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Twin Cam engine question

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curtis

curtis

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I have recently purchased a MK1 Escort Twin Cam.
Have already competed in the rallye Neige et Glace in the Alpes and am enjoying the car.
Some help please. There is an oil leak which I think is coming from the fuel pump.
In Miles Wilkins book he says " Oil may leak out of the fuel pump lubrication bleed hole (it dribbles over the starter motor) - a strip down and new gasket is the only cure"
Where is the bleed hole? Does this mean just replacing the thick gasket between the pump and the block and that's it??
Or does the pump have to be dimantled? What am I looking for?
Thanks in advance.
 
Ack. I've got SU electric pumps on all my T/C's. Converted 'em back in the mid-'70's. Don't recall if the oil leak was the reason, but I'll ferrett about here and find an AC pump and have a look at it. I ~DO~ remember how awkward it is to access that pump on a Weber'd T/C, tho. And I'm a bit of a "Lotus Trained Contortionist."
 
Could not locate the one I remember stashing. No joy yet. I *think* it may be in a parts bucket in the shed (honestly, I have a shed full of bits) someplace. This weekend I'll "mount an expedition" to try and find it.

Sorry for the delay.
 
A 1600cc Pinto fuel pump should go on it.
 
/bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/iagree.gif I think that AC pump was used on about every Ford six and four cylinder ever made. /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/jester.gif
 
I must admit I was stumped by the "bleed hole" bit. I have quite a few Kent blocks and have never run across anything like that.. I am using both the fuel pump and an electric pump on various motors, and nothing has ever leaked from there. I would suggest that you replace the gasket with a sealant as well and take it from there. There are no holes on the block gasket surface that I have ever seen..
 
I am beginning to think it is just the gasket, having felt around the area.But the quote from the book was quite explicit that it was a bleed hole that could cause the problem.
I'll wait till Dr E has had a look at one of his pumps!
I'm competing this coming weekend and don't want to start anything that will need parts I can't get in time; usually have to send to the UK for bits.
 
Well, here's what I've found:

The "gasket" we're questioning is probably NOT at fault if the oil is actually coming from the weep hole in the pump body. On disassembly of this carcass I see there's a shaft seal in the lower side of the pump to keep engine oil from migrating into the lower diaphragm chamber. The "weep hole" is actually an atmosphere vent to the underside of the diaphragm and would "act" as a weep-hole if oil does get past the actuating shaft. Afraid it's new pump time, Curtis. The thick gasket t'wixt block and body only seals that joint. Oil from the pump underside is propagating up the shaft past the internal seal and oozing out the vent hole. This internal shaft seal is 'crimped' into the body... looks as if it ~could~ be replaced, but replacing the pump seems much more practical.

Again: Sorry for the delay! It was indeed buried in a bunch of "legacy" T/C bits, in the back of the shed.


EDIT:I'd start by cleaning the pump underside and entire area of the block, and once dry/clean, blow on some aerosol footpowder and run the engine... wherever the oil is coming from will leave an obvious trail in the powder.

Good luck and let us know how this goes?!
 
I'll check this out later. Back from a party last night and head a little fuzzy!! So the weep hole will be on the underside of the pump? Will get some light up there and have a look.
Thanks for your research Doc.
 
BTW: Unless you're building some high blow-by pressure in the crankcase I can't see it being a profuse leak if the weep hole is the culprit. I'd say if the pump replacement can't be done for lack of time, go run the event! Just don't get black flagged for spilling oil if it's the block-to-pump gasket. /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/smirk.gif

And as I look at this, I seem to recall the Kent pump has a shorter (actuating lever) arm than its Pinto 1600 cousin.

When the sun comes up I'll get a few pix.
 
GO FOR IT!!! /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/laugh.gif
 
More info. I think the leak is coming from above the pump. That is, from the pipe going in to the block.It's a breather isn't it?
Can't see any hope of replacing that with everything in situ.
What do you think Doc?
 
UH-oh...

If the leak is coming from that breather, it ~should~ be a rubber piece as a drain from head back into block. Is that what you have?

If so, I found a way to deal with it without pulling the head years ago: There's an accessory item for VW engines, Two section pushrod tube made of aluminium, threaded and with O-rings... It needs to be shortened and IIRC one side needs to have diameter turned down a bit, but it was put in with engine in place (in my Elan). I'll see if it's accessable for a photo. Right now the engine with the "modification" is somewhat buried in other "stuff". You may need to R&R carbs and fuel pump to do it.
 
Never has such a short, straight little hose caused so much trouble to so many as that little drain hose does.

The fix Doc describes sounds like the only way to fix it without pulling the head. In fact I'd bet there's a market for a custom designed part for this application. It wouldn't be hard to make on a small lathe w/ threading capability - probably from hex stock.
 
Just called Dave Bean Engineering to see if they'd "solved" this little engineering annoyance: Nope. The fella who answered the phone (Daren) said he'd been aware of the "rumor" of a fix using the V-Dub tubes but not seen it. Maybe I've piqued some interest in them looking into fab'ing up a fix, tho.

I don't remember the details but I do recall this bit of "fly-by-night" engineering involved hacksaw, drill press (in lieu of lathe), steel flat washers and RTV. It didn't leak in the ensuing years of service. I can't get to the appropriate side of the engine without tearing out half a lifetime of *other* stuff...
 
Another point which may be a bit stupid but then I feel I can confide in you, Doctor; and it's only the two of us!
The oil is a bit over filled at present and as the leak seems to be coming from the block end of the pipe, could that be the cause? A long shot but what the heck.
 
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