Series C Rapide - starting after 8 year layoff

[danno]

- Drain tank

- Remove from boiling water, dry and immediately immerse in castor oil - obtainable from your local chemist.

Hi
Have tried Boots and a health food shop for Castor oil but they don't have it and have no idea
where to get any.
Have seen some on Amazon if it comes to it.
Anything else I can use that's widely available?
I can get hold of the plungers complete with corks if need be.
Dan

 

[Bob Zwarts]

Castrol R is good for this (not too sure how much Castor oil is in it these days, but it still works well on petrol tap corks!). Only downside is, you will have to buy a minimum of 1 Litre, unless you know any Vintage/classic racers.
Bob.

 

[ernie]

Just for information:

http://www.homeremediesweb.com/castor-oil-health-benefits.php

 

[bmetcalf]

Wow, it is good for wrinkle treatment! I'll get a drum of it.

Just for information:

http://www.homeremediesweb.com/castor-oil-health-benefits.php

 

[danno]

Well the Vin's up and running.Actually fired first kick but then cut.
After a bit perseverance got it going on fast idle then checked oil return in tank and
unbolted the front cylinder top oil feed pipe to check circulation.
Did a couple of miles and all is pretty much as it was although now it has
started to backfire when running.
Had to return.
Have managed to seal the LH fuel tap with a piece of plastic sleeving
but it is now always on but doesn't drip.
Same for the RH side but from what I remember I think the LH tap
is the main one you use.
Not sure whether the backfire is electrical or down to tuning.
Many thanks to all for the help getting this far!
Dan

 

[danno]

I think the tuning needs adjusting as it runs best with the choke on and doesn't backfire.
With the levers forward the engine hesitates when opening the throttle up.
This goes when choke is applied.

 

[Howard]

May just need the carbs/jets cleaning.

H

 

[danno]

Yes,will give them a clean.
Thanks
Dan

 

[danno]

Have removed the carbs and cleaned thoroughly but couldn't move the
base of the carb body as it's very tight.
Still runs badly with choke off and acceleration is hesitant.

 

[Mark Fisher]

I think the tuning needs adjusting as it runs best with the choke on and doesn't backfire.
With the levers forward the engine hesitates when opening the throttle up.
This goes when choke is applied.

If the levers are forward you are putting the choke on, not off! This would explain why the bike won't run properly when you open the throttle. You may have other bikes that use a different system for choke but on a vincent (and most british bikes) you are basically raising or lowering little slides inside the main slide. Slides at the bottom-choke on, slides pulled up to the top- choke off. In other words, when you are turning the choke levers the cables should be pulling up tight to turn off the choke. I know this all sounds obvious, but if you aren't familiar with the carbs it is easily done. Of course it could be that you have a different lever assembly to my shadow which I think is pretty standard. Good luck!