Here is a new to me R55. This is just as it came to me - just added fuel, fitted a spare vaporiser (the one fitted had melted beyond recognition) and it fired up pretty good. There is a small leak from the oil level gauge but a new seal will hopefully fix that. Can anybody point me in the direction of a new seal for the gauge which I believe is lead?
Yes, the washer is lead and if you tighten the fitting the lead will deform and fill any voids thus sealing any leaks. If you insist on replacing it, you'll probably have to make your own. Alternatively, put a couple of turns of PTFE tape on the threads, use the 'gas tape', it's thicker than that used for water pipe connections and it's fuel proof.
Thanks Henry. The gauge glass is badly cracked and it doesn’t appear to be working so I’ll keep an eye out for a replacement and the gas tape definitely is the easier option so I’ll give that a shot.
While you've got the gauge out of the tank, take the opportunity to examine it. You'll see that piece with the needle is actually separate from the bezel so that it can be "clocked". One reason it isn't working may be that the paper insert has got damp and is now deformed and jamming the needle. Another cause could be a missing float. You may find this post interesting. Less of a bodge now - FL6 fuel gauge
Thanks for the link Henry. Certainly something to consider there. On a separate note, is it possible to date an R55 without any markings. I can’t see any date stamp on the fount, only a “Made in England” stamp.
They certainly give out a good amount of heat. I must confess to being a little shocked when I picked it up, I hadn’t realised the size of the fount from the ad It does have a presence about it!
