[Thomas]

Very well! If the motor starts with brake cleaner you'll probably have a fuel problem and thorough cleaning the carb is in order. If not, I would again focus on the ignition system although your spark is fine. Then you can really check the timing. Good luck!

[Fellwalker]

Thanks Thomas.  I'm away for a few days but when I get back I'll give that a go!

[Thomas]

Hello Mr Fellwalker!

Knocking the bike over once happened to me, too. We're all incompetent, aren't we. However, I do not believe that this can change the mag timing (how?). With a decent spark the problem should be in the fuel sector. The leaking carb might be a hint. Because you already changed the respective washers and gaskets I would try brute force by spraying brake cleaner into the carb bell (won't harm). Because of its high ignition potential the motor should start.

Cheers, Thomas

[Fellwalker]

After a wonderful spring, summer and autumn riding my 1936 Model 8 at every opportunity, I'd like to engage a reliable mechanic to give the bike a good going over this winter.  Does anyone have any recommendations for a mechanic in or around Hampshire, England who would be a safe pair of hands?

The bike proved totally reliable up until recently when I had to leave it for a month.  When I returned, I discovered the fuel tap had been leaking and a full tank of fuel had leaked into the drip tray and evaporated away.  The garage was pretty pungent!  I replaced the fuel tap which resolved that leak, but the Amal 276 carb now leaks like crazy.  I took it apart and replaced the washers and cleared out any muck I found but it doesn't seem to have helped.  I then managed to knock the bike over (utter incompetence) and since then it won't start.  There's a decent spark with the plug out of the cylinder, but I'll try replacing it and see if that helps.  Could the bike falling over have knocked the mag timing out of adjustment?  Ideas welcome!