Saving Old Seagulls

Ive got an old 102 and although it starts well and doesnt miss a beat when running, it doesnt seem to be revving like the century Ive got. We also have a few 40's and they all seem to be singing along at full throttle where as this 102 doesnt. Its although it not a full throttle.
It doesnt come with a choke, which I find a bit weird?

Most likely carb.
First things to check are
1. Is the throttle cable opening ths carb fully
2. Does the carb remain full at all times (check filter in tap and float cut off valve).
3. Is the float level correct.

I'm sure the other guys on this forum will give you some ideas.

It doesnt come with a choke, which I find a bit weird?

Shut the inlet with your hand, that is the way to choke an old 102. Perfect system!

Maximum simplicity, I like it!

Albert

If it is an early 102 (indicated by chokeless cowl) it would have had a two bladed prop. Maybe someone has changed prop to coax a bit more speed and in affect has made the motor underpowered and unable to rev up. I'm assuming the throttle cable is adjusted correctly? If it is too low in the water the backpressure on the exhaust can inhibit high revs.

Hugo.

Still havent really fixed the problem.... So is this true that a 102 without a choke should have a 2 plade prob? As mine hasnt....

Not all 102s came with a two blade prop. If you let us know the serial letters and number we can tell you what sort of gearbox and prop it should have.

Only the very earliest (1936) and very latest (1974 and after) 102s have a choke as standard I believe, but at any rate that wouldn't make much difference to the top revs you can achieve.

Tell us the serial, and the plug type. Check the points are clean and set at the right gap. Make sure the filters in the fuel tap and carburettor union are clean. Make sure the jets are clean and the throttle cable is adjusted correctly. You can open the throttle with the lever, then pull the cable upwards from the carb to see if there's any additional movement.

Let us know, then we can take it a little further.

Right my serial number is TD56900. What prop should I have?
Cheers!

3, 4, or even 5 blades. The prop isn't your problem.

Try the throttle cable trick first. Then clean the fuel filters. Then the jets with a soft bristle, don't use a steel or bronze one.

Check plug gap, clean and gap points.

Come back if all that doesn't work; my guess is fuel.

Arte you using fresh 10:1?

So my engine shouldnt be running a 2 blade prop like alot of the 102's I have seen? From your earlier post I was hoping you could tell me for sure what prop I should have.

Ive tried the throttle cable and all is fine,
Ive cleaned the carb right out, had the jets out and cleaned through (Using fuse wire)
What gap should my plug be? And points? Im having trouble removing the flywheel so difficult to get to points....

Im actually using 16:1......

20 thou for plug and points. No need to take flywheel off just remove nut and plate. I find the early 102's have a lot less power than a century and forties whizz around with a high pitch whine!

Hugo.

I reckon a 4 blade one - a Hydrofan - a bit like this:

http://www.saving-old-seagulls.co.uk/im ... 0front.jpg

It's possible 16:1 could make it run a bit rich - try 10:1, which is what it's jetted for.