kickstart fails to come back to top

Don't regard it as a quirk. If it's not fully returned then the kickstart pawl will not be retained behind the stop and will be ratcheting inside layshaft first the whole time.

Is it a new symptom ? If the system is the same as the upright box then the spring tension can be adjusted. Make sure that nothing is bent or binding though. Does it move smoothly and easily enough with the clutch pulled in ?

The kickstart spring on the laydown box is external, located inside the cylindrical cover just behind the kickstart lever. It can be changed/adjusted without dismantling the box. That doesn't necessarily make it an easy job! Remove the kickstart lever, then pry off the spring cover (it is a push fit). The outer end of the spring locates in a hole in the kickstart shaft, the inner end locates in one of the slots in the kickstart bush. Check for a broken spring, change if necessary. If the spring is intact but weak it should be possible to relocate the inner end to another slot and so increase the preload. E M Franks suggests 2nd or 3rd slot beyond the normal free position of the spring. As Richard says it is important that the lever fully returns. If you can't fix immediately at least use a bungee as a temporary measure to hold the lever up.

Cheers, Ian McD

Ian McD's comments are spot on.

I would add that the k/s spring cover is liable to be rusted into place, so add penetrating oil and use judicious force

Paul

Previously john_day wrote:

Many thanks for your suggestions, it is brilliant to be back in the realms of british mechanics where the words pry, bent, weak, and judicious force, are used in everyday speech.

Will let you know how it goes!

Yes and for a Velocette you can add heating-up the crankcase with a blowtorch to withdraw the oil pump. Crazy!.

While the subject thread is 'alive' can I ask if there is a method of tensioning the laydown kickstartspring to the 2nd or 3rd notch?

I understand the principle but as to actually achieving it......my attempts were unsuccessful, and I can see blood blisters on the horizon!just wondered what the 'tried & tested' method (s)would be please.

Thanks Brian

The only way I've used is by levering round with a flat bladed screwdriver then carefully pushing into position but as you say fraught. It's also very easy to distort the spring by taking it too far.

I did say it might not be easy! It is a while since I did this job and I don't have a clear recollection of the process, although Ian Soady's flat bladed screwdriver method sounds right. 3rd slot beyond the free position might not be achievable.

Ian McD

You must be feeling flushed with success now !

Or drained with the effort!

Could you give us the link?

Glad you've done it, John.

When faced with a stubborn spring I usually try to fix up a 'Spanish Windlass' using strong cord (like braided nylon) - and make sure I'm wearing proper eye protection! Then do as you did and cut it away afterwards.

(incidentally - the Wikipedia (Wiktionary) dictionary description of a Spanish Windlass is totally wrong! Very strange.)

I see that the pic was taken whilst you still had your fingers, John! Well done.

George

I've has a basin-full of all these puns!

You mean you have that sinking feeling!

Now you're really plumbing the depths, Tom!

Sorry, I'll pipe down now ...

I've tried to syphon off the useful information in the later comments but can only conclude that most of us are talking ball-cocks.

Think I'll give this thread the elbow.

Before I fall into the trap.

George, you're driving me round the bend ! You keep harp(ic)ing on !

That one had me laughing like a drain!

...and you've bowled me over again

OK guys. That's enough. This has gone off topic even in an Off Topic post! Congrats to John for solving his prob and for sharing with us how he did it. My apols for dragging it out. Put it down to feeling a bit "cruk" and looking for any distraction. George

Definitely off thread - it should be BSP.

Oops. Sorry guys. Just twigged this is under "Singles" not "Off Topic". That's what comes of following more than one thread at once! I'm going back to bed. George

The Topic is kickstart springs; now, how is that related to water-based puns ...

I fear that the reference to a chain with a bathroom connection started me off on toilet humour, as happens so easily. It is a lot of irrelevant tosh and I for one would not kick-up if the mods decide to remove it.

Hear! Hear! Richard. But it was fun while it lasted.