh ive learnt to hate the bloody things. My boss had 7 of the things laying around the workshop at 1 point. Non of them ever ran right. Even after re-coning the engine, heads, carbys, gaskets, manifolds, carbys, dizzys...

I spose i hate em coz i got all the pricks of jobs. Like clutches and subframe re-conning! I can pull a head off and have it running again in under 30mins

Now im just straying way off topic... But im just trying to spam my way upto dattomaster! only 20 odd posts left!!!

I used to run motorbike fork oil in the dome top SUs in my Zed. I think it was 10w.

I use ATF (automatic transmission fluid).
The sewing machine oil and 3 in 1 oil I had to top up regularly.Since using the ATF it takes a bit longer before I need to top up again. I did'nt notice any performance difference between the two.

I was just bone lazy & used engine oil in my Hitachi's. The opening rate wasn't too fast in mid winter when it was sub zero cold, but then I didn't push it untill it was fully warmed up anyway & the oil in the carbs thinned out nicely.
Never had flat spots from lifting too quick & the carbs were more stable on rough roads, so these things were just side benefits from being too miserable to buy the right stuff.

For old british SUs, I guess you could use anything. It runs out soon anyways?

For twin Hitachis, it's best to use the light Nissan Elephant Oil. Dman, it's not like you to take shortcuts in your Datsun craftsmanship.

ATF fluid is an excellent starting point for SU's and similar type carbies. The weight of the spring above the piston in the carby also needs to be considered when selecting the correct weight of oil,as they both work together to determine the mixture delivered to the engine. Generally speaking, the heavier the oil & the spring, the greater enrichment under acceleration. This can be helpfull, but you aslo need to check that the piston open fully at the point of max HP. At one time I was using 2 by 1.75 inch SU's on a 1400, and needed to use the lightest springs available to ensure full openeing. Hope this helps.

Quote:The thing is, ... it worked perfectly.
Once warmed up, the engine accelerated with the best of them, but carby piston bounce, & the resultant unstable mixture, was much reduced when on rough road surfaces with the heavier oil, so the damping effect was increased with unexpected but welcome benefits.
Besides, there's always some oil left over in the container after an oil change, so why waste it.