Thread: 52 Series 1 Tribulations and Trials!

Hi All
Just spent a good day and half on the new Series 1
Aim was to see if I could get it to run!

Did the prep work first
- changed oil (using Nulon X-Pro 25W/60 advised by 5380 - thx!)
- filled radiator and after checking for leaks added suitable anti corrosion stuff for older engines
- cleaned fuel tank - which had about an inch of yellow orange goo in it - used a technique I saw online with a hose/syphon and the added about 4 rinses of fuel to make sure it was all gone. (well so I thought at that stage!) avoided getting a mouthful of goo!
- cleaned fuel bowl - which had this amazingly stick yellow/orange gum - hot water soak was needed to remove that
- Added 20L good fuel and flashlube
-installed battery - with a nifty simple device to cut off power when I am not there t reduce risk of fire with old wiring etc

then using JDNSW's guidance - checked earth.
thought initially using ammeter that it was positive earth but fuel pump only ran with it as a negative earth
So I guess ammeter hasn't been reversed?

So made sure engine was turning the right way - it seems to be negative earth.

had a can of Start You B-rstard, so with a mate tried it ...and it ran! It even throttled up with the accelerator, not noisey but sounded nice and smooth. - I was very. happy!

Right then the multiphase fuel issues started.

- no fuel in fuel bowl or (modern) inline fuel filter so l blew down the line - the newish looking gates fuel hose had perished and was leaking air on suction. Replaced fuel line
- still no fuel in fuel bowl or (modern) inline fuel filter so l blew down the line again - and on copper pipe out of fuel bowl the solder to olive fitting had come way - resoldered that
- still no fuel in fuel bowl or (modern) inline fuel filter so took end off suction at the top of the tank and blew air into tank - a second or two delay then something let go and - then it all worked fuel bowl then filter filled - I thought all good

was just getting ready to fire it up ignition on, fuel pump running.. ...noticed fuel leaking out of carby

took off air cleaner hose - yes excess fuel coming out of carbs - I think float and main jet stuck open??

I guess I can either take 3 screws/bolts/nuts off and have a look at the float/jet to see it its stuck or gummed up

or do I take carbs off and put a kit through it ??

Love to hear you thoughts and guidance

I have only half a day left here - hence option to remove carbs and refurb it in Adelaide

overall good to get hands dirty, not swallow any fuel and to hear it runs smoothly.

and when cleaning out the back and front - i found a few missing bits as well - including the spare wheel clamp etc

over all good

cheers
Nobby

Well I braved it again today
Took top off Carby and checked needle valve and float
Blew line gently - put it together
and ignition on ...no overflow of fuel!

Hit starter and she went - one small backfire and then ran really quite smoothly.
Went for a quick drive around the backyard - steering/clutch/gearbox/brakes all work fine
Turning circle - not its strong point!
Wish you could post a video on here!

But it all works! - Very Happy with new toy

now to replace a few hoses etc!

Cheers
Nobby