help needed please i have just got a new toy a 71 b50t and yes starting problems just like every b50 , once started she runs and ticks over fine , i do the prestart kicks , tickle carb pray to the gods and kick and kick and kick, a change of carb sorted the goldie would a change of carb sort the b50 if so what carb ????
Hi Dave
I have 1972 B50T and I originally had huge starting problems. After getting the carburetor and timing properly sorted and using the correct starting technique, it starts 2nd or 3rd kick no problem.
For the carburetor, remove the bowl and the pilot screw and spray carb cleaner into the pilot jet hole. If the pilot jet is clear you should get carb cleaner dripping. Try poking a 0.014 inch stiff wire into the pilot jet hole. Use a wd40 straw as a guide for the wire. Keep at it until you get carb cleaner dripping out the bottom of the carb. If the pilot jet remains blocked, the engine will be almost impossible to start on the kick start.
For timing, I eventually timed it using the static timing method given in the shop manual. I used the shank of a drill bit to fit in the dowel hole in the crankshaft. Using this method, the advanced ignition will be set at 34 degrees btdc. This will let you easily start the engine but my experience indicated it was too far advanced as there was a lot of preignition at 34 degrees. Maybe the fuel I'm using is a factor. I now have the ignition set at 28 degrees btdc.
For starting, I use the method I picked up from the b50 forum. With the ignition OFF, turn on the fuel tap and press the tickler until fuel gushes out. Open the throttle to about 1/2, pull in the decompression and kick over the engine once then close the throttle, close the decompressor and bring the piston up to the top, then pull in the decompressor and gently roll the piston just over tdc. Close the decompressor. NOW turn on the ignition and kick it over. If it doesn't start, roll the piston up to just beyond tdc again and kick it over. If it doesn't start after 3-4 attempts, maybe there is a more serious problem with the carburetor or ignition.
Hope this helps. Let us know how you get along.
Jim