Phew, that was a close one...

[Uncle Bob]

Went for a spin on the 400 last week and after about 30 miles it started to run rough at the low end. Checking when I got home Cyl. 1 was running off and on (the exhaust wasn't getting as hot so quickly). Had to leave a week but suspected a carb issue as sparked OK (well it is a 400).

Stripped the carb down and did find crap keeping the float value open (I had run petrol down to reserve - should have fitted a filter). Cleaned up and on trying to start it, it hydraulic locked.

Took the plug out, and (wrongly I think!) left in cap and earthed. Turned engine over and the next thing is that the petrol and vapour that ws pushed from the open plug hole ignites under the petrol tank... a moment of panic but luckily I managed to "blow" it all out (fire extinguisher is in house) with no damage done. I think it looked worse than it was but it was a brown trouser moment...

[Nicky Dodds]

Like the fact that you're doing all this R&D just in case I manage to snag a 400

[Uncle Bob]

Like the fact that you're doing all this R&D just in case I manage to snag a 400

Not a problem - I would highly recommend one so far (even with carb issues) - just don't pay too much then there's money in the pot to tinker with.

I missed you getting a 550 (in sig.) when (and how) did that happen?

[Nicky Dodds]

Saw it on gumtree Rob pretty close to me. Plenty of time on my hands and needed a project of some sort. Paid too much for it but could see a solid bike underneath all the mess. It was bleeding from every orifice but that may have been due to the fact that the sump had as much petrol in it as it had oil
Picked a few bits and bobs up and re-routed cables and wiring and mainly putting it back to how it should be. Done a few gaskets, re-fitted airbox and now no leaks barring camchain tensioner gasket. Few issues still to sort but getting there.
It needs to prove itself to me seeing as it just passed mot then i might treat it to some paint
This 400 that may be in the pipeline is a yoshimura version apparently....currently tucked away in a barn. Can't say any more just yet other than i may get to see it once the manx has fininshed

[pookie]

Nicky, getting a 400 sounds like a full time job, if you value your sanity, why not try and get a 250 watercooled kat, i've had mine nearly two years now and all i've done is put petrol in it

[kiwi k]

Rob please do not take the 400 tomorrow night there's no way i'm playing fireman Sam

[callyboy]

sounds like fun Rob

Pete

[Nicky Dodds]

Nicky, getting a 400 sounds like a full time job, if you value your sanity, why not try and get a 250 watercooled kat, i've had mine nearly two years now and all i've done is put petrol in it

I'd love a 250 as well but they're a bit thin on the ground unless you go the japanese auction route.
Plenty of time on my hands now they're closing all the coal mines down
That much time that i've even built a double glazed brick shed so i can clear the garage and get more bikes in. Never laid a brick in my life but it's a pretty impressive first build
If the 400 don't run it'll make a good conversation piece....i'll just polish it till it looks fast!!!

[fossie]

I did the same thing many years ago with Smands 250 CM , used the washing to beat out the flames , coil melted, got growled at for making more washing.

[Uncle Bob]

Rob please do not take the 400 tomorrow night there's no way i'm playing fireman Sam

Just installing a bracket on it to hold the fire extinguisher

Planning on being at Whitwell tomorrow, hopefully with the 400 and 1100, if I can persuade a mate to ride it (he wanted to know why I said bring Asbestos underpants rather than waterproofs )