Amal Carb Issue

Discussion in 'Vintage Classics' started by Obijohnkenobe, Aug 5, 2025 at 3:55 PM.

  1. Obijohnkenobe

    Obijohnkenobe Well-Known Member

    Dec 14, 2020
    166
    83
    Tonbridge, Kent, UK
    #1 Obijohnkenobe, Aug 5, 2025 at 3:55 PM
    Last edited: Aug 5, 2025 at 7:01 PM
    Just some info in case its useful to others.

    Synchronised my 2 concentric carbs the other day and all was well for a while. Then started misfiring and actually ended up only firing on one pot! Obviously I had not done such a good job! So decided to do them again by following "Bushmans" method. Short story is that when I adjusted the cables so the slides appeared at the same time (from fully open), one cable adjuster was at max and the other on minimum! More importantly, when fully closed, one slide was about 1/4 inch from the bottom and the other was about an inch or so up from the bottom! Only conclusion, after a lot of fiddling, was maybe the cables were different lengths. I took the carbs apart to find them both identical cables (both look pretty new as well). However, I noticed that the slide return springs WERE very different lengths and strengths (therefore fully compressed they are different lengths as well)
    Maybe one just wore out, I don't know. Anyway, 2 new springs on order and I hope this will bring both carb slides into line and solve my problem.
     
    • Like Like x 1
    • Agree Agree x 1
  2. speedrattle

    speedrattle Senior Member

    Feb 19, 2021
    1,176
    243
    appalachia usa
    the spri gs shouldnt make a difference in slide height, but if they are mismatched its best to replsce them.

    you dont say whether you have a twin-cable throttle assembly or whether there is a two-into-one splitter under the tank. in either case check to see whether one cable is hanging up and not permitting full travel.
     
    • Agree Agree x 1
  3. Obijohnkenobe

    Obijohnkenobe Well-Known Member

    Dec 14, 2020
    166
    83
    Tonbridge, Kent, UK
    Thanks. 2 separate cables. Checked and oiled for smoothness.
    Replaced both springs with new. But haven't actually got my head around why they made such a difference in slide action, height,lift etc. You could be right that one cable was caught up or squeezed too tight under the tank, but I've done my best to make sure they both move ok now. Haven't had the time to test out my "re-balanced" carbs yet.

    For interest, the previous owner had drilled out the blank side of the air screw so the pilot jets can be cleaned easily Whilst still on the bike. Not sure I would be brave/skilled enough to do that myself (he was an engineer), but would recommend the adaptation.
     
    • Agree Agree x 1
Loading...

Share This Page