Does anyone recognise this problem?
When I try to start my Lightweight after a few days non-use, it starts fine.
However, if I leave it (in a garage) for more than a week, despite priming, choking, etc, it refuses to start...
The only way that I can then get it to start is the method shown to me my a breakdown mechanic that I had to call out: namely, take the top off the carb and pour petrol directly into the chamber, until it is is full. It then starts first time.
Clearly, this method is not to be recommended (and is arguably, dangerous), and is a faff each time I want to start the vehicle after it's been idle for more than a few days.
Can any Forum members diagnose the problem and suggest a cure.
The Adjt
Carburettor "Drying Out"?
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fv1620
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Re: Carburettor "Drying Out"?
Float stuck up?
Clive Elliott
Collecting military technical publications, researching into military vehicle electrical systems, licensed radio amateur since 1964 using microwave bands for tropospheric scatter.
Collecting military technical publications, researching into military vehicle electrical systems, licensed radio amateur since 1964 using microwave bands for tropospheric scatter.
Re: Carburettor "Drying Out"?
fv162 has probably hit the nail on the head ^^^^
I have to prime the carb on mine at the start of every day as the fuel in the carb evaporates from the heat of the engine and the remainder always leaks back to the tank.
Here is a quick symple test that doesn't involve any dismantling: -
While priming, if you listen, you will hear the fuel gurgle in the pump as it starts to come through, you will also feel a difference in the action of the priming lever - but I am sure you know this already.
Then, you should hear a much more quiet gurgle as the float chamber in the carb fills up before the priming lever stops working (carb full).
If by the time the priming lever stops working you haven't heard any sounds from the carb, then the float needle is probably stuck.
You could try tapping the body of the carb with a rubber hammer and it might free off.
Otherwise if you are going to dismantle the carb antway, then check out the float needle and seat to see if there is a tendancy to stick or not.
HTH
Ian
I have to prime the carb on mine at the start of every day as the fuel in the carb evaporates from the heat of the engine and the remainder always leaks back to the tank.
Here is a quick symple test that doesn't involve any dismantling: -
While priming, if you listen, you will hear the fuel gurgle in the pump as it starts to come through, you will also feel a difference in the action of the priming lever - but I am sure you know this already.
Then, you should hear a much more quiet gurgle as the float chamber in the carb fills up before the priming lever stops working (carb full).
If by the time the priming lever stops working you haven't heard any sounds from the carb, then the float needle is probably stuck.
You could try tapping the body of the carb with a rubber hammer and it might free off.
Otherwise if you are going to dismantle the carb antway, then check out the float needle and seat to see if there is a tendancy to stick or not.
HTH
Ian
"I'm sorry for the man who hears the pipes, and who wisnae born in Scotland."
Re: Carburettor "Drying Out"?
Both,
Thank you for your suggestions.
I will try the test.
If the float IS sticking, what is the likely cause?
Regards,
Mike
Thank you for your suggestions.
I will try the test.
If the float IS sticking, what is the likely cause?
Regards,
Mike
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fv1620
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Re: Carburettor "Drying Out"?
Mike it could be an accumulation of corrosive crud over the years in the float frame holes not easily rotating on the shaft or even very old fuel can turn into brown sticky stuff. Maybe slightly bent shaft that can just move when wet with fuel but not when dried out.
Maybe the inlet needle valve is sticking?
Maybe the inlet needle valve is sticking?
Clive Elliott
Collecting military technical publications, researching into military vehicle electrical systems, licensed radio amateur since 1964 using microwave bands for tropospheric scatter.
Collecting military technical publications, researching into military vehicle electrical systems, licensed radio amateur since 1964 using microwave bands for tropospheric scatter.
Re: Carburettor "Drying Out"?
Clive,
Many thanks.
My first port of call will be to the dealer who performed a "Full (and very expensive!) Service", although, to be fair, the fault might not have been apparent at the time.
I know that most vehicle mechanics' approach is not to probe too deeply: if it starts, it's fine!
Mike
Many thanks.
My first port of call will be to the dealer who performed a "Full (and very expensive!) Service", although, to be fair, the fault might not have been apparent at the time.
I know that most vehicle mechanics' approach is not to probe too deeply: if it starts, it's fine!
Mike