SD Amal

[Hugz]

I need to clean out the float/bowl. How is the float attached to the bottom of the bowl? I'm assuming if I unscrew the brass nipple it will become apparent but it is deciding to be reticent. Or is there another way of cleaning the white crud out? Surprisingly the inflow is clear. Boiling... coke.... acid??

[Keith.P]

Have a look at the soldered wire clip on top of the float bowl, that's all that holds it on.

[Hugz]

Thanks Pizey, tapped upside down and float dropped out and then pin slid down the fuel pipe

Right.... definitely a weak point! The wire had already disintegrated as per previous photo. 69 years old so hardly surprising. Had that happened when at sea, petrol would be pouring out the breather and would probably cause flooding. Will resolder using new tinned fuse wire. 15amp 240v is the same guage. I'm assuming we are expected to replace every time we remove the float. Are there any service manual for the SD's or this carby? Maybe seagull should recall this model... bit of a dangerous fault...

Better check my other Amals.

[Hugz]

Mmmm.... tis not solder unless it is silver solder. My iron wont budge it! Do I leave as is or modify? Fuse wire with a couple of twist and then solder? Does petrol affect solder? Vibrations do. Any ideas?

[Keith.P]

Its solder, You just need more heat or grind it off and re-do.
But I would file off and re-solder as to not overheat the float and unsolder other joints.

[Oyster 49]

Like the idea of using fusewire, could you bond in place using epoxy? You would need to clean the top of the float with wire wool or similar first to remove the oxidation?

[Keith.P]

The only problem with epoxy is it will be in with the fuel, I wouldn't trust it and you don't want the float any heavier than it already is.
Clean the old off and just resolder.

[Collector Inspector]

So, while soldering new clip....................had fun with that?

I have always had "So Much Fun" with your problem..............makes me kinda want a Honda!

B

[Charles uk]

The wire is springier than fusewire so that it can be removed & replaced multiple times, & appears to be held in place with silver solder.

I don't think an extra gram will make any difference, a lump of soft solder should hold it, but don't get it hot enough to melt the seam around the middle, it might pay to hold it in a wet rag.

[Hugz]

I think I prefer these modern floats circa 1950's