ET: Engine (Twin) Broken Quill

[bmetcalf]

I discovered that my quill was broken and when I tried to pull it out, I just pushed it deeper. My high tech tool to finally get it out was a bent wire. The front part was left straight to guide it into the bore, then the bends were enough to grip it and let me pull it out.

 

[chankly bore]

There has been a problem with some quills in that the 3/8" thread projects beyond the inner face of the timing cover. a thing to watch if you use a modified "O" ring seal under the head instead of the original fibre or copper/asbestos seal. Very little space before it hits the end of the crankshaft and consequently gets worn through. Misalignment could be another cause.

 

[bmetcalf]

There is a noticeable ridge (see arrow), but I don't know if that is the end of the crankshaft. The break is right at the shoulder, as you would expect. I hope the new one has a nice radius there. I use a fibre washer to seal the quill at the cover. I see that this quill only lasted two years! https://www.vincentownersclub.co.uk/threads/quill.16140/#post-146822

 

[vibrac]

Most of the quills I have extracted (whole) are far more worn than that! I guess it was a faulty part check the new one and fit with standard washer

 

[bmetcalf]

Is the added thickness of the standard pn 225 - 1/8 BSP C&A WASHER from my fibre washer critical to avoid too much contact with the mainshaft?

 

[Vincent Brake]

your thread hole in cover is NOT concentric with the cranck Bruce!!

 

[bmetcalf]

Seems so, but quills have lasted for quite a while in the past. I'd rather check it more often than tear down the engine and search for someone to fix the cover. I should have ordered two quills this time to have a spare.

 

[davidd]

It is just as likely that the main shaft is going wobbly.

David

 

[Len Matthews]

I've got to be very careful when I rebuild my engine because a broken quill cost me a seized engine and a big bill to overhaul the crankshaft!

 

[bmetcalf]

The stakes are high!