Trident Hard to start, won't idle

[Geezer]

Need some help from tuning guru's. 72 Trident, has the new style Amal's, Boyer ignition. She's SUPER hard to start. Really cold blooded. It seems I have to kick my brains out to get her to pop, then she'll eventually start. She hasn't run in about a year and a half. The gas is fresh, so that shouldn't be an issue. Once I do get her to run, she won't idle. I have to keep the RPM's around 2000-3000. She sounds good, smooth, no pops or misses. Plugs are good. The one thing she will NOT do is start or run if I use any choke. I've tried tickling the carbs. Not tickling the carbs. No throttle, half throttle, full throttle when kicking. I'm stumped!

As a note, she ran well last I had her out. There was a bunch of nasty's in the tank, and it did gum up the carbs. However, these carbs are new, the tank has been repaired and sealed, and it hasn't been run with the new carbs on, so as far as I can tell fuel system is not the issue. Any and all help is greatly appreciated!!

 

[triumph david]

G, glad to see you have your bike "running", i would check the carbs again, that sitting up is a pain for them, did you get the tank painted. You may try some additive and try starting it on starting fluid. DC

 

[Geezer]

I did drain them, made sure all fresh gas was going through. Yes, I did get it all painted up. Not a bad idea to try some starter fluid, thanks!!

 

[Kev59]

I had the same problem with my '76 T160.
Sounds like the pilot jet needs cleaned. Try squirting carb cleaner through it. If your carbs are new there should be a screw opposite from the air screw which you can remove an apply the cleaner.
What exhaust and air filter do you have?
Try experimenting with the pilot air adjuster screw. I had to do 1 and a quarter turn out to get easy start and good tick over.

 

[Kev59]

Is your battery fully charged?
Electronic ignition likes the full 12.6V
Take it the plugs are sparking on kick over?

 

[Rocky]

I agree with Kev59 on all counts.

 

[CarlS]

I agree with Kev59 on all counts.

Ditto.

 

[Geezer]

0

Is your battery fully charged?
Electronic ignition likes the full 12.6V
Take it the plugs are sparking on kick over?

Yes sir, battery is fully up. Plugs are good. I’ve pretty much narrowed it down to the carbs. I’ll be cleaning them this weekend. Thanks all for the tips!

 

[Rocky]

I thought from the outset that it was probably a carb problem.
Keep us updated.

 

[Geezer]

I thought from the outset that it was probably a carb problem.
Keep us updated.

That was it. Gummed up carb. Cleaned them out better than I had the last time, and after a few kicks, she fired right up. Set the idle and the air screws. Seems to like them about 1 full turn out. I'll play with them once I can get her out on the street and ride it a bit, warm her up properly.

Thanks to all for your help and suggestions, much appreciated!!!

 

[CarlS]

Excellent. Glad you found and solved the problem.

 

[triumph david]

Glad to see you got her going again!!!