jjnik Posted January 13, 2013 Share Posted January 13, 2013 I got my all original 1913 model 31 running for the first time today. It had been in a museum here in Nebraska for many years, and had not been run for probably 30 years. It started right up like it had been run last week. I took the oil line that goes to the site gauge on the dash off where it comes out of the engine and there is very little oil being pumped. Does this have a plunger type pump? Is it in the housing bolted to the side of the crankcase or can it be accessed from there? Any idea what the problem might be? I thought I would see if anyone on the forum could give any ideas before I start tearing things apart. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dibarlaw Posted January 14, 2013 Share Posted January 14, 2013 John: I hope Mark Shaw jumps in on this or Dandy Dave as this is within their Buick's era. I bid on a 1913 B-31 in 2010. It went $10,000 more than I could afford as it was another former museum car that did not run. I am just greedy. I love to see pictures of our Buicks and want to see what progress is being made. Larry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Shaw Posted January 15, 2013 Share Posted January 15, 2013 John, Your oil pump may be working properly. Do not expect full flow through the sight glass.... Model 31 Buicks have a once-through oil system that pumps small amounts of fresh oil through the sight glass. Expect only a few intermittent drips every 15-20 seconds through the sight glass. When you can refill a full quart of oil into the oil sump on the front left (passenger) side of the engine, you should use the empty oil container to drain the old oil out of the four brass valves on the side of the pan. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Shaw Posted January 16, 2013 Share Posted January 16, 2013 Be sure to drain used oil only from the side of the pan. The center drain ports are plugged on my car to prevent draining all the oil from the dipper channels. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jjnik Posted January 27, 2013 Author Share Posted January 27, 2013 Thanks for the tips on the oil system. I took the pan and oil pump off. There was some sludgy oil in the pump so it was not getting oil like it should have. I see after taking the pan off how there are idividual compartments for each rod and how the side plugs are for draining extra oil from each compartment. I have every thing all cleaned up and back together with the proper amount of oil so all should be well with the oiling system. I have spent the last couple weeks cleaning and lubing this wonderful original car. It is in increibley great original condition. I am only missing the side lights and the carpet on the rear floor. Otherwise this car is a wonderful time capsule of originallity. The 1927 registration is fastened to the dash and I found the 1927 licence plates under the back seat so I would assume from this that the car was driven regularly until 1927. I have applied about 1/2 gallon of neatsfoot oil to the leather and it is very good condition except for a few insect holes in the front seat. The top is very good condition but I will have to be carefull to not get it wet or have it out in too much wind. The side curtains and top boot were under the back seat and in very good condition as well. I have wiped the whole car down with linseed oil and soaked the wheel spokes and fellows up good with it as well. I found some old, good used firestone non-skids since the tires that were on it were petrified. I have attached photos of the car the way it was when I got it and with the side curtians on. Does anyone have a reproduction oil filler cap available? The original is potmetal and is crumbling. I am looking for a nice set of original side lights. They are the combination kerosene/electric. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dibarlaw Posted January 28, 2013 Share Posted January 28, 2013 John : Thanks for the photos. Keep the after photos coming also! Take plenty of detail pictures for documentation. Wonderful to see a true survivor! Thank you for your efforts: Larry DiBarry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Shaw Posted January 28, 2013 Share Posted January 28, 2013 John, Your top fits much better than mine and I have no side curtains. I can email photos of the side lights you need if you send me a PM with your email address. I also have scans of the operating manual for 1913 Model 30 & Model 31 cars. Since you also have the clamps for a Presto Lite tank, you must also have the acetelyne starter too? Please post some photos of the engine compartment so I can see if your starter tubes are the same as mine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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