starting problems

timberman2004 · Post by **timberman2004** » Fri Jun 27, 2008 12:05 am

REALLY frustrated !!!

spent all night stripping down a WSC

points... check
super cleaned points ...check
spark great

tank off, cleaned inside, and rinsed ...check
cleaned Tap gauze petrol and air blown ...check
blew out fuel line ...check
fresh petrol ...check

dismantled carb, washed and air blown clean ..incl tiny gauze filter ...check
turn fuel on ...tickle carb till overflow ...check
full throttle and choke ...check
breather undone ...check

Bugger still won't start !!!!!!
once arm fallen off, electric drill on dome nut eventually get's it to start

Runs a dream once going and starts really easily when warm

any clues to a reluctant cold starter ?? as it is I can't trust the engine, and this WSC is the newest one in the flock, being only 1979

chris · Post by **chris** » Sat Jun 28, 2008 7:24 am

I have one the same year and model and it was my least trustworthy one.
It gave starting problems and I found it was to do with the fuel tap as it wasn't letting the fuel through properly but I don't think that is your problem.
I did a 25/1 conversion on the carbie and it made it a pleasure to use easy to start and very trustworthy, I prefer my 102's

Waggles · Post by **Waggles** » Wed Jul 09, 2008 7:04 am

Looking at things logically ( not always easy when you have done everything right as you have, I am assuming you HAVE sacrificed a virgin as well of course?

) If the plug / lead and spark are OK ( the more usual causes of problems ) then the major difference between starting when hot and when cold is that you need a much richer mixture when cold. ( Waggles, specialist subject.. the b*****y obvious! ) As the motor starts OK when hot, the first place I would look is the mixture.

You have a good carb full of juice as you have confirmed by tickler, that should be enough to start it even if it doesn't run for long so I think your fuel supply is probably OK, I would therefore now be thinking about air leaks. I had similar problems caused by a loose main jet in a villiers carb but am assuming yours is Amal? if so, different jet mounting but I guess if the jet were not sealing against the carb body properly a similar effect could be seen. Check the carb to cylinder joint then if no better check all the crankcase bolts are not loose ( don't overtighten! ) include the barrel to crankcase ones and also the ones holding the drive tube to the cylinder.

Hope this helps before you lose your one remaining arm

Post by **charlesp** » Wed Jul 09, 2008 8:46 am

I am assuming you HAVE sacrificed a virgin as well of course?

Where on Earth do I get one of those around here? Do they have a part number? Can I assume that a second hand one off eBay won't work?

Waggles · Post by **Waggles** » Wed Jul 09, 2008 11:26 am

I think a second hand virgin is an oxymoron isn't it? unlikely to work I fear.

As for part numbers I am not sure, try looking up the number for a male bottom rib, I think they are related ( but probably not interchangeable )

timberman2004 · Post by **timberman2004** » Fri Jul 11, 2008 10:17 am

ever hopeful on the 'Part No' question as above...having a passing interest in such things, so tried a bit of research ...

Google came back with a site dedicated to supreme optimists
whilst Ebay provided a result ....'discontinued item' ...

Oh well...back to the smelly old engines

mick r · Post by **mick r** » Fri Jul 11, 2008 11:53 pm

I once met a lady who claimed to be a "semi virgin"
Said " she tried it once and was not impressed"

Andrew Craig-Bennett · Tue Jul 22, 2008 12:15 pm

There is a very simple and reliable test to ensure the quality of your virgin, of course.

You lead her into an orchard and sit her under a tree, wait till midnight and, if she is the real thing, a unicorn will come along and lay its head in her lap.

However, experience suggests that unicorns may be extinct in Essex.

Post by **charlesp** » Tue Jul 22, 2008 2:38 pm

There is also the thought that any young lady who allows you to lead her into an orchard on the strength of some unlikely tale about unicorns, well, you get my drift.

Mind you, try that round here and they simply come along 'cos their big brother reckons that scrap unicorns fetch a high price in China...

timberman2004 · Post by **timberman2004** » Sat Jul 26, 2008 8:00 am

never mind the unicorns Andrew, what do you think the realistic chance is of finding a virgin in Essex ???