Norton Commando Problem.

[Smartbazza]

Alright chaps,

Anyone on here got much experience of classics?
I`ve a 72 Commando that starts and runs perfectly for about a mile then splutters and quits? Leave for 10 minutes and it starts and runs only to splutter and quit bout a milelater.
Was to take it to the MOT today but Im a bit fed up. Currently I`m looking at the carbs.
Anyone got any (useful) advice or ideas on this??

TIA

 

[Schtum]

It might be the float heights in the carbs. OTOH..... What sort of ignition system does it have, i.e. is it upgraded to Boyer electronic or is it still running points?

 

[Den]

check the vent in the fuel cap, or run it with it open to see if it dies after 10mins

 

[MIKE R]

I had a Commando with a similar problem about 25 years ago.

It would start no problem. Go for a ride and it would suddenly cut out. Put it on the stand, kick start it again ...no problem. It would run for ever on the stand, but set off and sometimes it would run 500 yards, sometimes 5 miles but would always cut out.

If these symptoms are the same as yours, it turned out to be a week spring in the emergency cut out button.

Hope this helps.

Mike R

 

[(RIP) Kaister]

when it stops - are the plugs black, white dry or wet ?

 

[Bomber]

Barry , I 've got a 71 Fastback , sounds like fuel problems .
Depending on which carbs you have on try the 'tickler ' when it stops and see what happens.
I had loads of problems with the carbs on mine, now converted to single Mikuni- transformed the bike !!!
Good luck with it ..
Bomber

 

[Ibex]

Commando mystery

I have a Commando which caused me similar problems a few years ago. If you have the Boyer Bransden box, check the wire to what used to be the points. The wire inside its insulation fails due to fatigue. When cold, it still makes a circuit, but as the insulation gets warm - Bingo! The long term fix is to replace the wire with some higher grade stuff, aircraft standard is ideal as it is almost fatigue resistant in normal use - it uses a lot of fine wire elements. The only challenge then is to solder it back onto the baseplate for a proper job.

Dave