Forum

[Frank]

In reply to my own question, perhaps it's more to do with manufacturers hands being tied to emission and noise regulations which the standard set up meets?

[Alan R]

Hi guys------ EXILE, Re-Jetting }---it's an absolute "MUST DO" thing when you allow more air into the engine..As mentioned by others the ORIGINAL "Tea Caddy" shaped air chamber combined with the paper filter in the R/H toolbox was quite restrictive to the QUANTITY of air allowed into the engine, and the carb was jetted by the factory accordingly ( your old exhaust also was restrictive in allowing the burnt gasses out----so there was effectively 2 forms f restriction..).........Have a look at the recommended jetting's by our host OR copy someone on here who has your set-up as a starting point.....Do you know how to do a PLUG CHOP properly ??---------- Top RPM and heavy loading, that's the area where you'll likely to be having any damaging problems with weak mixtures.......though mid-range might give "hunting" whilst trying to cruise on a min. throttle ..............That filter is perfectly ok just as it is...........

[apparently lucky eddie]

K&N type filters are n't new Frank, they've been around since the early 70's,at least, thats when I first used them. I think the manufacturers don't use them as standard because every road vehicle is a compromise between economy, emissions, noise, reliability etc.,etc.
Sure, it's easy to get a lot more poke from these old ladies (Enfields) by playing around with carbs and exhausts but the cost is loadsa noise from the arse end (possibly drowning out the knockings ends and rumbling mains if the crank is n't sorted too) and most noticable to me was the fuel consumption which went from amazing to pretty damned awful after re-jetting. You pay your money and make your choice...After many years of playing around with Enfields I've come to think that it is probably better to get a bike that was intended/designed to go quick if that's what you want to do.

[PeteF]

They had to severely restrict these engines to get through emissions (and noise) regs. Hence restrictions in the silencer and filter among other things.
This, of course, robs the engine of power so Mr H makes a living selling us bits to remedy this (and a good job he does too) If you haven't fitted a free flow exhaust then you MAY not need to re-jet. If the exhaust has been done, and the jetting is correct now, then it MIGHT be OK after changing the filter.
Either way, it does need checking with proper plug chops (not just looking at the plug)
I had to change the main jet, pilot and slide to get mine running right after changing the exhaust, but only needed to lift the needle a notch and adjust the slow running after fitting a K&N. incidentally, I fitted the K&N tool-box filter as I quite like the look of the old tea caddy. I know it restricts the air a bit but nothing like the paper filter. I also find induction noise irritating and you don't get that with the tool-box type.

[Alan R]

Hi guys------------don't forget Gents that there are 2 types of "Tea Caddy" available............The one fitted to the fully restricted machine is in fact just an empty box, attached to the bikes toolbox on the L/H side------that's where the large, circular paper air filter is housed------ and to the carb inlet on it's R/H side.....The other version initially looks the same but actually contains a filter inside and draws it's air from underneath..It's still attached to the carb in the same way as the other version though.........This means you can free-up the toolbox for it's intended use ( there are some holes inside that our hosts provide some blanking plugs for......)...Here's mine which is currently in that particular set-up...........The pipe is open and the silencer is off an Electra......All jet settings as per RIGGERS with points, needle, timing, and plug as per normal....... It pulls a 19t comfortably and motors along at a genuine 60 mph without complaint.....I'm popping a 5-speed box in soon, just to improve flexibility...........

[Alan R]

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[PeteF]

Just to follow Alan on the Tea Caddy. You can still get the Tea Caddy filters and if you find an old type can (or adapt your own)you can free up the toolbox.
The Tea Caddy filters are just about the same restriction as a standard filter, but I know one chap who adapted a modern can to accept a conical K&N. If I remember he used plastic plumbing fittings. You also get carb support that way.

[Jonesy]

HI EXILE,IHAVE FITTED A TEA CADDY AIRBOX SUPPLIED BY OUR HOST, PART NO 90009.I FITTED A AS/B FILTER INSIDE THE BOX.CUT THE END OF THE FILTER FLUSH.THE CHROME END DRILL A6MM HOLE IN THE CENTRE,FIT FILTER OVER THE LONG STUD INSIDE OF BOX AND SECURE WITH WING NUT.ITWORKS A TREAT

[Exile]

Wow.. The term "can of worms" comes to mind... and I just opened
one. Bugger.
OK, firstly, many thanks for all the info and feedback from all of you. But
frankly it's all a bit much to take in one mouthful and the amount of 'ifs','ands' and 'buts' are overwhelming.

I bow to superior knowledge.
Secondly, perhaps I should have asked the question before I ordered the parts from H's motorcycling emporium;

How do I go about changing the air filter from bog standard Indian to a conical
S&G?
Finally then, I still want to change the filter for the reasons I first started out with. It's that simple. so...

If I need to re-jet the carb, what size jet and which parts do I need and can I get them from H's said emporium?



And please lads, don't bury me in technical jargon. Keep it simple, 'cos I'm new at this. Think "re-jetting for dummies". That's about my level of technical ability.

[Alan R]

Hello EXILE--------OK mate, now we know at what level to pitch the replies.......Yes, if you're new to all this stuff it will seem a bit overwhelming at first..But here's the GOOD NEWS }---- You're not the first to do this---not by a long chalk, and there is a LOT of facts, figures etc that have been accumulated in the past for you to draw on..................SO, first thing to do is establish exactly what bike you have, please ???....Is it like mine in the photo ?? That's a 500cc Classic "Iron" engined bike ( There is also a 350cc version that looks the same but has some detail differences, eg}---the 350 carb is a 24mm and bolted onto the cyl. head)----------------------------- Judging by some of your remarks so far I think you have the 500 Classic, Iron Engined machine with the 28mm Carb ( Your choke should have a lever sticking out of the R/H side ??)---------------------- As I mentioned previously, have a look in our hosts current catalogue where you will find a chart showing all the different permutations of exhaust, carb, filter and their recommended starting points for jets etc.......PLUS}---- You can also PHONE THEM and discuss your needs at length.. They are only too happy to help--honestly !!..Mention this forum as well............Good luck with the mod. and do keep us posted ???