Hitchcocks Forum

Just wondered if any one can help, my Crusader is a right animal to start from cold when i have it running its fine no problems it runs great its just this prob from cold.don,t really know if it may well be carb trouble any help will be appreicated.

What's the spark like? I'd suggest a look at the plug and the strength of the spark as a weak spark is easily quenched by a rich cold start mixture.

Nellie,
pilot jet is always a good point to start with on a hard starter

Are you using the correct starting drill? Choke on (and check it is actually sliding up and down,) tickle the carb (if it is a Mono or Conc,) a couple of priming kicks and then a big one. If you're doing all this and it's hard to start and sounds "lumpy" as it runs, try less choke and no tickling.
REgards, Mark

Hi Nellie. have you still got a 6v system or does it have 12V electrics?. The reason I ask is that I'm with Simon on this as getting a good spark at kickover speeds makes a big difference. 12V is less likely to play up electrical wise. I would try another new spark plug first, then if no joy, progressively delve deeper through the ignition system.

I agree with Les that you try a new spark plug first. When mine starts with difficulty then I replace the spark plug which normally cures the problem and if not then I clean the Pilot jet which due to it being so small it easily gets blocked and then you battle to fire it up. I have had to replace a plug already which had only done about 200 miles as for some reason or other it would not spark properly under compression. Apparently the ceramic insulation develop hair line cracks. Good luck.

Thanks ,to all you guys for the info, on the above subject.

You and me both Nellie. My Crusader Sport is spot on, i have checked everything but it can be a little bugger to start sometimes, having said that i never use the choke on a British bike, good flood and away they go, except for the Enfield. Last week i thought bugger this and gave it a bit of choke, hey ho she started second kick, just hope it does the same next time. There is a picture of my bike on here in my garden in front of the Willow tree and it is a little beauty and all the nuts, bolts and toolbox toggles etc were made from stainless steel by the chap who restored it who was a MOD Engineering Inspector and i dont think i've ever been anywhere without someone coming up and wanting first offer should i wish to sell. Keep with it though as they are one of the finest handling and looking bikes made in the 60s.