WaynusModeratorPosts: 1108
Joined: Feb 2009
Joined: Feb 2009
Well, first of all, if a carb worked good in the past, it won't "de-tune" itself.
So don't start to turn all the screws for 'the heck of it'.
There are only a few possible causes:
- dirt in the tank / tubes / carb or bad fuel --> Clean everything and fit a fuel filter
- worn gaskets --> replace them with new ones
(to check if the gaskets are worn: spray something like deodorant over the manifold while the engine is running, and check if the rpm changes)
- broken carb, cracks,... --> like James said, now is a good time to replace it with another.
(Rebuild an OT carb, or replace with a Shengway 18mm: cheap and good with the petrol cock fitted.)
- Loose parts --> Check and put back in place correctly
Based on the symptoms, you should also check ignition and cam timing, valve clearance.
To check the fuel mixture, you should look at the spark plugs color.
White --> mixture is too lean (lack of fuel, or too much air)
Coffee with cream --> perfect
Black --> mixture is too rich (too much fuel, or not enough air)

So don't start to turn all the screws for 'the heck of it'.
There are only a few possible causes:
- dirt in the tank / tubes / carb or bad fuel --> Clean everything and fit a fuel filter
- worn gaskets --> replace them with new ones
(to check if the gaskets are worn: spray something like deodorant over the manifold while the engine is running, and check if the rpm changes)
- broken carb, cracks,... --> like James said, now is a good time to replace it with another.
(Rebuild an OT carb, or replace with a Shengway 18mm: cheap and good with the petrol cock fitted.)
- Loose parts --> Check and put back in place correctly
Based on the symptoms, you should also check ignition and cam timing, valve clearance.
To check the fuel mixture, you should look at the spark plugs color.
White --> mixture is too lean (lack of fuel, or too much air)
Coffee with cream --> perfect
Black --> mixture is too rich (too much fuel, or not enough air)
