Carburettor diaphragm

[DaveM]

I was reading the blog on the trip from Cape to Cario and noticed this entry. Now as far as I can recall a long time back we did something like this to a carb as well. However the fuel seemed to break down the glue into a sticky past that then clogged up the jets. So what are your thoughts on this?

All tests were done and it was concluded to be a problem with a carburettor diaphragm that had a small hole in it – hence the lack of power due to fuel starvation. It sounded too good to be true as Rufus heard the news with disbelieve. “This is no April Fool joke is it?” he asked. This was a much “better” problem then he was expecting. The next problem was where to get spares. None were available in any nearby town. The only solution was to make a plan with blitstick and a small piece of an old diaphragm. Well done Jaco at Bike World, you are a star.

 

[Rocky]

I have never had such a problem so I don't know anything about a temporary repair.
Gasloine is harsh stuff. I don't know what blitstick is, but I hope the repair holds until they can get a new diaphram.

 

[DaveM]

Well they did not say anything about trying to get a new one to me it looks like they feel it is a fix

 

[CarlS]

Adhesives are pretty advanced compared to the 70's. There are adhesives that are supposed to be petroleum resistant.

 

[DaveM]

Well I sure hope so as it made a right mess of the carb in the late 70's. I don't know much about the one they have used here so I was unsure that is why I asked about it. In any event I would not rely on something like that holding while riding through Darkest Africa

 

[CarlS]

I would regard such a repair as an emergency repair and obtain a new diaphragm ASAP.

 

[DaveM]

This is what I thought but I never noticed any mention of them doing this. I actually don't think they are that experienced riders to tell the truth

 

[CarlS]

I certainly would not set out on a trip like that with a patched diaphragm. I wouldn't even set out across the the US with such.

 

[DaveM]

Ah I see they are sort of sorted out with it now

We arrived at Grootfontein before noon and had lunch at the local Hotel. After lunch Rufus and Norman headed of to a Motorbike shop called Northern Bikes and Quads. Norman lost his one glove and Rufus enquired to get a spare carburettor diaphragm for his bike. The owner, Johan and his son Duan understood our dilemma and said that they could give us a second hand spare, which they took off an old bike. It was to good to be true and one hour later the noisy thumpers were eating up the tarmac en route, 264km’s to Rundu.

 

[CarlS]

I would install that used one and save the patched one for a spare.

 

[DaveM]

Well I hope they do as if that glue does break down they will have other serious issues that they may find hard to solve in the middle of Africa

 

[CarlS]

If it gums up the injectors, he will really have a problem.

 

[DaveM]

Yes that is for sure and in the middle of Africa he won't get it fixed.