gave up on the flatslides, ordered a set of premiers

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acadian

acadian

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Finally had it with trying to get these pwk flatslides dialed in, been fiddling with them for 4 years now... overall not a bad setup, as long as you don't have to idle for any period of time... I think the main issue with them is stable fueling, the float height is tempermental, and they have a habit of sticking going up or down depending on its mood. I've gone through everything, no leaks intake or exhaust side, valves sealing right, timing spot on, compression 180 on each jug...

brit cycle sold me a set of premiers for a good price, and since I've heard mostly positive reviews I chose them over jim's smoothbores for the time being... looking forward to getting them!
 
Same story here with PWKs - but you are much more patient than me. I gave up trying to get them to work after 4 months.
I switched to Premiers and my Combat has thanked me with reliable rides (and starts) ever since.
 
tomspro said:
Same story here with PWKs - but you are much more patient than me. I gave up trying to get them to work after 4 months.
I switched to Premiers and my Combat has thanked me with reliable rides (and starts) ever since.
Click to expand...

how far off were the premier's in your experience? did you end up rejetting? I'm wondering if I should order a range of jets as well
 
acadian said:
how far off were the premier's in your experience? did you end up rejetting? I'm wondering if I should order a range of jets as well
Click to expand...

Mine worked fine right out of the box. I did not re-jet or change needle positions.
That being said, having spare jets above and below stock probably a good idea.

I have had two small issues with my Premiers.
After a few months, the washers on the bowl drain plugs disintegrated and leaked. E-fuel victim I assume. Replaced them with nylon.
Had some trouble keeping it running after cold starts. Traced it to right carb float level too low.
Tapped down the float seat to get a bit more fuel into that bowl - problem solved.
 
tomspro said:
acadian said:
how far off were the premier's in your experience? did you end up rejetting? I'm wondering if I should order a range of jets as well
Click to expand...

Mine worked fine right out of the box. I did not re-jet or change needle positions.
That being said, having spare jets above and below stock probably a good idea.

I have had two small issues with my Premiers.
After a few months, the washers on the bowl drain plugs disintegrated and leaked. E-fuel victim I assume. Replaced them with nylon.
Had some trouble keeping it running after cold starts. Traced it to right carb float level too low.
Tapped down the float seat to get a bit more fuel into that bowl - problem solved.
Click to expand...

the drain plug washers are an issue I've had on my bonnie, my solution was a light smear of jb weld on them, let the jeb set up, reinstall, and no more issue. The JB is fuel resistant when cured, and still flexible enough to allow the washer to seal.
 
tomspro said:
acadian said:
how far off were the premier's in your experience? did you end up rejetting? I'm wondering if I should order a range of jets as well
Click to expand...

Had some trouble keeping it running after cold starts. Traced it to right carb float level too low.
Tapped down the float seat to get a bit more fuel into that bowl - problem solved.
Click to expand...

Tom,

Why did you have to move the float seat? The premiers have adjustable (bendable) float needle tabs.

Mark
 
tomspro said:
Same story here with PWKs - but you are much more patient than me. I gave up trying to get them to work after 4 months.
I switched to Premiers and my Combat has thanked me with reliable rides (and starts) ever since.
Click to expand...

I too had starting issues with my PWK's until I discovered the proper starting technique. The thing would kickback like a mule using my standard Amal starting drill in which I was twisting the throttle a little during kickover. My PWK's start easily w/choke on as long as I DON"T TOUCH THE THROTTLE. Idles nicely too. Starts 1 kick after sitting for weeks.

I'm currently sorting out 2 new 930 Premiers on my Atlas. I'm having idle problems with these and have been playing with float height. I wonder if vibration is the culprit.
 
Just queried Amal about the fuel level setting given the commando's tilt, response:

Hi,

Although we describe setting the fuel level by referring to the top edge of the float bowl, the place where the fuel height matters is in the jets in the centre of the carburetter. As the carburetter is tipped into a down draught position, the fuel rises in the front of the bowl, falls at the rear but stays the same in the jets.

Kind Regards

I know this wouldnt be the issue on your atlas, but I've noted it asked here a few times
 
acadian said:
Just queried Amal about the fuel level setting given the commando's tilt, response:

Hi,

Although we describe setting the fuel level by referring to the top edge of the float bowl, the place where the fuel height matters is in the jets in the centre of the carburetter. As the carburetter is tipped into a down draught position, the fuel rises in the front of the bowl, falls at the rear but stays the same in the jets.

Kind Regards

I know this wouldnt be the issue on your atlas, but I've noted it asked here a few times
Click to expand...

Actually the tilt is more pronounced on the Atlas, but that's a question for another thread.
Make sure to thoroughly clean the new Premiers before you install them. Check float height too.
I've heard of new ones having some manufacturing swarf still stuck inside.
 
Brand new expensive Premmies and you had to dissassemble and fettle? Me too. Three bikes three times.
And the drain gasket falls apart too.
However, once you get the floats where you want them they seem ok.

...dont forget to make sure the main jets and holders are tightened. I had a loose one that drove
me nuts with odd running problems until I got to that. Idiot level to check for that but I missed it.
 
acadian said:
Finally had it with trying to get these pwk flatslides dialed in, been fiddling with them for 4 years now... overall not a bad setup, as long as you don't have to idle for any period of time... I think the main issue with them is stable fueling, the float height is tempermental, and they have a habit of sticking going up or down depending on its mood. I've gone through everything, no leaks intake or exhaust side, valves sealing right, timing spot on, compression 180 on each jug...

brit cycle sold me a set of premiers for a good price, and since I've heard mostly positive reviews I chose them over jim's smoothbores for the time being... looking forward to getting them!
Click to expand...
Was that you at the ONO Dark Cafe Run on Saturday working on those PKW's? :mrgreen:
Cheers,
Thomas
CNN
 
Same here, gave up on Jim's PWK flat slides and bought new Premiers, perfectly jetted, idle smooth and steady and flow all through the range, love em
 
CanukNortonNut said:
acadian said:
Finally had it with trying to get these pwk flatslides dialed in, been fiddling with them for 4 years now... overall not a bad setup, as long as you don't have to idle for any period of time... I think the main issue with them is stable fueling, the float height is tempermental, and they have a habit of sticking going up or down depending on its mood. I've gone through everything, no leaks intake or exhaust side, valves sealing right, timing spot on, compression 180 on each jug...

brit cycle sold me a set of premiers for a good price, and since I've heard mostly positive reviews I chose them over jim's smoothbores for the time being... looking forward to getting them!
Click to expand...
Was that you at the ONO Dark Cafe Run on Saturday working on those PKW's? :mrgreen:
Cheers,
Thomas
CNN
Click to expand...

YUP! :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

was that you who blew a motor on the first leg of the ride? :?:
 
acadian said:
[

YUP! :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

was that you who blew a motor on the first leg of the ride? :?:
Click to expand...
Nope. :roll: That was Pierre Masbou from manitoulin island. He crossed his oil lines and forgot to check his oil return at the oil tank filler. Such a shame. :shock: :roll: :roll: I am trying to find him a 74 850 case. He was still smiling and took it ok. He won the bent shifter award. :P
I had the black interstate with the swept up pea shooters.
Cheers,
Thomas
CNN
 
I put Premiers in last summer and it was a significant improvement; starting, running, performance, plugs continue to look great. A solid investment. Very happy with the new carbs.

BC
 
Sorry to hear about your woes ,I got the Kehin kit from CNW , had nothing bot joy since .
 
CanukNortonNut said:
acadian said:
[

YUP! :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

was that you who blew a motor on the first leg of the ride? :?:
Click to expand...
Nope. :roll: That was Pierre Masbou from manitoulin island. He crossed his oil lines and forgot to check his oil return at the oil tank filler. Such a shame. :shock: :roll: :roll: I am trying to find him a 74 850 case. He was still smiling and took it ok. He won the bent shifter award. :P
I had the black interstate with the swept up pea shooters.
Cheers,
Thomas
CNN
Click to expand...
I was on the red Roadster with the mag wheels.
 
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