Hitchcocks Forum

Morning all, with an MOT for the 1999 Indian 500 Bullet I've been putting on some miles locally to give it some exercise - doff-doffing around the country lanes is a lovely relaxing experience. I'm finding that after about 10 miles it starts behaving as though it's getting starved of fuel: loss of power, a few pops from the exhaust and then it'll pick up again, only to happen again, and it's died a couple of times. After a short pause it has started OK. This happened when it had a full tank of fresh petrol. I had cleaned the carb and fitted a new pilot jet; it's got Boyer ignition and power box. If the issue is fuel starvation, or contaminated petrol/water in the tank, why do the symptoms only happen after it's all thoroughly warmed up? I've checked the ventilation holes in the filler cap and they are clear. Are there any Enfield quirks I should know about before I strip the carb? Thanks for any thoughts.

Coil "dying" when hot?

Hi Mark, I had this problem, the bike ran ok then started to act as thought the main jet was blocked, ie would only run at small throttle openings. then eventually stop. it turned out to be a faulty coil. if it happens again see if the coil is hot to touch. vince. (ps I always carry a spare coil since then.)

Also it's worth checking the air vent in the petrol tank filler cap. A.

The coil! Why didn't I think of that? Many happy memories of standing by my car at the roadside in the late 70s while the coil cooled down... So, if that is the issue, is the PVL coil significantly better then the Lucas one? At nearly twice the price I'd expect so... (Adrian, I've poked around in the vent hole in the filler cap and it seems to be clear).

Pull the hose off and open the petrol tap, if fuel gushes out it is not blocked. There's usually a filter in the tank/petrol tap and filling up can push sediment into the filter, "fuel starvation". Easy to check and eliminate if somewhat messy. Check float bowl/filter for goo.



Have you pulled the spark plug? That can indicate what is going on. If it is sooty and the mix is correct then you may be missing and look to the spark electrics. Check HT cap and HT lead as well as the coil. How old is the spark plug, inspect.

The coil does sound likely suspect but check the rest before spending money.



First things, check you have fuel getting to where it should, check the spark plug to see what it looks like.

I had a similar set of symptoms a few weeks ago and the problem was cured by replacing the plug cap. The Indian ones are metal and you can get shorts running down. My new plastic one (£2.99) did the trick so it might be worth trying?

If Non of the above (All Very Valid Points, I reckon Coil too) work allso Try a Different Battery as Twice I have had such effects on my Old 350 when a Battery Failed.... Cheers

A happy ending, with fingers crossed... I invested in a PVL coil, having been advised by a knowledgeable person that quality control on the modern Lucas units is very hit-and-miss. Plus new HT lead, iridium spark plug and resistor-less plug cap. I went for a good sunny ride yesterday of about 25 miles, and the Bullet didn't miss a beat, hiccup or misbehave in any way. I think we're ready to go on more adventurous journeys...

Well Mark, now you're ready for more adventurous journeys how about visiting your local branch of the REOC? Next Wednesday evening from 7.30 at The Cross Keys, High Street, Pulloxhill. It's the last Weds of the month and anyone interested is welcome!

REgards, Mark