darboots - 1961 CA77 from boxes

darboots · Post by **darboots** » Wed May 02, 2018 2:18 am

Thanks Graham. I know that's going to mean removing the carb again - something which I had to do around 30 times over the course of 2 days a year ago. I hate that carb... :)

From investigations last evening, it _does_ appear to be fuel starvation...

I couldn't get the bike to start yesterday after trying for only around 5 minutes or so. I then left it to attend to 'domestic duties'. Had to pop out to the garage to retrieve some liquid refreshments, and noticed a smell of petrol - the carb was overflowing as I'd forgotten to turn the fuel tap off. I tried starting it again, and it fired up right away and ran very sweetly.

So, I'm thinking it's either the fuel filler cap (NOS), or the fuel petcock which has had new seals etc. fitted.

Time for a flow test...

darboots · Post by **darboots** » Wed May 23, 2018 7:44 am

On investigation, I had no fuel flow from the petcock tap at all. I managed to loosen the three petcock to tank securing screws and that has allowed reserve to flow quite freely, but 'On' continues to be a mere dribble.

Does this mean the cork seal is swollen?

Anything I can do to alleviate this further and allow the 'On' position to flow more freely?

darboots · Post by **darboots** » Fri Jun 01, 2018 6:11 am

Well, dating request has been submitted to the VJMC, and the MOT is booked for June 30th. That should give me enough time to get the bike serviced and running A1...

darboots · Post by **darboots** » Tue Jul 03, 2018 4:01 am

Got the bike out on Saturday for the MOT.
Started up fine, and allowed to warm a little.
Pulled in the clutch, tapped into gear - the bike lurched forward and stalled. Dang.
Restarted, clutch in, tapped into first - lurch and stall.
The clutch was not disengaging...

Took the KTM for a retest...

When I got back home, the little Honda started fine and engaged first gear. Ugh.

Called the MOT guy as he had a cancellation that afternoon.

This was the first time out on the road on the CA77, and I must say it's a whole lot different to my other bikes. The return, after over 30 years to a bike with drum brakes front and back was, umm, interesting...

Anyway, it passed the MOT, so it's time to send the documentation off to the DVLA and apply for an age related number (licence) plate. I'm looking forward to seeing what the DVLA send back.

G-Man · Post by **G-Man** » Tue Jul 03, 2018 6:59 am

Great job. Lovely colour and finish.

Yes it's a whole different world with these old bikes. Just took my 1966 Matchless to a local show this weekend.

I've owned it since 1980 but it hasn't been on the road since 1998!

G

darboots wrote:Well, dating request has been submitted to the VJMC, and the MOT is booked for June 30th. That should give me enough time to get the bike serviced and running A1...

Seadog · Post by **Seadog** » Tue Jul 03, 2018 7:44 am

You've done a fine job! Love the color.

darboots · Post by **darboots** » Tue Jul 03, 2018 9:21 am

Cheers guys.

Love the Matchless Graham. Is that another hidden away behind yours?

The colour was chosen for me - the guy I'd bought the parts from had already had the powder coating done, along with the engine rebuilt (oil is leaking from the head gasket), and wheels re-rimmed, laced and the whitewalls fitted, etc. Some parts were missing, but overall, I'm very happy with my first restore. There are still a few details to complete, but it's mostly there and as we're moving house soon I'm glad it'll be on the road.