BSA Owners' Club Workshop Discussions

The BSA Workshop => Singles => Topic started by: RTwo on 06 Oct, 2023, 16:55

Title: Carb - Repair or Replace?
Post by: RTwo on 06 Oct, 2023, 16:55
I've got around to looking at the carb on my project B50T and I can't decide whether to rebuild it or fit a Wassel Evo.
It had been stood for quite sometime with fuel in it which has evaporated leaving whatever solid additives were in it as residue which has corroded the float bowl to some degree. This corrosion has left a bit of erosion to the body of the carb.

So the question is, do I throw a rebuild kit at it (it'll also need a throttle slide) or just put a Wassel replacement in it? The cost is about the same.
I'm not sure if the erosion in the float bowl will be an issue, the gasket face should be OK with some sealer and the venturi looks quite smooth and free from any erosion.
I'd like to keep the Amal if possible so that it looks right but I'm unsure if it'll work as it should.

Any thoughts?
TIA

(https://i.postimg.cc/fbwLj9rm/IMG-20231006-162019.jpg)
(https://i.postimg.cc/SNYF3xM5/IMG-20231006-162031.jpg)
(https://i.postimg.cc/Ls3MDQ18/IMG-20231006-162012.jpg)
Title: Re: Carb - Repair or Replace?
Post by: DAVE BRADY on 06 Oct, 2023, 18:50
Hi,

I would say that the carb. is little more than an ornament.  As well as what you can see there will more damage to the internal passageways that can never really be repaired.
I have no experience of the Wassel Evo 'Amal' lookalike but would personally go for a new Amal Premier - more expensive but!!!

Dave.
Title: Re: Carb - Repair or Replace?
Post by: Roy on 06 Oct, 2023, 18:54
My personal opinion would be replace with wassell carb , I have on my bikes ,very nicely made ,work well with very stable tick over and throttle response , all I would add is to strip it before putting on bike as on a couple I had I found jets were not tight , had a needle jet very loose , ( only just got back home ) ,
Title: Re: Carb - Repair or Replace?
Post by: B44R Victor on 06 Oct, 2023, 19:50
If its a BSA, shouldn't it have a BSA carburetter on it.  Have a look at a brand new Amal , matched to BSA's original carburetter but suitable for lead-free petrol available from Burlen Limited, Salisbury.  Contact details info@burlen.co.uk  I found them helpful and have a nice tick-over on my Amal 930.
Title: Re: Carb - Repair or Replace?
Post by: chaz on 06 Oct, 2023, 20:17
I had the same on a Triumph T100, both carbs only good for display. a Pair of Wassels cost me around £160, no problem with them.

BUT
As always, do you want it "as was " and pay the premium price or "an every day runner" and get cheaper. we cant make that choice for you. Its the dilemma I give all restoration customers.
Title: Re: Carb - Repair or Replace?
Post by: neil1964 on 06 Oct, 2023, 21:29
That corrosion is pretty extra ordinary.
I'd replace with Burlen one with new slide type and correct specs.
I've got a shelf of Amals and none like that!!
Title: Re: Carb - Repair or Replace?
Post by: cdsdorset on 06 Oct, 2023, 22:45
Or put on a mikuni 🙂
Title: Re: Carb - Repair or Replace?
Post by: RTwo on 07 Oct, 2023, 08:40
Thanks all, I guess I'll hurl it in the scrap bin

I'll probably go for the standard Burlen one when they get them back in stock, I don't think I can stretch to their premium one.
I didn't realise that Burlen did full carbs and it's not massively dearer than the Wassel
The Mikuni? maybe not, but thanks for the suggestion  :)
Title: Re: Carb - Repair or Replace?
Post by: cdsdorset on 07 Oct, 2023, 09:35
Just a toungue in cheek reply but you would be suprised how good they can make a british bike run.
Title: Re: Carb - Repair or Replace?
Post by: scifi on 12 Oct, 2023, 00:10
I think you have got to realise that the top face of the float bowl does not need to be absolutely air tight, as the top of the fuel has access to the atmosphere anyway.   Some carb float chambers actually have a hole in them, above the fuel level, to allow fuel to leak out when you tickle them.