Frustrated

Sounds like it could be a worn carb. What's the slide like in the bore?

Sticky valves?

Hi Maurice

I have sent all my carbs to Martin Bratby (01543 572583). He bores and fits oversized slides, cleans them up and fits any new parts that are needed. They come back working as well as any new carb (even my TT carb runs smoothly at low revs!). I cant remember the exact cost but it will probably be less than half the cost of a new carb and is obviously dependant on what needs doing. If you get this done (or buy a new carb)at least you know the carb is ok and if the problem persists you know to look elsewhere.

Good luck

Andy

When I restored my 1950 ES2, it spat back, wouldn't idle, flooded and refused to tick over unless nursed with the throttle. A new 276 carb was around £300 from Surrey Cycles. It was the best 300 quid I spent. No more carb problems since. Solved. Easy starting, smooth running and no more flooding. I recall that a refurb on the original carb was about two thirds of the new carb price.

I have no experience with new carbs. I couldn't get a new TT when I was doing my inter so I had the original refurbed. It was successful so when I started work on the ES2 I did the same again. I think there are some cheaper carbs out there but they are of dubios quality. Surrey Cycles have a good reputation though, and they would be quicker. Martin Bratby was very busy when I gave him my carb late last year and it took several months.

Hi Maurice

I have sent all my carbs to Martin Bratby (01543 572583). He bores and fits oversized slides, cleans them up and fits any new parts that are needed. They come back working as well as any new carb (even my TT carb runs smoothly at low revs!). I cant remember the exact cost but it will probably be less than half the cost of a new carb and is obviously dependant on what needs doing. If you get this done (or buy a new carb)at least you know the carb is ok and if the problem persists you know to look elsewhere.

Good luck

Andy

hello you cannot fault Martin Bratby he works from early day to late nights sometimes 7 days a week to get his customers the carburettors done he as a mountain of work too do, and hes not getting any younger like us all, so being patent and getting a good job done pays, in the end, so remember Rome was not built in one day, yours Anna J

No criticism here Anna. I overhaul magnetos for a living and we are currently quoting 6 months! He is very good and I am happy to wait for a good job, I got the carb back in January and still haven't finished the bike, so he hasn't held me up

Definitely worn carb slide, you can set it to run fine but once its gone up and down a few times / warmed up etc the mixture weakens / becomes richer and hence the bike runs erratic as the slide is never in the same place twice, you will not cure it by mixture / plugs etc so dont waste your money.

Best to talk to Surrey cycles and get a new carb, will be about £275 but you will have no more snags after you have set it.

Also AMAL will also rebuild your old one / sell you one direct, they are great to deal with, ring them they are very helpful.