Thanks all.

OK, so this where I’m at …

– Have removed main jet and pilot jet on cylinder no 4, the sooty one, thoroughly cleaned

– Replaced and bike started fine with 3/4’s choke, idled happily (possibly a touch rough but didn’t have time to mess with the mixture screws, all set at 1.5 turns at the mo, the recommended setting), rode well, pulled well … so now I’m falling into a hole of confusion!!!

Assuming the carbs are fully A7 standard, and assuming no blockages, but I’m running a little rich with a 4 in 1 exhaust designed for A1-A6 bikes, would it be advisable to have a go at opening up the airbox as per A1-A6 and leave the carbs alone (the A7 airbox has one intake as the bike was restricted vs earlier models) – performance is plenty for me, but be nice to get mpg up?

I’ve filled it up with posh petrol, E5, plus added an appropriate amount of Red Line fuel cleaner additive, so really would like to do a 100mile run to see where I’m at.

Again, thanks

OK, so went out this morning, tried to start it, it’s 3 degrees now, and the bike is cold. Usual crank, fire, die with full choke. Then tried half-choke, crank, fired, grumbled, died. Then 1/4 chock, fired up, chugged and gently built up to a nice idle.

The bike’s got an aftermarket free-flowing 4-1 exhaust so beginning to think it’s not jetted/air flow correct for the exhaust…

I was fortunate enough to have set up a small business (grew to 15 people), and being mine, could make decisions (not always fun). I moved to 4-day week – critically not compressing 5 into 4, not reducing pay/benefits, but mostly because I really wanted to and I hoped the team would benefit and as a business, we’d be OK. This was 10 years ago. The business did well, I exited recently and it’s now 30+ people, doing really well and strict on the 4 days.

for me, it’ll only work if it’s a top down approach, and really disciplined about it. Becasue I was lazy and wanted it, it meant the team believed it would really be 4 days … and it was. And our clients were positively intrigued so no downside there.

Huge fan of it.

Thanks all, and sounds broadly positive. He’s going to go for one, in part budget driven, and in part they look like a good first step into adventure bikes/2-up touring. Time will tell!

Not that it helps, but you’re not alone, it’s tough but fingers crossed you’re all able to look back from a much rosier position in the future.

We had some pretty frightening challenges with our son – happy to chat if you want to pm me, suffice to say, in short, I think the most helpful step (along with lots of other actions and support) was me being able to spend a significant time physically away with him – away from home/family/friends/bad friends/bad stuff which allowed him to come to his own conclusions and plan. Appreciate that’s not poss for most, but genuinely believe it was the core of the solution for him, and now, 5+ years on, he’s fab and a joy.

Hang in there.

Finally all sorted – plumber thought some of the placement of valves etc was odd, and the isolation valve was downstairs and didn’t work, but he’s replaced the balance valve, put in a sensibly placed isolation valve and all seems to be well … thanks for all the help. Neighbour much happier!

Start with the basics … oh so true!

So went back to basics … is there fuel?

I had being having fuelling issues and one suggestion was that the vacuum petcock could play up, and indeed, it was. So I bought a service kit to replace the innards – quick bench test and it seemed to work fine (fuel flowed on prime, and when I applied a vacuum, fuel flowed on ‘on’). Job done. So assumed it was fine.

However the current non starting issue was resolved by … checking is there fuel. Nope. No fuel. Put the old petcock on, which flowed happily on prime, and bingo, it starts. So happy!

Inspecting the 2 diaphragms, the o-ring on the replacement kit looks a tad bigger so wonder if it could get stuck, so worked sometimes, but not always.

Just had a 30min blast. The back end wheel replacement and shock is sooooo lovely, engine was running beautifully through the range, idling v happily. The sun was out. So happy.

Really really hope I’m moving into fine tweaking now!

Thank you for sage advice.

Yes to priming the carb once refitted.

Didn’t initially check spark as it started perfectly pre carb removal. But now checking it, spark at cylinder 4 (the sooty one) is poor.

Will hopefully try new plugs tomorrow.

Just odd it started fine before…

Thanks, good advice on 1 thing at a time!

From your description, it’s popping from the exhaust, not backfiring.

I’ll check leads but I did remove plugs 1 at a time, and then replace before removing next one, so they should be fine as it started well previously.

Thanks again for all the input … the plumber finally came – couldn’t find an isolation supply valve/tap, so he’ll fit one, plus replace balance valve, hopefully this week. And then hopefully it’ll recharge! I’ll update once he’s done…

Hi all, and for those who may be interested … I think(!) I finally understand the vacuum petcock. I replaced the diaphragm (altho the original looked excellent under close scrutiny) and did a 30 mile run no problems. So cautiously optimistic.

Once I got back … I started on doing the rear wheel conversion – switching the original 18″ wheel out for a slightly wider 17″ so I can get some modern tyres. Machined up spacers and looks promising so just waiting for final bits to arrive and then have a go at fitting it all.. and then a decent ride to check out the fuelling (carbs currently off too, checked float heights all good, cleaned and waiting for new gaskets ready to refit).

Thanks for the pointers, really appreciated.

It occurs with fullish tank and nearly empty, and 8n between

Thanks all. I’m looking at a cheap option just whilst I do the wheel conversion, in case the conversion doesn’t go as planned! Got a 3 yrs old RP4, 5mm tread, doesn’t look squared off, no punctures, £35 vs £170ish new.

Buffalo 4 season looks super toasty but probably overkill for my needs, and ideally, a bit cheaper!

OK, so I’ve just been round again, and suspect turning off the mains water is not the obvious stopcock, there seem to be 2. So with both these off, the low hot water tap ran out after 1-2mins. Went up to the cylinder and opened the lever valve uppermost on the cylinder – I think this feeds hot water to the tun dish – as I opened it, a brief whoosh of air momentarily, no water drains out to the tun dish, no gurgling, no further intakes of air.

Shut the lever valve, turned mains back on, hot water spluttered out the low tap for 30secs and then steady flow.

I’m guessing that it’s not fully recharging?

But thankfully, have eventually got a plumber who’ll come next week as the drip is is still there.

Thanks for all the help.

Dripping from the large central black valve …

The blue knob seems to simply release cold water into the tun dish, so not the pressure valve?

This is the uppermost lever pull valve … pressure release valve?

I thought this was the isolating valve, lowest cold pipe …

@sharbait – yep, the lever-pull valve feeds into the tun dish, and I think from memory, when I pulled it, hot water released.

tonyd – the PRV unit has limescale around it so fear it might too be rather limescaled up

Hi, and again, thanks for the support. Sorry, couldn’t pop in yesterday to look and get pics, but I’ll be going in tomorrow so will do that then.

Sharkbait (and others) – think you’re right. From memory there’s a blue valve, halfway down the tank, on the balance valve near the tun dish, I’ve been turning this and I think you’re right that I’m just emptying the tank.

There is, I think, a ‘pull lever’ type valve release on the the pipe that enters/exits the tank highest up, so figure I should be pulling this.

Also, to isolate the tank, the isolator I’ve been turning is the lowest placed pipe feed/exit to the tank, and wonder if this is the drain and not the feed. Presumably if I turn the mains stopcock off, this will do the isolating job ok?

Still trying to get a plumber in for her, but mostly, none return my call, and none interested!

Will update tomorrow with pics, but I (and she) really appreciate the help.

Hi, thanks for all the pointers, I’ll take some pics tomorrow as shark bait has done and that might help clarify stuff.

I agree, figure I’m not isolating the tank, plus there are 2 valves I think on this system, but if I take pics – I’d just love to get it sorted for her.

Really appreciate the help :-)

Apologies if I’m unclear – this is what I’ve done…

1. Close isolator valve on the main water inlet to the megaflo cylinder (in the loft)

2. Run downstairs, open lowest hot tap

3. Hot water flows out for 1-2mins and then it stops

4. Leave hot water tap open

5. Back to Megaflo and turn a blue valve knob but the tun dish, and water flows out the Megaflo into tun dish

6. Keep blue valve open …

But water just kept flowing for 20mins, so I stopped and seeking guidance!

Hi, have had another look – you’re right, I hadn’t isolated the cylinder inlet. So, cut off mains supply to cylinder, hot tap on, and it stops flowing after 2mins, open valve by tun, and water flows out into the tun and outside.

20mins later, water still flowing out, no gurgling of air that I can hear … doesn’t sound right or can it take 20+ mins???

Thanks

Just in case it’s of interest / help, I ended up with a Sony Xperia 5 3, and v impressed / pleased with it. Ideally would be a little shorter, but v slim, light, SD card, quick, camera looks great, and well under budget for a 14-day return phone, which seems brand new. Fingers crossed

Ha ha @ sharkbait!

Cool, I’ll give it another go later.

When I tried, after a few mins it was still flowing out of the tank as I held the valve open. I ‘think’ tho, that the hot tap downstairs was still flowing too … that doesn’t sound right???

Realised I hadn’t turned off the boiler, figure this would be sensible to do too?

Thanks for the help, would help appease neighbour’s mind … and hope if I can do it correctly, then the PRV may stop leaking!

@sharkbait And interestingly none of our dogs have ever been this way!

Sorry, came across as hyper all day, not intended at all. I’d intended alert, interested, ready for whatever next. Lots of training and involvement means they’re pretty good at downtime, but I’m conscious they’ll need some uptime shortly!

Some good advice here, think Golfchick is spot on. We’ve had springers the last 25 years and more recently working cockers. They are really, really different. WCS are ‘on it’ all day. My wife, a dog lover, says we won’t have more WCS, but I love it, but my day is geared around them. Stimulating them is absolutely key. It’s hard work, every day, but massively rewarding. But accept that you have to prioritize engaged time with them, several times a day, every day.

Wouldn’t ever consider another breed!

Thanks all, some good pointers. I agree as well that red is faster, but Mrs A and I toured New Zealand on one of these 25yrs ago, so it’s a bit of nostalgia creeping in!

Had the tank off yesterday and possibly the pipe from fuel tap to filter was a bit battered and saggy. So replaced that, and will see if that’s a quick, easy fix.

Also, what thoughts on Redex? Getting the carbs out means I’ll have badly scraped hands again so interested in a short cut if there is one!

Thanks all … I too thought it was over-fueling or leaking, but when it’s standing and cold, there’s no smell of petrol nor any damp patches or signs of leaks. The smell when stopped after a run is pretty slight, and maybe more in my head coming back to the older carbs/engine!

Running the cheaper standard unleaded … and must say, the engine’s running beautifully, v v clean and steady idle. If I’m getting a good idle etc, does that suggest the carbs are clear of blockages? Previously, the bike had been stood for a good while so I stripped the carbs down and thoroughly cleaned (not ultrasonic) and also gave the tank a really good clean out. V pleased with the smoothness of the engine now!

Will have a nosey at the fuel tap, could be a likely culprit …

I’m similarly after a smaller phone, and got recommended an Asus Zenfone 9 which ticks all my boxes (small, waterproof, good camera, headphone jack, big storage, light), bar the price!!!

dangeourbrain – thanks and your comment on t’other thread made me think!
crazy legs – interesting re behaviour change shift – thanks

Under a modicum of pressure as our written off car is being taken away Monday … seems to many variables and choices these days! That said, when we bought our last car 15 years ago, there was an impression that big lumpy diesel (not like modern diesel efficiencies) was a good choice!

Thanks, re ULEZ, I popped the registration numbers into the checker and came up clear – presumably that’s good enough?

Thanks all and an update.

Mrs A received a text from lady saying she was OK, admitting liability and asking for details to inform her insurers. From advice above, Mrs A has phoned our insurers who were v pleasant, and have offered to write the car off (WHAT!) with a seemingly fair offer to us, no impact on Mrs A no-claims. Apparently, the car is sufficiently old and sufficiently high mileage to not be worth repairing. So sad really.

On the sunny side, we were having to change it v soon for a ULEZ car, so that’s that I guess. (see my thread on buying an import car!).

Thanks – imported from Japan and then buying from a dealer.

Believe they are both same as UK spec models.

Yes to a 14yr old car for 10 yrs … we’ve been lucky so far that it works for us, previous car to this was an old Passat that we had for donkey’s years. My motorbike is old, and going v well .. kinda like the solidity of some of the older stuff!

And not esp concerned about it going for an import, just never done it before so checking if there are likely pitfalls or unexpected surprises! And the cars I’ve looked at, just seem like a better deal of money vs condition vs mileage.

Got it, thanks and will do – just feel a bit mean doing it without checking in on her first that she’s ok!

Are we in any danger (fearing the worst) if the lady refuses to cooperate and/or blames Mrs A to lose NCD or get into a right old mess?

If it helps, we had a similar-ish situation. Mrs A politely asked for a refund, and collection of sofa asap, and didn’t get into discussion or debate. They quite quickly offered a discount of 10%, she declined politely, 50% declined, so they offered a full refund and asked if we wouldn’t mind keeping the sofa as it would a nuisance for them. She politely accepted. I think politeness, firmness and no discussion helped in our case. Good luck.

Great, so thumbs up for them and sounds like it’s worth getting as big as possible.

Big qns now …

– are 2 drawers better than baskets better than several shelves?
– is it worth having steamer/multi cook Vs just an air fryer

I’m thinking of Tower 11L which seems big and has shelves https://www.towerhousewares.co.uk/air-fryers/xpress-pro-combo-2000w-11-litre-10-in-1-digital-air-fryer-oven-with-rotisserie

Vs Ninja Dual Max https://www.currys.co.uk/products/ninja-foodi-max-dual-zone-af400uk-air-fryer-black-10226767.html

I was being a numpty!

So with the engine running, the meter reading at the alternator is 12.3V, and exactly the same when I move to read at the battery. So assume that means the alternator is not kicking out any/enough voltage?

So next test (once the rain stops) is to disconnect the plug to the alternator with 2 thin wires, a white and blue wire, and test, with the ignition on, but engine not running, to see if one of them is live? If

– it is live, then the alternator has failed
– it is not live, trace the break in the wire and all might be well

Am I right?

Thanks all. Fuse is good. Belts look clean, moving smoothly and quietly so guess OK?

Now getting 12.5V at battery with engine running, both at idle and high revs.

I can’t see where the wiring is from the alternator to measure current there. Am I being a numpty!

Thanks … bought MS Office 2016 for £7 from a refurbing place. Hopefully sorted!

Yikes, we’ve the 2.0 model. I don’t mind having a go at spannering, but it looks pretty enclosed and without access underneath, would guess it’d be a nightmare to do