Why do kick start levers jam?

[DEAN SOUTHALL]

I bet lots of us have expeirienced kickstarts jamming as we try to turn the engine over. My Bantam does it every so often and my recently acquired B28 seems to do it more often than not.
Does anybody know for cetain the cause of this and a remedy?

[idie]

It is usually caused by the teeth on the quadrant riding up on to the teeth on the ratchet gear. This could be worn bushes causing the quadrant to move away from the ratchet gear or general wear on the teeth so that they are forced out of mesh.

[Bess]

Hi,
    A common problem, this thread maybe worth a read

https://www.bsaownersclub.co.uk/bsaoc_forum/index.php?topic=5465.msg26565#msg26565

Best wishes...

[Mike Farmer]

 
Hi.

With regard to that post===within the last couple of days I have actually compared a worn quadrant against a new one.

The point that I originally highlighted in green in the original post differs by almost 1mm caused simply by wear.

I got a new one and the problem is solved. Not cheap about £90 with VAT and postage. (From Burton) I had considered building up the old one but uncertain what affect it would have on the metal. I might give that a try with my next one.

Mike

[DEAN SOUTHALL]

Thanks for all the very helpful replies.
I'll getr a new quadrant for the Bantam but I suspect there is no chance of getting one for the B28.
I will have to look at it closely and look onto having it built up and re profiled. I an guessing this will require a bit of re-iterationl.

[BEVANC]

As a matter of interest, I've attached an extract from the 1930 Sloper Owners handbook - the leading quadrant tooth is ground down.

KS jamming is a common issue with Burman boxes as well. Replacement Burman quadrants supplied by the Panther and the Ariel owners clubs have the first tooth ground partly away - see attached image.

Cheers, Bevan

[Mike Farmer]

 

Something I have come to realise is thsi: - After the first kick if you dont let the kick start lever come right back to the top of its travel it can't jam because the teeth remain engaged. If it jams on first kick thats tuff I'm afraid.

Mike

[chaz]

off the stand, in gear, rock back and forwards then have another go.

[Mike Farmer]

 
Exactly.

Mike

[RICHARD MILLS]

Often clears on my B33 by just pulling the clutch lever once or twice.

[chaz]

there's a coincidence..
just been asked the same question by my youngest. playing with his B40, kick start jammed.
Why?7told him to look at the forum for answers and explained why.