Another question...hope I'm not overdoing them?

[James England]

Hey Folks

I have another question.....

On my new project, it ran on three cylinders and roughly on the fourth. I've stripped the carbs and cleaned everything etc. Also removed a load of unimportant bits for when it comes to powder coating the frame.

My question is... Having got the carbs off, airbox, stripped etc, would YOU put it all back together and check that the engine runs on four cylinders properly or would you just proceed with stripping everything else, getting the powder coating done etc?? It kind of makes sense both ways and I'm wonders what everyone else would do..... Mechanically, the engine seems fine, with all valves moving, compression etc etc. Is it worth putting the carbs, tank etc etc all back on, just to feel reassured, or would it be better to crack on and continue stripping the bike??? Dilemma

[jetmechmarty]

Would you rather take parts on and off a dirty old bike, or a shiny new one? Ordinarily I would recommend having all of the important bits working before messing with anything cosmetic. In your case, since I know you'll leave nothing untouched, it doesn't really matter, does it?

[MarkD]

If it were me, I'd keep the pieces off that I already removed, and get the painting started. You may need to tweak a few things to get it running properly, but backtracking your progress would slow down the process of getting her on the road.

[IanDMacDonald]

I always have faith that things will work-out if I do everything right. So, unless you have a break in the harness that prevents a cylinder from running, odds are it was carb-related. Break it down and don't look back.

[Schming]

i always have faith that things will work-out if i do everything right. So, unless you have a break in the harness that prevents a cylinder from running, odds are it was carb-related. Break it down and don't look back.

^^^ x 2 ^^^

[jetmechmarty]

You guys have that backwards. Exhaust electrical possibilities before messing with the carburetors.

[IanDMacDonald]

Oh, I meant directly in-reference to Jame's situation. All four of his pipes were running, yet he found a dirty pilot jet. However, on a good-running bike that all of a sudden has issues with a cylinder dropping, I'd still drop the carbs first before anything and just have that out of the way. Then I'd go right into electrical testing. (Btw, it takes me five minutes to pull my carbs).

[Schming]

You guys have that backwards. Exhaust electrical possibilities before messing with the carburetors.

I always have faith that things will work-out if I do everything right. So, unless you have a break in the harness that prevents a cylinder from running, odds are it was carb-related. Break it down and don't look back.

Isn't that the order that Ian stated, Marty ?

[IanDMacDonald]

No, Marty was referring to an overall diagnosis of an ill-running bike: Electrical before carbs, which I agree with. But, again my opinion was directly related to James's specific situation.

[Schming]

No, Marty was referring to an overall diagnosis of an ill-running bike: Electrical before carbs, which I agree with. But, again my opinion was directly related to James's specific situation.

Sheeet, everybody knowzat . . . don't they ?

[James England]

Thanks, chaps. Yes, I reckon I'll tear it down and get the frame and swing arm done and just crack on. The bike ran, albeit mainly on three cylinders and the blocked jet was in the carb of the rough running cylinder. I was able to establish that the charging system and all electrically are working, with the headlamp brightening as revs increased.

I've cleaned the carbs thoroughly but am waiting for Allen bolts to replace all the cross head screws and have ordered another zinc-plating kit to do the brackets, choke rod and claws, choke lever etc. Those parts are now stripped of rust and what was left of the original plating and are awaiting treatment. The diaphragms are absolutely fine. I'm going to soak all the brass bits again in vinegar since Pine-Sol is not available here. I used a chemical aluminium cleaner on the outside carb bodies and they look better now

[MaximPhil]

Hi James,
Carry on. I see you also use a towel for carb work. Excellent idea.
Phil

[James England]

Hi James,
Carry on. I see you also use a towel for carb work. Excellent idea.
Phil

yes! It soaks up the carb cleaner etc and is grippy for those fiddly parts that could roll off a table. I've always done them on the floor too!!

[MaximPhil]

yes! It soaks up the carb cleaner etc and is grippy for those fiddly parts that could roll off a table. I've always done them on the floor too!!

Hi James,
While they can not fall any further when on the floor the little bastards can still run and hide
Phil