Laverda

[FERRET]

I wonder if any of the knowledgable on here may be able to offer a little advice regarding my recently aquired Laverda Jota.

As some may be aware its a1982, 120 model, and I am in the process of recommisioning it, this evening have started her up for the first time in about 5yrs, after replacing plugs, caps, engine oil, all brake clutch fluids, etc etc.

The bike started easily considering it hadnt been started for about 5yrs, when stored all fuel was drained from the tank and carbs.

The bike however is only running at present on two out of its three cylinders, centre and right hand side.

I have removed all plugs, centre and right are a dry sooty colour(?running rich or ignition timing out?) and the left hand cylinder plug is as new, it appears relativly dry with only a slight smell of petrol but its hard to say.

All plugs have a really strong spark.

I have removed the float bowl to the left hand carb, it was full of fuel, and the float appears to be moving freely.

Anyone have any ideas as to what i should be checking next?

Thanks in advance.

 

[cookie]

the LH cylinder is not firing. you could check this by testing the downpipes for temperature after running the engine (carefully). that is probably why the other two aren't running properly either.

check the LH plug for a spark by removing it, replacing it in the HT lead, ground the plug body on the engine and spin the engine on the starter. again, carefully hold the body to the engine, and don't let the plug move off it, or it will earth through you!

it probably won't be that, but worth checking first 'cos it's easier

then take the carbs off and clean them properly.

 

[FERRET]

Thanks Cookie,
I had already checked the plugs and spark, and yes the left hand exhaust wasnt hot like the other two, I had put it down to the carb but just wondered if there was anything i had missed!

 

[Deleted account 211025001]

Sounds like a gummed up carb is likely to me too - I find an over night soak in Coke usually does the trick

Andres

 

[FERRET]

That sound interesting, full fat or diet

 

[Deleted account 211025001]

That sound interesting, full fat or diet

I always use full fat - srtip the carb as much as you can and soak all the bits/jets/ over night - really does work

Andres

 

[Steptoe]

Only problem i ever had on my old laverda was a sticking choke which gave the same symptoms you describe.

Rub with emery paper and away you go. Who needed diagnostic computers in the old days.

 

[FERRET]

Cheers Outamunch and Steptoe, ill try the choke first, seems the easiest, and go from there

 

[(RIP) Kaister]

gummed or blocked idle jet