New member with a 1976(?) Nighthawk

[tommy102020]

I am new to this page and to the mini bike family. I just purchased a 1976 Bird Nighthawk with a Tecumseh motor that I'm going to attempt to restore. It's a running/riding mini that has issues. While running it yesterday and trying to get the throttle calmed down, it started spitting oil out of the breather tube? Any ideas? Suggestions? I appreciate the help.

 

[chrisr]

Blow by past the rings can cause this.

 

[markus]

Did you add oil to it, if so did you fill it to the top of the fill hole?

 

[tommy102020]

Did you add oil to it, if so did you fill it to the top of the fill hole?

I didn't add any oil since I got it just a few days ago...

 

[tommy102020]

Blow by past the rings can cause this.

What causes this and how do I fix it? I'm very new to all this but willing to get after it...

 

[chrisr]

What causes this and how do I fix it? I'm very new to all this but willing to get after it...

Assuming clean 30w oil and the engine is not overfilled for oil, if its still happening, compression can get past the oil rings causing oil to come out the breather tube.

 

[tommy102020]

 

[tommy102020]

Assuming clean 30w oil and the engine is not overfilled for oil, if its still happening, compression can get past the oil rings causing oil to come out the breather tube.

Ok thanks. I will start with changing the oil and to be sure not to overfill.

 

[jeep2003]

make the engine level when you check the oil. If you top it up on an angle it will be overfull. Cool bike

 

[grumpyed]

bad pcv valve.worn rings,over full,all of the above.

 

[tommy102020]

make the engine level when you check the oil. If you top it up on an angle it will be overfull. Cool bike

Thanks for the tip, I thought about that as well. How much oil does it typically take, any idea?

 

[chrisr]

With the engine flat, there is a fill whole near the bottom/side of the engine (side near PTO), oil should be just up to the screw hole threads so when you put the plug in it does not make the oil come out. Some may say to the edge of the plug threads.

 

[old shed finds]

First thing I notice is the breather has been pulled off and polished? They have a reed valve or check valve that may not be making a seal....I bet that is the fault..... And like the bike...my forks were mashed in too but had to work them loose and keep lubed at all times....

 

[tommy102020]

With the engine flat, there is a fill whole near the bottom/side of the engine (side near PTO), oil should be just up to the screw hole threads so when you put the plug in it does not make the oil come out. Some may say to the edge of the plug threads.

Thanks I appreciate it.

 

[tommy102020]

First thing I notice is the breather has been pulled off and polished? They have a reed valve or check valve that may not be making a seal....I bet that is the fault..... And like the bike...my forks were mashed in too but had to work them loose and keep lubed at all times....

Thanks for the info, I'll take it off and check the gasket before I change the oil. Do you happen to know where I can order tires for mine, just wondering since you have one too?

 

[Biffmini]

cool bike !!!
https://oldminibikes.com/forum/index.php?threads/tecumseh-flathead-service-manual.105504/

 

[tommy102020]

cool bike !!!
https://oldminibikes.com/forum/index.php?threads/tecumseh-flathead-service-manual.105504/

GREAT LINK! thank you!

 

[old shed finds]

Thanks for the info, I'll take it off and check the gasket before I change the oil. Do you happen to know where I can order tires for mine, just wondering since you have one too?

I think and by experience you best bet is the popular Eb××.....I been there done it.....

 

[old shed finds]

I think and by experience you best bet is the popular Eb××.....I been there done it.....

And as matter of fact the rear tire on mine is 28.00 buck ebay tire.

 

[tommy102020]

I am trying to figure out the exact motor I have but the id plate was previously removed when they painted it, any ideas?