... couldn't find anything wrong... apart from the float chamber end plate being terribly warped. So that will need replacing. The original gasket just couldn't keep the4 fuel in, so I cut one out of two layers from a cereal cardboard box! The extra thickness worked. But it did nothing for the fuel spraying out of the tickler valve! But a clout with a hammer did. Only a gentle clout, though. Perhaps if I renew the float, the float valve assembly and the tickler spring... oh, yes, and the end cover and gasket.. I might get somewhere...! Or maybe it's time to find another Little Willie, do you think?
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Had a nice ride yesterday afternoon, and Little Willie seemed to go really well. Until we returned home again. Then, as I left the D7 ticking over - quite evenly, as it happens - I went to unlock the workshop, and rode the bike up the wooden ramp and inside. Even before I could hit the 'kill' switch (an earthing switch direct to the insulated coil/points/comdenser pillar) the engine just spulttered and died, accompanied by a strong smell of petroil! When I look down there was a yellow fountain spraying from the tickler button! I was amazed at how quickly it was pouring out! So, the carb is acting up - yet again! Taking it out, I stripped the carb down and looking in the float chamber. No sign of any muck! So why was the float needle sticking? Surely it's not to do with the ethanol they're putting in petrol, is it? Or is it the plastic float? Something I have yet to check. Any other ideas, anyone? I just seem to be having lots of problems this year, don't I?
We went for another run together and, apart from seeming a bit sluggish (like me, retarded, no doubt!), Little Willie ran very well and didn't cut out once! So, maybe it was the coil after all. We shall see. The only problem around here is, now we've had a day or two of bright sunshine (and heavy downpours!) the Highways people have decided to start resurfacing the roads and there are chippings everywhere! Now, two wheels and loose chippings really don't go, do they? Extra care is needed! Besides some motorists don't bother with the 20mph speed restrictions and throw up chippings everywhere.
"I most certainly don't want my paintwork chipped!" says Little Willie. "So I'm staying put until the roads have been hoovered!" This afternoon I went out on Little Willie. Not too far at first as the Bantam is still a bit reluctant to run smoothly - hesitating and not responding too well to the throttle. Also she seems to be putting out more smoke than usual, but perhaps that's my fault as I may have misjudged the amount of oil I put in the last gallon of petrol.
We had a pleasant ride, nevertheless, and as I was passing a house, fairly near where I live, I saw a man working on an old Vespa, so I stopped to take a look (being rather nosy!). He turned out to be Steve - someone Hughie know quite well - and we had a pleasant chat about scooters, Bantams and other old bikes. In the meantime, Little Willie waited patiently and, when the time came, started first kick. But as soon as I got on the seat, she died on me again, although, to be fair, started and ran (after a fashion) with the next kick. Then I went to see Hughie. Not on the Bantam, though! And he thinks it's still a carburation problem and says he'll blow it out on his airline in the garage. I think I'll take him up on that, as I want Little Willie to perform the way she did before I ran the tank dry.....! Just to let you guys know I've added some more to the Bantam engine rebuild. Now, the oil seals have been inserted - showing the RIGHT way and not the WRONG way as opposite! Later today I should be able to make a start on rebuilding the gearbox, so I'll be adding that as well. This afternoon, though, if it stays fine, I really should be cutting the lawn, although I fancy getting my Little Willie out and having a ride....! So, if there are any young ladies out there who would like to join me....... |
Boy AlbieI've been the proud owner of a 1965 BSA Bantam D7 since 1991, affectionately known as Little Willie (Wilhelmina) and love to take her out for a ride so that others can see her. Archives
May 2016
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