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OK, so it's my own fault...

I last put petrol in the Dart some four months ago. I've ridden it briefly on a couple of occasions since, but had problems starting it a couple of weeks ago. After getting younger son to help we managed to bump start it, and I rode it a few km to warm it up. It took a little while before chiming in on both cylinders, but was back to it's usual self very quickly.

But yesterday, when I tried starting it again I got nothing. No bang, wet f**t, nothing. Bump starting didn't work, and even recharging the battery and having another go with the starter and pushing again haven't work. Before I drain the fuel and replace it (yes, there is still some in the tank, although only a couple of litres), has anyone here got a bright suggestion?

Thanks in hope...

So you have problems!!-mine puked petrol all over the drive-perished fuel pipe!-the one carb. choke I find a pain! but worse of all, I knocked it over and completely split the headlamp part of the fairing !! I almost cried!! For the moment it's held together by glamorous black sticky tape! We don't ride them enough, that is the nub of the problem! Alan J.

Basics first.

Does it crank?

Does it have a spark?



Alan, I may have a spare screen, but I can't get to it easiy at the moment. There are also now a complete set of moulds for the Freccia and Dart. I'll ask my friend if he can make a screen and how much.

Paul;

Thanks for this response - two things;

1. It cranks, and I have taken the plug out and it sparks (so, good battery, electrics OK and the belt is still attached to the cam so the valves are going up and down...)!

2. I too could also do with a new screen for the Dart - -the original has the cracks along the bottom edge, and as the plastic becomes more brittle these have unfortunately expanded and caused the piece beneath the light to come away from the rest of the moulding. Result is a very sad looking frontal aspect.

Cheers,

CC

Probably time to clean the carbs. You really can't beat a session in an Ultrasonic tank.


A couple of thoughts;

If the fuel level is low (less than 1/3 full?) it sometimes won't fill the second float chamber.

When my Dart stood it often took both chokes to start. You can reach the second choke through the left hand sidepanel scoop.

Check also that the fuel tap isn't gummed up. You should hear an audible clunk from inside the tank when you switch the ignition (or engine kill switch) on and off.

Screens- I could make a fibreglass one for you to get painted if you want. Just cover my cost in fibreglass

Cheers chaps for your sympathy and assistance!! Will see what Paul can come up with-or maybe it's possible to get a plastic repair? Alan

For plastic repair then "plastech" is the stuff to use. It's a 2 part powder and solvent type stuff which is good for repairing cracks, filling holes and making complete new parts, lugs etc. It comes with a moulding bar so you can copy parts easily. Once set it's stronger than the plastic and is drillable, sandable, threadable etc. Top stuff.

I bought my last lot from m&p for about a tenner for a workshop pack. Everyone should have it on their toolkit.

morini_tom wrote:For plastic repair then "plastech" is the stuff to use. It's a 2 part powder and solvent type stuff which is good for repairing cracks, filling holes and making complete new parts, lugs etc. It comes with a moulding bar so you can copy parts easily. Once set it's stronger than the plastic and is drillable, sandable, threadable etc. Top stuff.

I bought my last lot from m&p for about a tenner for a workshop pack. Everyone should have it on their toolkit.

Hi Tom,
I "Googled" on plastech with no results except

"Plastech Tooling & Moulding Ltd
As an established Mould Toolmaker and Injection Moulder, Plastech are specialists in Plastic Building Products,....."

Do you have any details on the kit ?
Or an online seller ?

Regards
Raymond

It's Plastex.

http://www.repairproducts.co.uk/page20.htm

Very good stuff. The Black version is the strongest, but the White or clear versions give a better bond.

Thanks

Well;

The Dart is back with the living again...

I had another look at the spark plug, cleaned it up and warmed it over the gas ring. Put it back quickly whille it was still warm and turned the motor over. Started first go and ticked over nicely after a few seconds. I reckon that the carbs are running a little rich - I probabaly need to change the filter (it's a couple of years since that was done); that should cure the problem. Oh, and ride it a little more often

Thanks for all your helpful suggestions, and also for the info on repairs to the plastic!

CC