Monday 28 September 2009

Twin 40 install: Round 2



The first attempt at installing my carbs was unsuccessful. I found that I needed to replace the heater hose divider which connects the cylinder head to the coolant hoses, which I assumed I would have to do but apparently some manifolds fit and some don't. Mine didn't.

Round two saw the installation of said water divider and the subsequent installation of manifolds and carburetors, which of course revealed the next problem. The carburetors were too far apart for their existing hardware to cope with. Welding torch in hand and a cut off piece of a washer (the only steel i had of the correct thickness) I managed to bridge the gap. A quick grind and a file and you couldn't tell it wasn't made that way. So, now that my butterflies were connected and actuating synchronously I connected the fuel and fired up the engine. After some turning over it fired. It almost idled. I revved the engine, it revved smooth and high, however, it failed to come down again. Rubbish, major air leak. It was off with the carbs and off with the manifolds to find a great big crack. I put the engine back together as it was when i started and sent the manifold off to get welded. Better luck next time.