A.J.S. 16MS, Instruction Book

Page: 53 / 94

has no other source of escape but past this sleeve and the adjacent small metered bleed
hole. This intentionally restricted passage causes a considerable damper effect to the
recoil action. It will thus be gathered that on the shock movement of the fork, slight
damper action occurs, with a greatly increased damper action on the reverse movement,
both actions automatically increasing in effect the more violent the movement. Before
concluding this description, it should be mentioned that upon a very violent impact, as a
result of which the main springs are almost fully compressed, the damping of the upward
movement of the sliders is intentionally increased by the automatically greatly restricted
passage for the displaced oil, brought about by the lower ends of the main tubes encircling
the tapered enlarged ends of the damper tubes as the sliders near the limit of their up-
ward movement. Thus bottoming is prevented, no matter how violent the impact. For
ordinary purposes the recommended oil content is 6½ ozs. (184·6 c.c.) each leg of one of
the S.A.E. 20 oils specified. To deal with heavier loads than normal, the oil content may
be increased to a permissible maximum of 10 fluid ozs. (284 c.c.) per leg. To increase
damping oil of heavier grade may be used. It will be found, however, that for normal
purposes the recommended grade and quantity of oil will give the most comfortable ride.
FRONT FORK " TOPPING UP "
No part of the TELEDRAULIC Front Fork requires individual lubrication, but it is
advisable to check the oil content, once every five thousand miles. The normal content
as already stated, is 6½ fluid ounces (184·6 c.c.) each side.
Support motor cycle vertically with weight on both wheels. A steady under each foot-
rest is the best method.
Remove rubber grommetts and unscrew the top bolts at top of fork inner tubes.
These are on level with handlebars and attached to them are the damper rods. Have a
graduated measure of not less than 10 fluid ozs. capacity available in which to catch and
measure the oil. Remove the drain plug from the bottom of a slider and catch the oil
which drains out. Then reinsert drain plug and work the top plugs to which damper rods
are attached up and down (pumping action), making upward strokes as violent as possible
but using only fingers to do so. This pumping action is to eject any oil trapped in the
damper tubes above the damper disc valve. Wait two minutes and again remove drain
plug. Repeat the action until no further oil can be drained off when, if the fork had the
correct oil content, about 6 fluid oz. (170·4 c.c.) will have been drained off. If less, add to
make this quantity, or reduce if an excess quantity has been drained off. Next refit drain
plug and carefully pour into the top of the tube being checked exactly 6 fluid ozs.
(170·4 c.c), after which the top plug may be replaced.
NOTE—Although the normal oil content of each side is specified as 6½ fluid ozs., it is not
possible to drain all the oil via the drain plug. This explains the lesser quantity
of 6 fluid ozs. (170·4 c.c.) referred to above. However, if the fork is at any time
completely dismantled and then reassembled in a dry state, It should be noted
that in that event the correct quantity of oil to add to each leg is 6½ fluid ozs.
(184·6 c.c).
TO REMOVE THE COMPLETE FRONT FORK ASSEMBLY
Support the machine with the front wheel clear of the ground. (A box, of suitable
height, under each footrest is the best method.)
Remove the front wheel as described in Wheel Section.
Remove the front mudguard and stay.
Slaken the screw on headlamp top, gently prise out the rim and reflector assembly,
detach with a slight rotary and lifting movement the cap to which headlamp wires are
attached and take away rim and reflector assembly.
Gently ease back the rubber sleeves covering the pilot lamp wire snap connectors and
pull latter apart.
Remove the nuts on the tubular bolts through which the pilot lamp wires pass which
enables the pilot lamps to be taken away, leaving the head lamp shell, etc., free to be
gently suspended by the wiring loom.
Disconnect the driving cable from the speedometer head and draw same down through
fork crown.
(Continued on page 54)
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