Hitchcocks Forum

Hi folks have a wee issue my electra x will start straight away with the electric start. But won't start if you kick it over. Got a good spark when kicking over. Have tried taking it to tdc and just over before kicking and still nothing. Any feed back appreciated. D

May sound daft David but try not to touch the throttle, if i tweak the throttle when kicking it just floods it, throttle closed and starts easily (well when I say easily!!!!) CV carb feature?

Hi Allan thanks I don't touch the throttle, even after it has heated up it still won't start on the kick.

My Electra does response very well for a fistful of throttle when the kick comes down, without this you can kick it till doomsday. But: it has a Dell'Orto...

Thanks jojje.

Is this a new symptom or has it never started on the kick?
There is a bit of a knack to starting an Enfield single.

I have two Bullet 500's. They are identical (except one has a sidecar.) But they have always started completely differently. One needs the throttle holding open when starting the other not. And if it is hot, a bit more. And with the "choke", even a bit more. Etc.. So what I'm saying is, you might need to find the exact "spot" on yours.

Good question above: Is it a new situation? Also has anyone else tried it, who might just be doing it a different way?

Good luck, Chris

Thanks for the feed back guys. I had to replace the crank pin and conrod sots I have rebuilt the engine. The bike was a non runner when I got it. Which I managed to get going. Then noticed the big end had gone. It did kick over a couple of time but not to run. This is my first Enfield so not got much experience with them or kicking over. My other bike is an Xv1900 roadliner with no kicker lol.

Kickstarting technique?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=axOs4qRkob8

If, on the other hand, your technique is fine, it could be a downside of the spark delay unit incorporated in the later (green) TCI control box, intended to preserve the sprag clutch. It's possible that a misguided previous owner has fitted the SEPARATE spark delay unit (intended as a quick fix for the earlier black TCI boxes) IN ADDITION to the later green TCI. This probably wouldn't affect a starter motor with a healthy battery noticeably but could make kickstarting much harder with an extended delay.

Just a thought.

The Dell'Orto carbs on some Electra-Xs sush as Jojje's were PHF32s, these have an accelerator pump which squirts a little jet of petrol when you open the throttle.

A.

Adrian thanks so much for your advice the tci unit is a black one. The battery is new I will check the carb tomorrow. The YouTube video is very informative. Thanks will post later on how I get on with the investigation. Thanks to all I'm privileged to have such great people with a wealth of knowledge around me. D