AJS & Matchless Owners Club

Hi we have got ready for starting new petrol oil plug battery charged. It starts but won't run dies when we open the throttle won't even tick over bike is a ajs model 8 1961

Check the float level: remove the idle jet cover, connect a clear tube and check the petrol level against the dimple on the float chamber.
An Amal won't work at all if this is wrong and it's easy to disturb the level if the fuel inlet union is fitted with too few/too many washers.

I would have thought it's more likely to be a blocked pilot jet. Have you cleaned the carb out?
Dave

Hi

It sounds like the jets are partially blocked - strip the carb and ensure all the jets and filter are clear, also confirm the float is not punctured, (no sound of liquid inside when it is shaken), and the float valve is free to function - re-assemble as it was and try again.

Have you had a look at the fuel tap filter gauzes? if not I'd do that too.

Regards Mick

Ok thanks for replying we have got it the spark was tracking back to the coil because the plug was not firing properly once again thanks

Thanks for the update! Didn't sound like an ignition problem, so glad you got it sorted...

Hi thanks for the reply running now but leaking oil out of the chain case starts fine and pulling ok but we can hear bearings rumbling I would like to keep the bike but would have to rebuild the engine so looking for a good video thanks

Peter. It would help if you can locate the precise origin of the rumbling with some accuracy.
Excuse me if you know/have done this but if you use a listening stick (piece of wood/dowel/broomstick/screwdriver and place it against various parts of the engine with t'other end against you ear) there's a faint hope that you may find it's not coming from deep in the inaccessible bottom end bits but maybe the top or the timing chest or the clutch................worth a try.
I don't know about Lightweights (look in Christians Archive. I think you've already been given the link) but I believe that the L /W engine is very similar to the H/weight for which many excellent guides are available.
No doubt a L/weight officianado will reply shortly.