Hi Nigel
Why are the bearings dead? What I am saying is strip inspect and check the oil pump tolerances or better send it to Guy Croft if he is available for a certified overhaul. Fit a baffled sump kit and consider an Accusump and oil cooler. Standard Beta sumps are terrible for oil surge away from the pump on corners. Use a high Quality Synthetic 10W 60 oil and a Mahle Filter. Possibly when you have it back together use a disposable oil and filter to clean it out. i.e. 500 miles max before using good oil and filter.
Consider a Race Tech capillary oil temp/ pressure gauge so you actually know the truth. Ditch the 14PSI low oil pressure switch for a 30PSI one. The OE Oil pressure gauge is slow and inaccurate at best. You will see the low oil pressure light oil hot engine idling with a 30PSI light AND see it go out with revs. Plus you can early warning of damage!
I have built many performance Beta engines this is hard won advice.
Eric
Hi Eric,Neil,
At this stage i'm planning on keeping the engine standard, fed by the original carb. I have looked at the baffle kit on Marks site
and wonder whether this could be installed with a good arc welder,which is all I have.
I'd really like to install a reliable oil pressure monitor and i'll be looking at that Race Tech option.
I have now replaced the big end shells, due to first seeing smatterings of light grey sludge in the sump. Upon inspection,I found #'s 2 and 4
journal shells to have visible scoring. The journals themselves have a mirror-finish. As mentioned elsewhere,i'm quite happy to
do a full engine overhaul,but not just yet.
Edit to add: The oil pump checked out fine,cover removed and mesh all clean,pump gears in spec,and refitted with a new O ring.
I will certainly be using a good oil and i have a K&N filter to go on at the same time.
The existing sump pan is very badly scratched,and ideally i'd rather fit[or have fitted] a baffle kit to
a much better pan. The search is on!
Thanks for your collective wisdom.
Nigel