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Messages - R

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1
British Bikes / Re: Hot Start Problem
« on: Today at 12:49:33 AM »
Ah, we're back to this case are we  ???
Yes, if the ignition timing is so off that the engine is on the point of meltdown,
then all bets are off.

Get the ignition set correctly, as suggested ....

2
British Bikes / Re: Hot Start Problem
« on: July 01, 2025, 12:23:25 AM »
Thing is, if it was shite in the float bowl it would cause problems whether hot or cold..

While this is quite true, I have found that cold engines are very sensitive to this,
and once warmed up they will start near regardless.
Even if they then run like a dog - but this instantly tells you something is up.

Could the easy start spray to make it start be because of a weak spark ?
I have enough old iron that I keep a spare magdyno on the shelf.
This ensures they never play up !
The 1932 version may be a bit pricey for this, and it can be a lot of work to swap over.
But worth considering if this persists ?

Someone here had persistent starting problems, and borrowed such a spare maggie to try.
It proved equally difficult, but in the course of this the earthing path was improved.
Instant success !  Think laterally ?

3
British Bikes / Re: Hot Start Problem
« on: June 30, 2025, 12:18:42 AM »
Did you feel the carby and manifold - was it warm/hot. ?
Sure sounds like fuel, doesn't it.

Have you drained the carby floatbowl, and inspected what comes out.
I had a rash of rust particles and little water droplets.
Must have bought some dirty fuel someplace
(fuel by law is allowed to contain up to 2% water !!).
Sure didn't like burning that stuff ...

P.S. Tried a new spark plug ?
They don't last forever...

4
British Bikes / Re: Hot Start Problem
« on: June 29, 2025, 12:13:36 AM »
Sounds like a failing condensor again, doesn't it. !
Do you know what the rebuild used - not a NOS one, we hope. ?

Another possibility is vapour lock.
Have you checked to see how warm the carb/manifold is when you pull up.
Those heat insulating tufnol type gaskets were added to many a model,
to help prevent this happening in hot weather.

So if you pour icy water over the carb and it still won't start, then try it over the maggie.
Preventing water ingressing to inside the works - a tricky situation.
Have fun, tell us how it goes ...

5
British Bikes / Re: Villiers XIIC 148cc doesn’t run anymore
« on: June 22, 2025, 11:29:27 PM »
So what was your magic trick to start it ?

When my trusty lawnmower 'fails to proceed', I find a teaspoon of fuel down the plughole
invariably brings it to life.

,and these people didnt appreciate speedway riding in their grounds.

Funny about that ?
Those were the days  ...

6
British Bikes / Re: Ariel Arrow?
« on: June 12, 2025, 01:22:07 AM »
Not only does it look like a rectifier, you can actually see the 4 individual diodes
that make up the diode bridge.

And potentially replace one if it goes bad.
Dunno about that R1 .....

https://cdn1.byjus.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Bridge-Rectifier-1.png

7
British Bikes / Re: Villiers XIIC 148cc doesn’t run anymore
« on: June 02, 2025, 11:15:42 PM »
And the good thing about iron pistons in an iron bore is that they'd
have to get REALLY hot to think about nipping up, let alone seizing.

Even without much/any oil being in sight - thats the beauty of cast iron on cast iron.
The carbon in the crystal iron lattice makes this possible.
Without this, the old bike industry, with drip feed lube would never have prospered ?

8
British Bikes / Re: ACME aussie bike
« on: May 31, 2025, 10:11:59 AM »
That pic of painting the tanks is a good un !

We wonder what an infrared oven was though ??

9
British Bikes / Re: Villiers XIIC 148cc doesn’t run anymore
« on: May 31, 2025, 10:08:16 AM »
Does this particular carb have a tickler mechanism.
Nothing visible in the pics.
But could be t'other side.

Or, can that air cleaner (?) be choked.
Even by putting the palm of your hand over something strategic.

Agree, gravity fed fuel strainers are a peril.
Not much gravity in that short distance !

10
British Bikes / Re: ACME aussie bike
« on: May 30, 2025, 05:31:52 AM »
Seems Bennett and Wood were also agents for James.
Maybe someone mixed up the orders that day ...

Full bike view - prewar
https://bikeshedtimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Screen-Shot-2025-05-05-at-2.53.56-pm.png
and postwar.
https://cdn.justauto.com.au/ad-assets%2Fc686a88b-3a6e-4b19-b78d-5dbd49c12f60-xlg%2Fc686a88b-3a6e-4b19-b78d-5dbd49c12f60-xlg.jpg

P.S Can anyone find any pics/evidence of local manufacture ?
B&W show some pics of local bicycle making, and the factory it was done in.
But nothing of motorcycles  ?

11
British Bikes / Re: ACME aussie bike
« on: May 29, 2025, 10:47:54 PM »
It’s a hobby and people pursue hobbies for fun.
If you’re not enjoying it why are you doing it?

Aye !
But thats when you see "abandoned project for sale" "spent $x asking $y"

Where x is greatly more then y
And you ask yourself y did they do that !
As the saying goes - one mans folly is anothers bargain.

A roundabout way of saying keep it as is. ?
I'd have trouble living with that seat but ...


12
British Bikes / Re: ACME aussie bike
« on: May 29, 2025, 03:23:51 AM »
Thats a fair wad for what you list there already.
Those guards from WA are lovely, but $$$
And what about a tank - is that one stock, looks short ?

I've built bikes from parts before, its eternally chasing bits you find aren't right.
Never again sez I - a few times !


13
British Bikes / Re: ACME aussie bike
« on: May 28, 2025, 11:36:58 PM »
Be very expensive to restore from there.
IF you can even find the bits these days.
Best kept as a compy example

https://collection.powerhouse.com.au/object/141196

No idea what a 'communter' is, but we can guess.

Like the Waratah, do we know how much was built locally post WW2 ?

14
British Bikes / ACME aussie bike
« on: May 28, 2025, 11:21:09 AM »
On fleabay.
$5k for that ??
Not much left really, unless 'comp' bikes are of interest.

https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/55wAAOSw1HZoNpu-/s-l1600.jpg

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/177131888611

Tilbrook high compression head.
Requires bump starting.
Hmmm

15
British Bikes / Re: Ariel Arrow Flasher?
« on: May 19, 2025, 12:05:12 AM »
It would be interesting to know if this was factory or a subsequent owner ?
Compare notes with other owners/restorers.

Norton Commandos have a few stray extra wires - for police use.
Never mind that those also have an extra harness anyway.

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