On the third of May I said I was taking Little Willie for its annual MoT today, didn't I? Well, things didn't quite go as planned... With our appointment at the testing station at midday, we prepared to set off in good time with Little Willie starting first kick! After a bit of rough running, burning off excess oil, she settled down and puttered along beautifully. About a half mile from home, we negotiated the roundabout outside the Norfolk Police HQ and headed for town. |
I quickly realised, nothing more could be done and the MoT test was off for today! Turning the throttle stop screw to obtain a really fast tick-over, I engaged first, then second, and finally third, and struggled back home at a steady thirty miles per hour. A bit like having 'cruise control' I laughed. Later, I removed the carb in an attempt to find the 'lost' nipple, but it wasn't there. Hoping to avoid a complete strip down, I removed the head and there was the nipple – nicely flattened – on the edge of the combustion chamber. |
There's a slight mark on the piston head, but nothing to worry about, so, after a clean up it should be OK to reassemble everything again. The test, today, wasn't meant to be, I guess. But, was the air blue? Actually... no, which surprised me somewhat. I must be mellowing in my old age. Out of courtesy, I went to see Chris at the MoT station (actually arriving on time) on one of my other bikes.... a Honda (say it quickly!), but it is 34 years old of course! |