Forum

[robertcraig]

for almost a year I have had a problem with my enfield - bullet 500 2006 not starting after hot. checked vacuum lock on tank, tank was dirty, replaced tank, plugs are fine, carburetor is perfectly clean - next morning bike starts with no choke and one hit on electric start - wondering if old, used coil may cause this - any suggestions appreciated

[Phil Ashbrook]

No choke starting a cold engine in a cool climate might point to it being too rich for normal running .
I dont know if you have a standard carb or standard air filter .
Is the air filter clean ? What colour is the spark plug ?
Do you think heat from the engine transfers to the carb body and boils off leaving a lower than wanted float hight .
My Amal Mk 1 used to have to be re-tickled to raise the float hight level for hot start but my new Amal Mk2 concentric needs to be primed with my air filter cover and 1/4 throttle for 2 dummy kicks in a cold start situation to suck the fuel / jet hight up , this is my artificial choke , my hot start is perfect and fires on the first kick .
It can be down to a few ajustments to the mixture most times .

[Paulk]

Second, Phil's comments - been able to start a cold motor with no choke implies you are too rich. Check pilot air screw setting.

[jaffa90]

You say the spark plug(s) are ok,you may have tight valve clearances when hot or your carb to engine connection (manifold)not standard.