Amal Premiere Carb

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737captain

737captain

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Nov 17, 2013
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300 miles after my rebuild I was left dead in the water, or at least at the roadside. The bike had been running perfectly, my only problem was my face was aching because I couldn't stop smiling. Then out of nowhere it started to run rough , I pulled over and there was and a really bad fuel smell. I looked down and gas was pouring out of the right side carb, naturally I turned off the gas and assumed the float had stuck. On closer inspection I realized that the float bowl drain plug had vibrated loose and fallen out. Incidentally I had installed brand new Amal Premiere carbs, lesson, take nothing for granted.

One overriding thing came out of the experience. While I sat on the roadside for about an hour or so waiting for my wife to show up with the trailer about 10 or 12 cars and bikes pulled over to see if I need any help. They were folks from all over the board. White collar, blue collar, car and bike drivers, Harley D, Japanese, old, young, men and women. I was absolutely blown away and have had my faith in human nature restored. If any of you are reading this, a huge Thank You.
 
It's possible that the new metal drain plugs are more inclined to vibrate loose, than the previous nylon version of the part.
 
Triton Thrasher said:
It's possible that the new metal drain plugs are more inclined to vibrate loose, than the previous nylon version of the part.
Click to expand...
yes they are :?
 
Wow how refreshing to read something about the "good" nature of humans. Rare these days, at least here in the USA. Or should I say what used to be the "United" S of A. I would say it just was never tight enough in the first place. Ive never had the metal drain plug fall out of the carb on my BSA 441 Shooting Star, with the original or the Premier carb I have used for the last few years and it shakes and get thrashed like a good Brit single should. I will say Iv'e never been impressed with the "sealing washer" gasket they come with. Seems to me they don't last to long.
 
I park my bike in the extra bedroom in my house because I don't have a garage to keep it in. I drain the carb bowls regularly because the if I don't the house will smell like gasoline. My plastic plugs are "buggered" but still seal ok. I want to get brass drain plugs, but I would like them to have either a cast wingnut (or welded) on them so I can remove the plugs without using tools

Amal Premiere Carb


OR

mount a bleeder valve in the bottom of the drain plug so no parts are disassembled to drain the bowls.

Amal Premiere Carb


Alternatively, a better solution would be a garage, but a modified drain plug is cheaper.
 
I believe I read a thread on here a while back stating that spark plugs are the same thread size and count. I can't say for sure because I haven't been home long enough to try it out. Keep getting offered another contract on the heels of the last.
 
cjandme said:
I believe I read a thread on here a while back stating that spark plugs are the same thread size and count. I can't say for sure because I haven't been home long enough to try it out. Keep getting offered another contract on the heels of the last.
Click to expand...

Ha! If that's true, how cool would it be to screws 2 old plugs into the bowls, complete with mock caps and HT leads! Would lead to some interesting questions when parked up!!
 
cjandme said:
I believe I read a thread on here a while back stating that spark plugs are the same thread size and count.
Click to expand...

They aren't exactly the same thread, but a 14mm spark plug will screw in about a turn or two before the threads jam, so can be used as a 'get-you-home'.
 
Fast Eddie said:
cjandme said:
I believe I read a thread on here a while back stating that spark plugs are the same thread size and count. I can't say for sure because I haven't been home long enough to try it out. Keep getting offered another contract on the heels of the last.
Click to expand...

Ha! If that's true, how cool would it be to screws 2 old plugs into the bowls, complete with mock caps and HT leads! Would lead to some interesting questions when parked up!!
Click to expand...
hook them up to real coils! hold on tight for some home made "boost" ? :lol:
 
I tried the N7Y spark plug in the float bowl drain.
Not the same thread. Tightness/interference with different thread forms when the curved electrode is inside the bowl the same depth as when tightened in the cylinder head.

Perhaps a 'get you home' fix to seal the drain as the electrode would not contact the float.
 
Very same things happened to me with my premieres, I think it's because of the stainless plug itself, as I never had this happen with the plastic plugs.
 
I'm running ss in my old amals and have never had a problem. The thread is 9/16-26
 
I had this happen to me once with my MK3. Just out of Redding CA a long ways from home. BY a miracle the plug lodged in the bike so I was able to continue on. Since then I have never removed a drain plug.
 
The green washers used with the new SS float plugs seal well the first time and then they
are bin material. The old red ones seal less well but if careful on removal can be used for
a long time. Look at Burlen's price on the green washers...gasp!
Plastic plugs are the best until you have a fire...
 
Onder said:
The green washers used with the new SS float plugs seal well the first time and then they
are bin material. The old red ones seal less well but if careful on removal can be used for
a long time. Look at Burlen's price on the green washers...gasp!
Plastic plugs are the best until you have a fire...
Click to expand...

You can get the proper red washers at any good auto parts store that stocks various fiber washers.
 
Many years ago I had a similar experience, the right hand carb plug vibrated out, lost power smelled gasoline. I stopped and quickly shut off the taps, I looked for the plug hopping to find it still aboard, but no luck. I walked away from the motorcycle, until I couldn't smell the fuel, got out a smoke and sat on a rock trying to decide what my next move was going to be. When I reached into my pocket to retrieve the Zippo I had to push my Camp-King pocket knife out of the way. It took me a while to realize that I could make a plug. I found a piece of resin soaked pine about an inch in diameter, whittled it to the purpose, screwed it in and it got me home about 20 miles, it barely wept, I don't smoke anymore, but I always carry a small knife or, more recently, a Leatherman with a blade. Amazing what you can do when you have to....

Now I also carry my cell phone, credit card, AMA membership and AAA Gold card.
 
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