Triumphrat

ARTEE · 05-16-2008

Help!!!! [i] have been trying to start my 1970 T120 with no success. History-- started with basket case & have spent a lot of time rebuilding The bike has new pistons,valves C/w springs, guides, sparks ignition, new battery etc. I now have good compression and good spark. I suspect the carburators have major problems. It will put-put but wont start. It started once with the chokes on but imediatly died when they were taken off. I replaced the 'O' rings and sealed the joint crack with permatex grey,thus no air leakage at manifolds. I have installed new main jets,needle jets and pilot jet neddles and cleaned the pilot jet air passage so when I blow air through a fine mist sprays out into the carb. After a lot of kicking the spark plugs appear dry.Is it possible that the previous owner could have caused irreparable damage to the pilot system? I have kicked engine over so many times I believe the rings are now seated. What is the next step? Perhaps new carb bodies are the only solution.Please advise.

panda · 05-16-2008

Are you tickling the carbs? If not, depress both carb 'ticklers' until fuel runs out before cold starting
you may need to use the choke as well.

quagmire · 05-16-2008

Are you sure the idle circuit is cleaned? I thought mine was.

Take the carb off and remove the bowl and the air mixture screw. Take some carb cleaner with a small straw on the nozzle and place it into the air mixture hole, where the screw went. Blast some cleaner thru and see if it comes out the idle circuit.

Mine ran like yours until I did this and found out my circuit was clogged. Bike ran good with throttle but at idle I needed the choke on.

DO NOT PUT A WIRE THRU THE PILOT CIRCUIT. You could ruin the circuit.

I think Emanthehorse had a great link about amalk carbs. Read this, place the carbs in Berryman's, it really works ask GPZ, and blow all the holes out with carb cleaner and air. You will have to hold some of them with a couple of fingers to get the air/cleaner thru the right holes one at a time.

mglemans86 · 05-16-2008

+1 on tickling.

ARTEE · 05-16-2008

Thanks guys. But yes I tickle the carbs untill they flood. Yes I blew out the air passages and covered holes . The carb cleaner Shot out of every orfice. Is there any way to check if any damage was done by possibly reaming the passage or screwing the pilot jet too tight?

1759AG · 05-16-2008

ARTEE,
I'm in the process of a basket case myself. Did some asking around about the issue with the AMALS. Just buy new ones. I have the Tiger set up so only need one, but could possibly prevent further headache. I would definitely go the Berryman's chem dip route. It can get stuff you can't see.

aprophet · 05-16-2008

"It started once with the chokes on but imediatly died when they were taken off"

probally a stoopid question but which way are ya pushin/pullin the choke lever?

Red1959 · 05-16-2008

It would be odd if both carberaters are shot. Take the air filters off. Cover the carb opening with the palm of your hand. Kick the motor over. You should feel the suction with your palm. Do this on both carbs.
While you have the filters off, check and see if you are actually opening and closing the choke slide. Most Britbikes that I know have the chokes removed.Just prime and go. If you tickle the carbs it should start with the throttle opened. Are your valve clearances correct? A little ticking in the rocker to valve stem should be detected when the push rod is at it's lowest position. Just grab the rocker arm and move it up and down with your fingers, if you can't get a feeler gage in it. Adjust it about a quarter to half turn out after it touches the stem. Check your manual for corrrect clearance.

ARTEE · 05-17-2008

Well fellows I have tried every possible avenue-valve adjustment ,valve timing,cleaned carb & all orfices are open. The next step will be a bum start. Or purchase new carb bodies. I have attached a photo of this bike so you can appreciate all the work that has been done and hense the frustration with the starting problem. If anyone has had a similar problem or discovered that their carb pilot system had been abused, please let me know the symptoms and cure.

aceaceca · 05-18-2008

I am beginning to think the ign timing is off. You can tickle them enough to fire but if they won't run or stay running I would double check both ign and valve timing.