QuestionHi, John. I've got a restored 1969 Bonneville. The "tickler" valve on the left carb will not seat. The gas keeps flowing up around the valve and the only way it stops is to close the fuel valves under the tank. How do I fix this!?
Also, it's tough to start. Maybe this is related to the carb problem. I usually end up taking the spark plugs out to do a "fire test" and then after replacing the plugs it starts with out too much trouble. Maybe blowing out the cylinders helps? Any suggestions here?
Thanks!
AnswerOk Adam
Vacation is over for me. I lost the flippin' election. I guess someone else will have to save the world.
It sounds to me like you may have a little crud either in your tickler or maybe under your float needle. Either one will keep the gas flowing when it should stop. Or you may have a bad float.
Whatever it is, you will have to disassemble the carb to fix it, so you might as well cough up the money necessary for a rebuild kit while you have it appart.
I have never had a problem with a tickler, but I have heard a few tales from others who have. You need to squeeze the split on the bottom side with a pair of needle nose pliers and then it will spring out from the top. Check it, clean it. and put it back together. Not much to go wrong except a broken spring.
The hard start could be a result of all this extra fuel pouring into the cylinder. A wet plug ain't gonna make the fire. When you pull the plugs and give things a chance to dry out, it fires up with no problem.
Fix the leakies first and I bet your hard start trouble will be a lot less.
John
