05-14-24 - BSA 441 Victor - Obsolete Carb Discussion

Miscellaneous repair efforts on vintage British Motorcycles.

[@lesmontgomery6498]

Simple float level adjustment it would probably start fine

[@philhawley1219]

Very useful and informative video. I am currently working on a 1966 B44 too. It should have had a Monoblock but now fitted with a 28 mm concentric. Keep persevering and we'll get it right in the end.

[@mickgerard6696]

Hey Frank. I have a 1977 Tiger TR7RV 3k original unrestored miles. Purchased from the best friend of the original owner. He told me it has always started very hard. Kick tickle, kick tickle. I took the carb apart and the float level from the factory was set waaaaaay low. Re-set to 60 thou. Starts first kick every time. BTW. Lincoln penny laid on the float is .060

[@fjdelmonte]

I didn't know about the penny trick. That's cool. Thanks.

[@RobsRidesPA]

I agree with another commenter, I would not replace the carb unless it is worn. If it's not worn, there is no point. If you think this cars is old and obsolete, try finding parts for the SU Carb that was used on my 1952 Triumph TRW that I am trying to get back on the road. Finally found part in Australia to hopefully be able to rebuild it and get the bike running again.

[@fjdelmonte]

I gotta agree. The bits may be obsolete, and replacing the carb may not help the bike start easier. It's a toss-up. But there must have been a serious reason for replacing the needle, needle jet, and jet block in 1968, and more recently the upgrade to Premier status. And then there's the question of parts vs labor. Will a new carb save labor time? Even if I don't charge for but maybe one-third the time spent? It's a conundrum I face just about every day. Your user name indicates you have a bike business. You must face the same decisions. Yes?

[@RobsRidesPA]

@@fjdelmonte I do have a bike business and a KZbin Channel (I don't post to it as regularly as I would like). Yes, sometimes I struggle with the same questions. I agree the premiers are a great upgrade....if the original carbs are worn out. In all my years of working on vintage British bikes though, the pre and post 68 Amals, didn't seem to change how the bikes ran so I am not sure why they made that change other than maybe a cost cutting measure. Not all changes are made for the better.

[@nickmarshall9192]

Yep It's pretty common to drill out the pilot jet bush and fit the earlier type pilot jet into the roof of the float chamber as on this model Or machine and fit a mikuni VM pilot jet Or fit the premier type pilot jet

[@frankmarkovcijr5459]

Where did you get the cool wood sign saying Frank's motorcycle garage?

[@fjdelmonte]

Neighbor bought it for me. Had it made at a County Fair stand! The bike actually looks British! I'll do a close up zoom-in just for the heck of it.

[@ashleyhoward8926]

I bought my wife a ladies ultrasonic Jewellry cleaner for £19.99 in a UK budget supermarket ( ALDI). It is ideal for carb jets, etc.( Pure coincidence of course).

[@fjdelmonte]

Ya Know, I've been thinking about that. I think I shall also buy one. I will see if I can find one big enough to actually put carb bodies into it. That could be really neat.

[@nickmarshall9192]

​@@fjdelmonte it's well worth getting an ultrasonic cleaner I can get a complete carb in mine Or two stripped down

[@dogpaw775]

seen it before' rebuilt bike, never run , open it up and more likely find corrosion ever where, no assembly lube? Fix one thing at a time, if you wany yo start the motor concentrate on the idle jet .

[@nickmarshall9192]

I'd only change that carb if it were worn Why do you want to change it? Definitely adjust the float height

[@fjdelmonte]

I gotta agree. The bits may be obsolete, and replacing the carb may not help the bike start easier. It's a toss-up. But there must have been a serious reason for replacing the needle, needle jet, and jet block in 1968, and more recently the upgrade to Premier status. And then there's the question of parts vs labor. Will a new carb save labor time? Even if I don't charge for but maybe one-third the time spent? It's a conundrum I face just about every day.

[@AaaaandAction]

@@fjdelmonteI guess the acid test is if the new carb makes the bike start.

[@AaaaandAction]

16:09 … and if somebody before you bought their entire stock …. buy guitar strings. 😅

[@fjdelmonte]

I swear, I love youse guy's humor. I get the biggest laugh sometimes. Thanks!