Forum

[Mark M]

James, that hesitation and then racing does suggest a worn carb and/or slide. New slides are easily available as are new carbs and a new carb is probably the cheapest option (body only, you probably won't need to replace any of the fittings,) although re-sleeved carbs are available from Martin Bratby. Slide wear is easily checked, return it to bottom of travel, hook a finger under the cutaway and try and rock the slide back and forth against the body. Any movement sufficient to make a noise is too much! Myself I 'd start with a new carb. Let us know?
REgards, Mark

[Jamesw]

Thanks, Mark, I was inclined towards doing that and it is useful to have confirmation. I will order the parts and let you know in due course how it goes.

[Jamesw]

(wish this message board would allow edits)
Mark, I note in an earlier that you said to look at the 1960 Crusader Sports parts. I am not sure exactly what size carb is on the bike. It has a 1959 Clipper crankcase but an alloy head, also a Continental frame! Is there any way of checking?

[Mark M]

On the mounting flange there will be a number, probably 376 then some more numbers. The important info is the diameter of the throat (inlet to the head), this will be somewhere about 1" but you need a good Imperial steel rule to measure it. The diagram I pointed you to is common to all Monoblocs and as I said, is to guide you to identifying the parts.
REgards, Mark

[Jamesw]

Thanks, Mark, that's great. I will take the carb off and have a good look at it, then probably contact Martin Bratby. Regards, Jim

[Mark M]

James, you may not be aware but there is a Yahoo Group called Crusader Technical Group, (Google for it,) why don't you come and join us for lots of specialist knowledge and discussion?
REgards, Mark

[Jamesw]

Thanks, Mark, I have done so.

Jim

[Howzie]

Hello James,

Just picked up on your carb problems, I agree with the comments from the lads a great bunch of guys.

I suffered the same problems with my 1959 250cc clipper, my two problems were, worn throttle slide which I replaced from our hosts, and when the carb was off the bike I removed the rubber o ring from the mounting flange them placed a steel ruler across the flange, and o boy what a shock! the flange was bowed with other persons tighten it up to hard! had to file it by hand till no gap was left then finished of with a light rubbing with fine valve paste on a flat smooth surface.

Best of luck
Howzie

[Jamesw]

Thanks for suggestions. I do intend to send the carb off for refurb, but as it takes about 6 weeks I have deferred it for a few weeks as I need the bike. Meanwhile, I went through the tuning stages and managed to get it running acceptably for the time being. It seems to be running a bit rich now, so may have to do a bit more adjustment. I took it for a test run today but 3 miles out the bike died due to an electrical problem so I need to sort that out first!!!

[Howzie]

Hello James,

Ater fitting a new throttle slide I still had trouble trying to get the mixture spot on, so i purchased a color-tune kit from Halfords(£24.99)(had the bike out for a good run to warm it up before I started)

This bit of kit worked a treat, started off with the mixture screwed right in(rich)yellow colour then slowly unscrewed the mixture till I was seeing streaks of blue coming into the view finder(weak)you have to be carefull if you make the colour all blue it may make the mixture to weak!

Tried bike out on a run,checked the spark plug and the condition was spot on,electrode a browny tan colour.

Best of luck.
Howzie.