maylar
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Timing chain wear can be seen as a flutter when strobing, but it's too rapid to have any effect on idle speed. Hunting is usually carb wear especially if it changes with temperature.
New Amal 932 carb adjusting
- Thread starter Chris Larkin
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- Aug 26, 2019
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- 54
Amal 932 premiere tuning… finally successful
NOTE: BIG UPS TO HTOWN16!!! Without his help I'd still be kicking with no result. Thanks M
Turns out - by using the choke I was flooding it, badly, which in turn fouled the plugs (quickly) thusly made starting / running / tuning a huge challenge.
Per HTown16’s help – this is what I did just yesterday.
I removed the fouled NGK iridium resistor plugs and installed a new set of Denso IW22 / 5307 resistor plugs (my personal choice), with the gap set at 28. I connected plug wires, tested spark... all good, both sides. Installed plugs, connected plug wires... done.
Air filter off… I rechecked slide synchro which remained equal. I reset the slide height using a 7/32 drill bit (my choice, in-between 3/16 and ¼) and checked Sharpie marks on Throttle Stop screw – all good. replaced air filter.
Rechecked Pilot Air screw, confirmed set at 1 & ¼ out. This setting was recommended when I changed out the pilot jets from #17’s to #19’s.
CHOKE OFF - Fuel taps on… hold down tickler till fuel emerges… key on… kick once… twice… a third time and nothing. Concerned about lack of air = flooding / fouling, I turned Throttle Stop screw one full turn in (lifting slides). Key back on… kick once and a sputter… I now opened the throttle 25% (approx.) kicked again and VAROOM. Not only did it start immediately, but it sat at 1300 rpms at idle, even after blipping the throttle a few times. My opinion... my slide height setting success was pure dumb luck.
I let the engine warm up then slowly adjusted the Throttle Stop screws out to drop the rpms… about a 1/8th turn out each side… the rpms now sit at 1100, steady.
Went for a ride, about 30 minutes, which included neighbor streets, a highway, and avenues… Every stop the idle returned to 1100, every time. Acceleration was smooth with no hiccups, wheezes or snorts – smooth. It’s a miracle. I consider my starting / idling issue solved… at least for now.
I’m learning all our bikes are the same, but very different. Lots of trial and error, but when it we get it right… it’s awesome. In my case, my 850 doesn’t like to be choked, but then… who does?
Thank you Htown16… I’ll be checking in soon when I begin work on my clutch. I noticed some slipping while riding #Itneverends
NOTE: BIG UPS TO HTOWN16!!! Without his help I'd still be kicking with no result. Thanks M
Turns out - by using the choke I was flooding it, badly, which in turn fouled the plugs (quickly) thusly made starting / running / tuning a huge challenge.
Per HTown16’s help – this is what I did just yesterday.
I removed the fouled NGK iridium resistor plugs and installed a new set of Denso IW22 / 5307 resistor plugs (my personal choice), with the gap set at 28. I connected plug wires, tested spark... all good, both sides. Installed plugs, connected plug wires... done.
Air filter off… I rechecked slide synchro which remained equal. I reset the slide height using a 7/32 drill bit (my choice, in-between 3/16 and ¼) and checked Sharpie marks on Throttle Stop screw – all good. replaced air filter.
Rechecked Pilot Air screw, confirmed set at 1 & ¼ out. This setting was recommended when I changed out the pilot jets from #17’s to #19’s.
CHOKE OFF - Fuel taps on… hold down tickler till fuel emerges… key on… kick once… twice… a third time and nothing. Concerned about lack of air = flooding / fouling, I turned Throttle Stop screw one full turn in (lifting slides). Key back on… kick once and a sputter… I now opened the throttle 25% (approx.) kicked again and VAROOM. Not only did it start immediately, but it sat at 1300 rpms at idle, even after blipping the throttle a few times. My opinion... my slide height setting success was pure dumb luck.
I let the engine warm up then slowly adjusted the Throttle Stop screws out to drop the rpms… about a 1/8th turn out each side… the rpms now sit at 1100, steady.
Went for a ride, about 30 minutes, which included neighbor streets, a highway, and avenues… Every stop the idle returned to 1100, every time. Acceleration was smooth with no hiccups, wheezes or snorts – smooth. It’s a miracle. I consider my starting / idling issue solved… at least for now.
I’m learning all our bikes are the same, but very different. Lots of trial and error, but when it we get it right… it’s awesome. In my case, my 850 doesn’t like to be choked, but then… who does?
Thank you Htown16… I’ll be checking in soon when I begin work on my clutch. I noticed some slipping while riding #Itneverends
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- May 28, 2003
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- 2,591
Maybe 2 stroke bike vs OPE 2 stroke...Apples and oranges.
In the last 8 years I have been given 80+ chain saws-weed wackers and blowers. fixed 95% and most of the problems were E-10 poisoning causing damage to the carbs.
This causes extreme carburation problems which can occasionally burn the piston and cylinder.
The main difference is the F/A progression of the main circuit. The 2 stroke when LOADED and running at a 80% rpm but at peak torque.
If UNLOADED and then reving close to 100% it will revert from normal 2 stroke ratio and go into rich 4 stroke mode.
The difference to 4 stroke engine is a quite different fuel air progression. It would be explained similar to running a bike flat out and the carb dispensing gas as if the choke was slowly being engaged.
If you then tune the OPE 2 stroke carb for flat out (on a 4 stroke engine) , a 2 stroke OPE carb design will be still be leaner at less than flat out and burn up the engine. Try it some time and be prepared to buy a new piston and cylinder...
I'd be curious to know if marine 2 stroke works more like OPE or 2 stroke bike A/F progression.
I've learnt to tune 2 stroke carbs by junking the original carbs in the bin and fitting more modern up to date carbs. Don't quite see the connection between the two, it's like chalk and cheese.
You yourself fit Mikuni needles into Amals carbs, so. . . . . .
- Joined
- Aug 26, 2019
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- 54
Thanks Eric, Dialing in these new 932's is work. By saying "drowning in air" I should have said it was more like pressing the kill switch when I twisted the throttle. Note... it happens as my rpms indicate I'm transitioning off the main jet (as it switches to the idle jet)... like I should wait another sec before blipping it.
Since then I've had some good success... starts on one or two kicks... warms up at 800 to 1000 rpm... throttles nicely (I never have trouble from 1/4 twist to full open)... drops to a steady 1100 rpm's when I stop. But inevitably, either later that day, or a day or two after I start having trouble.
One thought I had was I was causing it by blipping the throttle as my carb transitioned from main jet to idle jet thus disrupting the mechanics of the transition. Or the bike is leaning out as it gets hot (San Diego has been unseasonably warm the last 6 weeks)
Right now, my slide height setting seems Ok for an 1100 or so RPM idle... My air screws are at maybe one full out, or about a 1/16th turn in from a full turn. Is this just too rich to work from?
Heading out to the garage to try again.
Since then I've had some good success... starts on one or two kicks... warms up at 800 to 1000 rpm... throttles nicely (I never have trouble from 1/4 twist to full open)... drops to a steady 1100 rpm's when I stop. But inevitably, either later that day, or a day or two after I start having trouble.
One thought I had was I was causing it by blipping the throttle as my carb transitioned from main jet to idle jet thus disrupting the mechanics of the transition. Or the bike is leaning out as it gets hot (San Diego has been unseasonably warm the last 6 weeks)
Right now, my slide height setting seems Ok for an 1100 or so RPM idle... My air screws are at maybe one full out, or about a 1/16th turn in from a full turn. Is this just too rich to work from?
Heading out to the garage to try again.
- Joined
- Nov 7, 2020
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- 8
This is a really good thread. I've been getting the father in law's 72 back on the road after it sat for 20 years in a garage.
Took it for the first real ride today. It had a bit of stumble getting going but idles great. As it warmed up it had more and more trouble getting going past 1/3 throttle. I could feather the clutch a bit and get it rolling at 1/2+ throttle. At one point it just wouldn't go. I made some adjustments to the carbs (brand new 932s with no choke installed before it was put away 20 years ago) and was able to limp home. I recently pulled and cleaned the carbs. I have a lot of things to look at. I believe one or more of the o rings on the idle and air adjuster screws are a bit dried out so maybe air is passing through there. I'll get a rebuild kit and replace everything, and give it another shot.
It was really interesting that once it got past the stumbling these bikes are screamers. It had gobs of power. Once I get the carbs sorted I'll be looking at a front disc brake. They just don't stop with drum brakes. I've got these adjusted about as well as I think they can be and it still does not like to stop.
Took it for the first real ride today. It had a bit of stumble getting going but idles great. As it warmed up it had more and more trouble getting going past 1/3 throttle. I could feather the clutch a bit and get it rolling at 1/2+ throttle. At one point it just wouldn't go. I made some adjustments to the carbs (brand new 932s with no choke installed before it was put away 20 years ago) and was able to limp home. I recently pulled and cleaned the carbs. I have a lot of things to look at. I believe one or more of the o rings on the idle and air adjuster screws are a bit dried out so maybe air is passing through there. I'll get a rebuild kit and replace everything, and give it another shot.
It was really interesting that once it got past the stumbling these bikes are screamers. It had gobs of power. Once I get the carbs sorted I'll be looking at a front disc brake. They just don't stop with drum brakes. I've got these adjusted about as well as I think they can be and it still does not like to stop.
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- Dec 28, 2009
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- 5,467
You have to get off the chokes A.S.A.P. If you don't , the plugs will foul rich. I use full choke on a cold morning for no more than 10 seconds , then pull up the choke lever fully retracted to a normal running state , then using throttle only to finish the warm up. On a warm day , press down on the two enricheners to raise the float fuel levels , only. On a hot day or a hot motor simply spin her over and good to go.
You need to tweak the brakes, I found they can be improved drastically.
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- Nov 7, 2020
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I am frankly at the end of my rope on this bike. I called all the shops in San Diego and no one wants to work on vintage bikes. I own a bicycle shop and have been beyond busy the past 12 months. I understand busy but I have NEVER turned away service because I was too busy. I do not have the time to train myself to be a motorcycle mechanic. I have done what I can with my limited time available. This moto was dropped in my lap by my FIL;s ex who stored it for 20 years then was over it. I suspect it will be for sale soon.
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- Aug 26, 2019
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I'm in the same boat... meaning no mechs here. I found a guy in south LA area called Mach 1 Motorcycles I may go to... That said, my 73 850 is running real well after all the work I've done if you ever wanna talk? I'm no pro, but I've gained a ton of knowledge working with a myriad of guys on this forum. Chris 619 204-7505
PS - I think we talked a few months back... maybe?
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