Hitchcocks Forum

While out today for a short ride while kick starting my bullet the carb blew off the engine manifold with the rubber still attached. I fixed it back on and rode home with no problems , however has this happened to any of you and why does it happen.?

Yup reds.. More common than we might think, especially if the oe filter arrangement has been changed for a K&N type cone with no rear support..

just check timing not too advanced and mixture may be a tad weak in this warm weather.. gwilly

It happened to me a couple of years ago. Kicked the bike, loud backfire, carb hanging by its cables. Enfields are spiteful machines. Don't treat them respect, they'll BITE!

Sometimes, a half-hearted kick can result in the engine firing and kicking-back - ie running backwards for part of a revolution. The exhaust gas therefore escapes back through the inlet valve and the increased pressure in the inlet tract blows the carb off its rubber mounting...........If the piston is not moving upwards quickly enough up to tdc on the compression stroke, this kick-back can happen........It can also happen if the ignition timing is too far advanced.....I would check the ignition timing, and also remember to put some effort into kickstarting.......Also ensure that the kickstart is at the top of its stroke with the piston just over tdc on the compression stroke so that the flywheels generate the maximum momentum to move the piston quickly enough for the firing stroke.

Sorry should read rich ( less oxygen in warmer air ) Gad its this damnable heat Carruthers,... getting to me.

And if you do have a K&N filter, devise some sort of support for it.