Scrutineering at Pre TT Classic Billown

Paddock scene Pre TT Classic Billown

Pre TT Classic Billown Isle of Man 2015

This is old time racing like nowhere else. All grass paddock, tent city and massed start racing on 4.25 miles of closed public roads.

Re routed fuel pipe

But this did - drastically shortened pipe layout. Previously was a bit of a roller coaster route. This is downhill through 90 degrees. Works great so far, did not cut out once during 6 x 2 mile laps around village - fingers crossed this is the answer.

Siegfried filler cap with hole drilled through

This made no difference, engine died after 400 metres.

Siegfried still cutting out

Siegfried starts first kick, runs OK for first few miles then cuts out on over run and dies. Stand still for a couple of minutes then starts 1st kick, runs then cuts out and dies after 400 metres or so. He only did this for 1st time on way home from Rushden Cavalcade so I compared then and today. Both occasions fuel OK from tank to carb, tank link pipe clear, carb filter healthy fuel flow. 1st time dismantled Mikuni carb - all jets clear. Removed and cleaned out fuel tank. Plug correct colour and not fouled / whiskered. Today evrything OK. Sat on kerb and had a think. If electrical bike would not start. If jets result would be same. So what is common denominator. Both days were warm. 1st day involved lots of sitting around and snail paced riding. I suspect that an air block is causing a vacuum in the tank due to fuel / air expansion. The filler cap has a pin prick hole which is clear and draws air OK when off tank and on at cold start up. However, in comparison to British bikes, it is not an open hole straight through cap but seems to access air around the underside of the cap rim. So, on the basis that it is my bike, I will now drill a Brit style hole clean through the centre of the cap to eliminate this possibility. There is already a tiny hole so a slightly larger one should not ruin looks of cap. Fingers crossed.

Siegfried disgraces himself

Today attended the Rushden Cavalcade and enjoyed displaying Siegfried and tellinh his story. Set off for the 3 mile ride home and he cut out. loads of fuel, fat spark. Started up first kick only to cut out after 200 metres or so. Switched back from hot, number 6 plug, to standard number 8 - same result so not dead plug. Member of the VJMC stopped to help as did some L plate youngsters. Nothing they could do so rode and pushed it home. Hmmm. Can only be something in the jets of the brand new Mikuni carb. The inside of the tank does still produce little bits of black corrosion despite much swilling out but both the tank and tap have filters. Now decided that The Manx GP is the target so will use the tank liner goo that others said dont bother with plus will dismantle and clean carb. Just when I thought Siegfried was good to go. I had seriously considered trailering him to Liverpool for the Pre TT Classic and was due to pre pay car park for bike and trailer today - so that decision has been made for me. Its Ethel again for The Island, but need to fit new radiator hose so I think Ill do that 1st and Siegfried can wait.