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Starting my Goldie from cold

Posted by Thumpersloper <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=Thumpersloper' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 20, 2023, 10:38 am

If there’s one thing I’m struggling with it’s cold starting the Goldie. No matter how little I tickle the carb it seems to flood. The needle and seat are perfect and seal as they should.
I push the tickler for 2 seconds. I’ve tried 1 second but it makes no difference. I kick it over a couple of times with the valve lifter open once tickled to pull in some fuel.

If I don’t tickle it, it won’t go. I end up flooding it then kicking it over to clear it. It’ll then start but very rich for the first few seconds. Anyone got any tips. I tried using the enrichment lever and no tickling but no go. The clear pipe between float chamber and carb is full of petrol.

From hot, it goes first kick every time so it’s just mastering that cold start technique

Rocker and Ton-Up Boy

Re: Starting my Goldie from cold

Posted by Al Urquhar <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=Al+Urquhar' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 20, 2023, 10:59 am, in reply to "Starting my Goldie from cold"

Instead of tickling, why not try a squirt of this up its trumpet?

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/134205397489?epid=1725101383&hash=item1f3f43d9f1:g:mR8AAOSwAt1jAM~q&amdata=enc%3AAQAHAAAA4PsbVSD9Ui2VJqfwLOvQ2NnJ2UxfL6nUCBr1dwGu%2Bk4Ox5V7ZuN5JuNFJzAxz6XHhk%2F1ywhlL2bJ%2BM4hB8V1Vm9%2BJdSA%2FSooAjrqhtacAYtoHawN2ANrzxPg4wRI9rVIwUKvrv34M42xRiBdSt5ayAVUoPPCo5MZcNZHjhG7EJKdRtkP4%2BKRsOPuA9dnh8LXsVSDI1vQ0TSjbwq%2F03qvUXrxD5699bk6LlGalIdCQ7RHyKUQBwz6T%2FkWwViWUORt3a5auCjsE0LchE1GBB%2B06%2FfBOePHIvctNh5WDJffh3ej%7Ctkp%3ABFBMzpnO581h

Re: Starting my Goldie from cold

Posted by geoff the bonnie <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=geoff+the+bonnie' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 20, 2023, 11:36 am, in reply to "Re: Starting my Goldie from cold"

The easy start will usually start a reluctant engine but often, it kicks back very hard. Watch out for the kickstart lever snapping your leg. My T120r and BSA Spitfire will both kick back when i use Easy start so i am very wary. I use it during Winter cold weather after the bike has been left a few weeks

Re: Starting my Goldie from cold

Posted by Thumpersloper <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=Thumpersloper' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 20, 2023, 12:46 pm, in reply to "Re: Starting my Goldie from cold"

I wouldn’t use Easy Start on it. They get addicted to the stuff.

Rocker and Ton-Up Boy

Re: Starting my Goldie from cold

Posted by JERRY <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=JERRY' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 20, 2023, 11:28 am, in reply to "Starting my Goldie from cold"

When I had my Goldie I used to fill the float chamber by tickling the carb then set the choke to the half way point and leave the throttle closed until it fires up. They will always run rich pushing out black smoke for the first few seconds as you have no pilot jet. Good fun eh mate

The oldest rocker in town!

Re: Starting my Goldie from cold

Posted by ChazzyB <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=ChazzyB' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 20, 2023, 12:03 pm, in reply to "Starting my Goldie from cold"

One word: rollers

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Re: Starting my Goldie from cold

Posted by JERRY <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=JERRY' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 20, 2023, 12:11 pm, in reply to "Re: Starting my Goldie from cold"

Tried them Chaz. Makes it very difficult to get your crash helmet on

The oldest rocker in town!

Re: Starting my Goldie from cold

Posted by 6TDen <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=6TDen' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 20, 2023, 12:22 pm, in reply to "Re: Starting my Goldie from cold"

Den

Re: Starting my Goldie from cold

Posted by jimmy <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=jimmy' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 20, 2023, 12:28 pm, in reply to "Re: Starting my Goldie from cold"

Hahaha

Re: Starting my Goldie from cold

Posted by ChazzyB <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=ChazzyB' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 20, 2023, 12:45 pm, in reply to "Re: Starting my Goldie from cold"

Yes, but I'm sure you looked stunning.

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Re: Starting my Goldie from cold

Posted by JERRY <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=JERRY' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 20, 2023, 1:14 pm, in reply to "Re: Starting my Goldie from cold"

Yep, bet you havent tried them Chaz

The oldest rocker in town!

Re: Starting my Goldie from cold

Posted by ChazzyB <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=ChazzyB' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 20, 2023, 2:15 pm, in reply to "Re: Starting my Goldie from cold"

No need!

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Re: Starting my Goldie from cold

Posted by JERRY <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=JERRY' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 20, 2023, 2:55 pm, in reply to "Re: Starting my Goldie from cold"

The oldest rocker in town!

Re: Starting my Goldie from cold

Posted by Greeves Rider <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=Greeves+Rider' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 20, 2023, 12:36 pm, in reply to "Starting my Goldie from cold"

Have you checked the float hight, looks like fuel level is set on the high side.

Re: Starting my Goldie from cold

Posted by Thumpersloper <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=Thumpersloper' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 20, 2023, 12:47 pm, in reply to "Re: Starting my Goldie from cold"

Float height is set perfectly, by the Amal GP tuning sheets.

Rocker and Ton-Up Boy

Re: Starting my Goldie from cold

Posted by DBDBrian <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=DBDBrian' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 20, 2023, 1:54 pm, in reply to "Re: Starting my Goldie from cold"

<<<Float height is set perfectly, by the Amal GP tuning sheets.>>>

Pete, how are you checking the fuel level. If the float chamber has a fuel level mark on the outside, these can't always be relied upon to be correct. I always use a piece of clear tube from the outlet on the chamber, so the exact level can be set, viewing the fuel in the tube, with the reference point. ( base of the circle on the air jet plug.)

Brian
Made In England

Re: Starting my Goldie from cold

Posted by Thumpersloper <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=Thumpersloper' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 20, 2023, 7:05 pm, in reply to "Re: Starting my Goldie from cold"

That’s exactly what I’ve done Brian and the level is perfectly correct as far as I can see. I’ll double check it tomorrow

Rocker and Ton-Up Boy

Re: Starting my Goldie from cold

Posted by DBDBrian <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=DBDBrian' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 21, 2023, 4:29 pm, in reply to "Re: Starting my Goldie from cold"

Pete, the cold start obviously require more fuel, I run the larger type 504 chamber, I think yours is a 303. Both of these are designed to cope with Alcohol fuel, and have a high flow rate, so can easily be flooded. I find mine starts best from cold just before the point of flooding, if the fuel exits the bleed holes at the top of the chamber, this can cause problems starting.
The technique I use, is to listen for the change in note as the fuel fills the chamber when operating the tickler, I can then estimate the point just before it flood. (Not much help though if surrounded by noise ) If it does flood, I hold the throttle wide open, and give it a few kicks using the valve lifter to clear it out, if this fails, a change of plug usually dose the trick. (NEVER go out without a spare clean plug)
Obviously you are adept at starting big singles. This is my procedure , I leave the air correction valve fully open, as in the run position, kick it over a couple of times using the valve lifter, then bring it up on compression, and just ease it over TDC, set the ignition at the point, just enough to eliminate kick back, as over retarding weakens the spark. Then kick it as if I intend it to start.
They always run rich at the initial start, but this soon clears. The pilot adjuster needs to be set a tad on the rich side, to obtain a sharp throttle response.

I have converted my float chamber to use a Weber needle / valve and seat. The original valve seat being just the alloy top cover, the needle also being alloy, obviously to reduce weight. these can wear quite quickly, which I put down to vibration. This modification solves the flooding issues when the engine is running.
I noticed from your previous post, that your fuel pipe inlet banjo is the 180 degree type. It should be a 90 degree 14/250, this allows both fuel pipes to be rubber clipped to the frame tubes either side of the battery, also helping to prevent vibration of the chamber.

Brian
Made In England

Re: Starting my Goldie from cold

Posted by Thumpersloper <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=Thumpersloper' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 22, 2023, 7:43 am, in reply to "Re: Starting my Goldie from cold"

Hi Brian, thanks for this.
I never tickle the float until petrol oozes out. Just a press long enough to fill the clear plastic pipe. I do go a little overboard with the retard so as not to get kicked

Yes, I’m using the 180 degree banjo because I found it allowed me to route the fuel pipes easier, BUT, a new old stock 90 degree banjo was in the toolbox amongst other bits when I got the bike.
I didn’t realise that it allowed me to secure the petrol pipes.
I will have to make up longer pipes if I fit it. I’ll do that as soon as possible and check the petrol level at the same time.

Rocker and Ton-Up Boy

Re: Starting my Goldie from cold

Posted by Leon Novello <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=Leon+Novello' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 20, 2023, 8:51 pm, in reply to "Starting my Goldie from cold"

Maybe try a tankful of Super Duper, top of the range 100 ron, or whatever they sell in your area.

Leon Novello

Re: Starting my Goldie from cold

Posted by geoff the bonnie <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=geoff+the+bonnie' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 21, 2023, 12:35 pm, in reply to "Re: Starting my Goldie from cold"

Get this person to start it. Makes it look easy.

Re: Starting my Goldie from cold

Posted by 6TDen <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=6TDen' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 21, 2023, 12:40 pm, in reply to "Re: Starting my Goldie from cold"

I love the way some people put on a helmet and roar of half naked.
Den

Re: Starting my Goldie from cold

Posted by Tonupdave <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=Tonupdave' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 21, 2023, 12:58 pm, in reply to "Re: Starting my Goldie from cold"

GP carbs were always a pain the TT was better but even that could be a pain ..

Tonupdave..T.U.D.

Re: Starting my Goldie from cold

Posted by geoff the bonnie <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=geoff+the+bonnie' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 21, 2023, 1:10 pm, in reply to "Re: Starting my Goldie from cold"

66 Spitfire had GP carbs. Lucky i have a 67 model with Concentrics

Re: Starting my Goldie from cold

Posted by shiner <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=shiner' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on February 21, 2023, 3:56 pm, in reply to "Starting my Goldie from cold"

Thumpersloper, bring the piston up to JUST past tdc open throttle wide suirt a quick burst of carb clean into the bellmouth almost close throttle & give it a good prod be ready to catch the fire up on the throttle my experience of this system is it will restart a 500 year old egyptian mummy, good luck.

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