Missing carburetor ball

[ironb12s]

THANK YOU, Lucky, thank you...   8)

Sorry 'bout that PM concerning cables.  Tiger's busy with a gaggle of Visionaries, I'll ping him when the time comes...

Yeppers, I been wrenching for nearly 40 years now.  I tend to overinvestigate things when I work on them, and come off as a know-it-all sometimes, I'm not.  I will dutifully admit, I'm a doer of all, master of none.  Smarter than the average bear, as it were.

Looking at the cross section of the carb, the aforementioned ball is none other than the check valve for the Accel Pump?  Should be rather easy to replace, just get the size from an expert here, mosey on down to your local bicycle shop and let them you're missing a ball...   ;)  a very *small* ball, that is.   ;D

[Paul@Sheffield]

ironb12
Is the ball vital? I am reluctant to pull the nozzle out of the carb body when the bike is running otherwise o.k.
It is as you probably know a 'delicate' procedure using mole grips.

[inanecathode]

The ball keeps fuel from being sucked in like a regular jet. I suspect if the ball is missing its pulling extra fuel through the accelerator pump schnozzle.

[Paul@Sheffield]

Thanks. I will replace it next time I have the carbs off.
Do you think I will have to adjust the tickover/ idle speed once fitted?

[inanecathode]

If you've tuned it with the ball missing theres a good chance the accelerator schnoz was leaking, so yeah i'd re-tune it.
Even if it doesnt do anything, at least you'll fell better :D

[ironb12s]

ironb12
Is the ball vital? I am reluctant to pull the nozzle out of the carb body when the bike is running otherwise o.k.
It is as you probably know a 'delicate' procedure using mole grips.

If it is the BALL for the accelerator check valve, yeppers, it's impotent.  (nyuk, nyuk, nyuk)  ;)

http://www.ridersofvision.net/Technical/Carbs/carb3.gif

You could post a pic of the place where it's missing from.  As there is only one pump, the fuel is piped to both nozzles from it.  Would cause a rich running condition if fuel was being drawn thru the open valve in the pump.  However, if you are anywhere else BUT the pump, it's not the BALL we are referring to...the pump is a bolt on accessory to only one of the carbs; the pump well has been dummied off in the second.

[Paul@Sheffield]

ironb12s,
From your link it is definately the ball below the accelerator pump nozzle.
I checked the spark plugs and looked to be the correct colour (light grey) i.e. not running rich (black sooty.)
However I don't want to be wasting fuel.

[ironb12s]

Unfortunately, the ROV Techie on the carbs is only for the 1983, but they weren't THAT different from the 1982.  If the ball is missing, then I would look to replace it.  The diag shows that it should be there, so I'd make sure it was, and in the right location related to the weight.  That ball can be found at any bicycle shop, easily.  And, I repeat, that pump is only on one of the carbs...

Unfortunately, my only reference is from a rather foggy memory of taking mine apart back in the 'day'.  That reference model is currently 1800 miles out of reach...  If I had one to look at, I'd be better able to advise.  So's how's 'bouts our local contingent of techies weigh in?  At least you have some closer reference than I do.  Tiger, Lucky, H20?

[Rick G]

Not to be a smart a**  ,but if the ball wasen't vital they wouldn't have put it in there in the first place. If you take your air box top off and stuff a rag in the carb throats you can reinstall it with a minimum of hassel . I probably have one, if you want it PM me and'll send it to you no charge.

[ironb12s]

Not to be a smart a**  ,but if the ball wasn't vital they wouldn't have put it in there in the first place. If you take your air box top off and stuff a rag in the carb throats you can reinstall it with a minimum of hassel . I probably have one, if you want it PM me and'll send it to you no charge.

Better a smart arse, than a dumb arse.   ;)

[Paul@Sheffield]

I had better fit one then. I'll try and get one here, if not I'll pm you (Rick G).
Thanks.

[ironb12s]

Oaky-dokey, has any of'n you Visionaries ever measurated the check ball to see what size BB it is?  I'm just guessing, it's around a 5/32", or a 2mm.

[Night Vision]

nope, I haven't bothered measuring it because at least three of us with balls have offered to send him one or two