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Its the carb, no its not its ignition.

Submitted by robert_tuck on Sun, 13/08/2023
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Heavy Twins

For a year or two I have been fiddling with  carb on my 99. The bike starts and ticks over very well. It gets along better than most too. But it has had an annoying  "POP"   several times during a run out and can stall  at  awkward moments. I have swapped carbs several times and enjoyed weak and rich carburation , I was pretty sure it was due to wear in the body and would have sent off the carb for sleeving if Mr Bratby was still working.  Yesterday I decided to do some long avoided maintenance and service the distributor . Must be 5 years since I looked in there. The points were a bit closed up . After that I decided to turn the motor over , the bike was 18" up in the air on the work ramp and i just gave the KS a push with hand forgetting the ignition was on. It started (from cold ,no choke ,no tickle, no effort!) , Nearly finished up in a heap. Sounds angry and very eager.  Keep an open mind about faults . I just need to tune the carb now, it should not start that easily without  choke !!!

Submitted by mikael_ridderstad on Sun, 13/08/2023

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Great to read. Though I think checking ignition timing too might be a good idea.

Submitted by robert_tuck on Sun, 13/08/2023

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Hi Mikael , The points gap being out makes a big difference to the timing . No point ( pun! ) in checking the timing as its sounding ferocious and no way would i want to change it even if it looked wrong !. Just need to get out and on it. I'm going to have to be tail end charlie on the rideouts now to keep me in check.

Submitted by ian_soady on Sun, 13/08/2023

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.. checking ignition timing once it's been set properly. There'd have to be something seriously wrong for it to move. As said, incorrect points gap can make a big difference.

Submitted by barry_carson1 on Sun, 13/08/2023

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hello,

 

are the points surface contacts mounted securely. and not loose making bad connection

 

barry

Submitted by robert_tuck on Sun, 13/08/2023

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Hi Barry, no all good now , I should not have left the points so long , I fitted EI assist many years ago which takes the load off the points so they last for years , however the points heel still wears and closes up the gap . I had about 2 thou there instead of 15 !! I have been steadily improving other aspects so did not notice the slow changing of the timing .  There is no substitute for a regular maintenance schedule’,apparently.

Submitted by alan_osborn on Sun, 13/08/2023

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I have heard of a chap who could start his Manx by hand swinging the rear wheel on a stand!! (clever sod) so all is possible. But then when you are kicking yourself into 'heart failure' !!! The idea that it starts by hand is always a good laugh! I can start my Electra by hand when it is warm. Bear in mind this engine starts life at 7.5:1 and my 'wonderful' example is completely knackered then it is easy-but getting it right at times can be very tedious. WE have just been to a vehicle show with the usual run of Stationary engines, some of which do 'hit and miss' I am still amazed that the engine will run for several revs, then do one suck on the carb, half a turn on the magneto and FIRE! Petrol engines-wot do we know?

 


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