Carb needle for 99

Assuming that you have an AMAL monobloc 376, you can get the correct needle AM/376/063 by return of post from Hitchcock Motors, Tel. 01564782192. Price £5.50.

Their website is very helpful on all of the AMAL carbs. I found that my 99 was running ultra rich and discovered from their website that the needle furnished by a well known classic supplier was in fact for a GP carb.

Off the top of my head - 5 needle positions are for monoblocs, 389s being longer than 376s. 3 needle positions are for concentrics. I am sure I will be corrected if I am wrong.

Hello there,

Have you checked the float height and the needle valve.? Too high a float height or a needle valve not closing off properly(due to a bit of dirt) cause a rich mixture even if everything else is right. I assume you have already tried adjusting the air screw and got no improvement.

Sorry for interfering ! Lightweights only have Amal 375s. but they are the same in principle.

Patrick.

Are you using a new, genuine 106 needle jet? These things wear fairly steadily and yours may well need to be replaced.

Hi, you haven't said what throttle openings you are using - I would only change the main jet if it was running rich at full bore. Most of the time you are on the slide cutaway which you haven't mentioned. I would be inclined to check that it isn't flooding then play with the needle height and slide cutaway as per the Amal leaflet. Does it idle nicely? And is the motor standard or tuned? Cheers, best of luck, you will get it right in the end.

Robert. I had a similar problem on my 650SS, after fitting new plugs from my local bike shop. They provided B7ES; wrong plugs.They needed to be BP7ES, the ones with extended electrodes. Once thay were fitted, the problem was solved.

I noticed that your plugs are B6ES, which have the standard electrode, and are a bit soft. I don't know if the 99 requires the extended electrodes, but if so, that is likely to be your problem.

Ian

Point made.

Anna,

I am unsure as to whether your somewhat strange diatribes are sincere or a joke on the rest of us. If sincere then perhaps you could, with advantage, consult our flat tank singles expert in his professional capacity. If not, then the joke has worn thin and ceased to amuse.

Previously charles_bovington wrote:

Anna,

I am unsure as to whether your somewhat strange diatribes are sincere or a joke on the rest of us. If sincere then perhaps you could, with advantage, consult our flat tank singles expert in his professional capacity. If not, then the joke has worn thin and ceased to amuse.

needle a 106 carb.Amal 376/67 setting second notch from the top, and was was not joking about 9/11 is was a inside job, all the towers were blown up by two explosives Semtex being one and thermate beaning the other, steel structures of this magnitude do Not free fall with out explosives this is a Fact, the aircraft would have no affect on the steel structure as the heat from the fire would of only got too 1260 F steel melting point is 2750F it would of got hot but not melted Steel structure have many cross beams so there made not too collapses without a controlled explosion , building 7 untouched but it was blow up and then reported as it collapsed by office fire, yes right!! the public is bean told lies, theses are facts and not jokes if I was to tell a joke it would be better than this, and you all laugh Like this one, johnny went too Doctor and the Doctor said Few again , johnny said No I've come on motorbike!! Yours Anna J

Anna, this thread is about a simple carburation question. It is not a placefor you towitter on about conspiracy theories and the like. I think we have all had quite enough so please desist .

Previously Gordon Johnston wrote:

Anna, this thread is about a simple carburation question. It is not a placefor you towitter on about conspiracy theories and the like. I think we have all had quite enough so please desist .

Gordon point made, But there not theories but facts the truth is hard to understand sometimes, and so is black flag operation , or smoke and mirrors , deception from the truth , and mind control yours Anna J

AnnaI am with Gordon on this. Your obsession with the Manxman is harmless but those who make mad allegations about the Sept 11 events are grossly offensive. You obviously know nothing whatsoever about fire loads from atomised kerosene within buildings, nothing about the building construction, nothing about the engineering investigations, and people who express views such as yours are bordering on criminally insane. I speak as a Chartered Engineer who has designed buildings and steel structures and regrettably had to consider fire loads and at that level they were unsupportableStick to your Manxman please.

Anna, I totally agree with Gordon and David. As a former Royal Engineer with training and experience in demolition and plastic explosives, I couldn't find credibility in what you were saying for several reasons. (Don't forget the effects of aircraft aluminium, David)

But that is not a part of this thread.as it is not a part of a Norton's fuel system or Norton full stop! Please stick to fuel and carb, that is where we will find the answer, even your favourite spark plug but you certainly won't find the answer in structural engineering, Aliens and conspiracy hypothesis.

Again, well done Web Master for allowing a bit of self policing on this.

Just had a look and noted that Robert last posted on this on 18th August.

Perhaps he's on holiday or at the MGP / Classic Weekend? However, I think it only right that when an issue is raised that the originator comes back and concludes the issue. I have this to do when I finally get around to finding the cause of knocking on my 650, when I bring back the thread for conclusion. Just a thought.

Hi Robert, glad you got home OK. Did you get to the Norton meeting at Laxey, I think last Tuesday afternoon? I was there two years ago, a chap on a Laverda there selling the meeting badges. I had the most fun pointing out the oriental carbs and N*K plug caps and then there were the Austrian chaps! Been to about 10 MGP's and might go again next year if there is still any decent petrol about.

Anyway, back to the thread: Did you sort out your running with Ultimate. If so, what were the optimum settings?

About 6 weeks ago I wrote to an IOM fuel company, asking about Ethanol in IOM petrol. They said they would get back to me but never did. My last visit found no Ethanol in Total Super unleaded over there but as you know, the whole business was brought to us by stealth and there was no necessity to mark up the pumps for E5 by law. Even EN228 as a specification allows for up to 5% Ethanol but might contain less or even none! Imagine if a drugs company acted like this? I wont mention the increased fire hazard...

Anyway, looking forward to hearing how you got on with your your carb related issue.

well guy's for your information The Model 99 the correct Amal carburettor is a 376/67 1.1/16th of a inch .with a 250 main jet a 25 pilot jet cut-way side 3. needle position 3 .needle106. spark plugs Bosch -W 8DTC are the best .tired and tested As these spark plugs are shielded where as NGK B7ES are Not Shielded, And there the same heat range as Champion N5c, you can look this up on www.Green-spark-plugs.co.uk . I have been running my 650 on Bosch W 7DTC these are the same heat range as Champion N4c . for two years now and I not even taken them out yet. and my bike Starts easy and runs very nice, and I had no trouble since fitting Bosch Spark plugs But you can get the same type of plug with other manufactures look on the above website yours anna j

Over 100 posts, 95%totally irrelevant, on a question that could have been answered by reference to the owners handbook. Any outsider must think Norton owners a bunch of idiots!

Previously John Shorter wrote:

Over 100 posts, 95%totally irrelevant, on a question that could have been answered by reference to the owners handbook. Any outsider must think Norton owners a bunch of idiots!

Not far wrong but I had a few laughs along the way and not all at Anna's contributions.

Er, How does one run an engine on nitrogen? Nitrogen is a totally inert gas, which will not support combustion. Nitrous oxide is a totally different bunch of bananas!

I too was at the Classic TT, riding up from Cornwall on my Ducati 900SS, arriving home last night. I started out on the Norton, got out onto Bodmin Moor, where it was lashing down with rain, and after a few miles, developed a misfire, which got worse until the motor died. It started again after 20 minutes, and I managed to coax it back home, and swapped bikes.

I went to Jurby VMCC fest, and the various places mentioned, including the Norton fest at Laxey. Sadly not many Nortons; more Triumphs, I think; although our crew arrived on 2 rotaries and a 961 Commando.

We filled up with super unleaded 3 times on the Island, and it smelt different to fuel with ethanol added. Can you tell by smell? So it was inconclusive as to whether ethanol is added to fuel on the Island. We worked a route on the mainland to ensure that, north of Bristol, we filled up with BP Ultimate there and back.

Previously ian_cordes wrote:

I too was at the Classic TT, riding up from Cornwall on my Ducati 900SS, arriving home last night. I started out on the Norton, got out onto Bodmin Moor, where it was lashing down with rain, and after a few miles, developed a misfire, which got worse until the motor died. It started again after 20 minutes, and I managed to coax it back home, and swapped bikes.

I went to Jurby VMCC fest, and the various places mentioned, including the Norton fest at Laxey. Sadly not many Nortons; more Triumphs, I think; although our crew arrived on 2 rotaries and a 961 Commando.

We filled up with super unleaded 3 times on the Island, and it smelt different to fuel with ethanol added. Can you tell by smell? So it was inconclusive as to whether ethanol is added to fuel on the Island. We worked a route on the mainland to ensure that, north of Bristol, we filled up with BP Ultimate there and back.

I rode to Gedinne for the Belgian Classic TT in foul weather most of the way there and back. I've no idea whether the juice going in my tank had ethanol in it. Anybody know the situation for fuel in Belgium and France?

Hope you had a good time Ian and sorry the Norton didn't make it. I remember settingoff for the 2005 MGP on my shiny Commando in the rain, but what can you do when you have a boat to catch. Thankfully it cleared up by the time I got to Skipton. Did you meet up with Robert at Laxey?

Interesting about the smell of fuel, that was mentioned earlier in the thread with regard to the old ICI petrol and good stuff it was. I have been told that there is no ethanol in IOM fuel because it would damage the pumps and storage, just like it can damage your Norton. I guess they don't like to shout about it in case the stations are hijackedby a bunch of Greeniesor perhaps these decisions are made by the House of Keys (Mamx Govt) rather than the DE&CC and Brussels? Political which ever way you look at it, you would think it a selling point? I'll see if I can find any Manx renewable targets.

On the same fuel related topic, I received my September VMCCjournal today and for the 4th month in a row, I think, there has not been a word on Ethanol (Apart from my section notes) and my response to the FBHVC still not published. The only related comment from the membership was the 'timeline of alcohol fuels,' as found on Wikipedia and concluded that this was about politics and economics more than anything else.Just like the whole global warming hype. There was another letter about the future of motorcycling, suggesting that petrol pumps might be replaced with electric charging bays! No wonder the EU are outlawing decent vacuum cleaners, street lamps dimmed or off and then there are the funny light bulbs. Not so funny if you trip up while waiting for the stupid thing to warm up. And when you think of a £5,000 govt subsidy on each new electric car, how long before that scheme folds?

Anyway, back to 100% on topic: Have you resolved your carb issue Robert?

And most owners are using the old type of spark plugs and running on 5% Ethanol and having trouble , where as Spark plugs have move on . and owners have not move with them. Green spark plugs now recommend that with this type of fuel that you change you spark plug to suet the triple electrode spark plugs handle this ethanol added fuels in a better way giving you a better ignition and fuel savings and better running at all condition and these types of spark plug are Shielded.from fouling and last longer so take a closer look at your spark plugs , yours Anna J

Did you meet up with Robert at Laxey?

No, Neil, but we did have a very good meal in the Italian restaurant over the bridge!

Interesting about the smell of fuel, that was mentioned earlier in the thread with regard to the old ICI petrol and good stuff it was.

There is a massive difference in smell between the local Tesco Momentum s'unleaded; c/w ethanol; compared with the BP Ultimate, Murco s'unleaded and that available on the IoM; hopefully all sans ethanol. Maybe that is significant?

Bosch R6 super4plugs FR78 is a resistor plug. OK if you are coil ignition, not if you have a magneto. My 99 was always happy with NGK B7ES though I also used BP7ES. Didn't seem to make a difference. I use either type with my Atlas.

Amal suggest 3 1/2 cutaway and 240 main jet in the 99.

I suggest Champion N5C plugs and Ethanol free petrol.

Bet that will fix it......

The 99 Dominator uses an 1 1/16'' Amal Monobloc with a size 3 cutaway, 106 needle valve, needle position 2, pilot jet 25 and main jet 250. The 1'' version used on the 88 uses a 3 1/2 cutaway,106 needle valve,needle position 2 ,pilot jet 30 and main jet 210.

Reference, Norton Publication P106/P, maintance manual and instruction bok for the unappproachable Noton Motorcycle.

Robert / Charles: Just looked on the Amal site. My apologies. It does indeed say for this carburetora No 3 cutaway and a 250 main jet. It also says needle in position 3. All there to see for yourself. Just go to the bit where it says make and the drop box below, model. The top reference is 99 1956 - 1961.

The mix up is that as I have a new Mk 1 28mm handy I shall initially be using that and the settings I gave earlier are suggested for that.

Hope to have my restored 99 running by Autumn and I'll let you know what the carburation is like, always an option.

Now as Ethanol is about 35% oxygen it will make the mixture weaker and I'm not sure ifAmal calculated for that. I'll not be using E5 if I can help it.

Just a point on the high pressure oil pump system, I think you need to be using non scrolled rocker spindles with that to prevent over oiling.

I have a high pressure oil pump, serviced by John Hudson and not used since, came with service notes. This will be going in my 650 when it comes apart, along with plain spindles.

So Robert, if you are using the scrolled spindles with that oil pump then that might be a part of the problem? Others may think different?

Previously neil_wyatt wrote:

Robert / Charles: Just looked on the Amal site. My apologies. It does indeed say for this carburetora No 3 cutaway and a 250 main jet. It also says needle in position 3. All there to see for yourself. Just go to the bit where it says make and the drop box below, model. The top reference is 99 1956 - 1961.

The mix up is that as I have a new Mk 1 28mm handy I shall initially be using that and the settings I gave earlier are suggested for that.

Hope to have my restored 99 running by Autumn and I'll let you know what the carburation is like, always an option.

Now as Ethanol is about 35% oxygen it will make the mixture weaker and I'm not sure ifAmal calculated for that. I'll not be using E5 if I can help it.

The ideal air/fuel ratio for a gasoline spark ignition engine is about 14 parts by weight of air to 1 part by weight of fuel. For ethanol this ratio is 10:1.Both give or take a bit. E5 would have an ideal fuel/ air ratio of (0.95*14)+(0.05*10) = 13.8. Given that carbs are rather crude devises and that the acceptable air/fuel ratio is pretty wide using E5 will have no noticeable effect on weakness or richness of the mixture so rejetting is not required.

Thanks for this info Charles. For the benefit of all riders, would you mind recalculating for E10, just in case the day comes when we will have no choice.

E 5 or E0is a bit of a dogs dinner in the UK and you don't always know what you are buying but E10will come with a warning. So E5is like biting on half a cyanide pill.

Previously neil_wyatt wrote:

Thanks for this info Charles. For the benefit of all riders, would you mind recalculating for E10, just in case the day comes when we will have no choice.

E 5 or E0is a bit of a dogs dinner in the UK and you don't always know what you are buying but E10will come with a warning. So E5is like biting on half a cyanide pill.

E10=13.6:1, again OK for mixture even if not for fuel lines etc.

Thanks Charles, info appreciated.