Unofficial Royal Enfield Community Forum
Royal Enfield Motorcycles => Vintage Royal Enfield => Topic started by: rvcycleguy on August 27, 2013, 02:12:40 pm
-
Well, the other day, I noticed a bind in the throttle cable in the channel under the gas tank. Thought I fixed that, but it may have been a lingering issue. Went out this morning to take the bike out for a short ride and it fired right up and then died. Throttle grip was loose and rotating freely. Cable end broke at the grip. Small lead end snapped off. Is this a dealer item or can I find it at any MC repair shop?
-
Generally you can find replacement cables at any motorcycle shop. Ive even used 10 speed bike cables from Walmart in an emergency <G>
-
Generally you can find replacement cables at any motorcycle shop. Ive even used 10 speed bike cables from Walmart in an emergency <G>
When you used a bike cable, was it just the cable or with the housing?
-
I have a custom fitted bike cable on my carb with no issues. I bought a cable kit from Ace Hardware for $8. Found the cable that fit the throttle grip the best, cut to fit as needed and soldered on the cable cap.
Scottie
-
I have a custom fitted bike cable on my carb with no issues. I bought a cable kit from Ace Hardware for $8. Found the cable that fit the throttle grip the best, cut to fit as needed and soldered on the cable cap.
Thanks Scottie. I found a shop here in town called Ace Motorworks that does vintage MC work. He did a carb clean and rejet this year for me. I called him and he said bring the cable over and he would solder on a new end. 10 minute ride and $5 job and Im back in business. Thanks for the prompt replies. Now just have to install it and make sure it does not get in a bind again. How do riders deal with this on the road? Trailer it? Is there no options for the throttle like there might be for the clutch?
RV
-
You can also find "custom" cable kits with little barrels that have a set screw on the grip end. The custom part is you cut to the length you need and put the barrel on. Very inexpensive. Mine was frayed where it enters the throttle grip housing and I replaced it 2 weeks ago before it failed. The angle of the cable at the throttle isn't ideal.
-
You can also find "custom" cable kits with little barrels that have a set screw on the grip end. The custom part is you cut to the length you need and put the barrel on. Very inexpensive. Mine was frayed where it enters the throttle grip housing and I replaced it 2 weeks ago before it failed. The angle of the cable at the throttle isn't ideal.
Thanks. Having a little issue with putting in back on. With the new end on it, the shop guy had to cut off a smidge to solder on the stopper. Did not look like much, maybe 1/8 inch up to 1/4. Having a problem getting both ends in their respective locking positions. When I do, the throttle grip is too tight and does not return. Carb Plunger, screen, cable end, all seem seated well.
-
Check for bends and kinks in the cable between the throttle and the carb. Too tight a turn or pinching under the tank can pinch the cable inside the cable cover.
-
Check for bends and kinks in the cable between the throttle and the carb. Too tight a turn or pinching under the tank can pinch the cable inside the cable cover.
Working with the tank off. I've checked for kinks and bends and all seems to be ok. I'll take a break and go back at it fresh this evening. Thanks. Seems like it does not want to stay locked into the plunger end? Too easy for it to release while I'm putting the grip end in the lock.
-
Got the cable on now and the bike fires up and goes immediately to a very high idle with no way to roll it down. It will roll on higher but won't throttle down. I can put the chock on and it will idle down but finally choke itself out when it gets warmed up. If I take the choke off, it goes to a fast, high idle. Seems like there is enough slack in the cable?
-
Either the cable is installed wrong or it is too tight. There should be an 1/8-1/4" of play in the throttle grip. If there is no play in the grip then it is too tight and pulling the slide open.
Scottie
-
Either the cable is installed wrong or it is too tight. There should be an 1/8-1/4" of play in the throttle grip. If there is no play in the grip then it is too tight and pulling the slide open.
Scottie
That's kind of what I'm thinking. That the slide is open while at rest. By having a new cable end stop put on yesterday, the cable may be just a pinch too short. I will also check that the throttle grip is in the proper rotating position. It appears the kill switch housing is not in the same position it was when I started the project which may be pulling the cable slightly.
-
Working to solve this issue. If I remove the metal 2 step collar that slides on the cable housing end where it goes inside the plastic switch housing at the throttle end, the idle is back to normal. If I put the collar back on, the throttle runs away high. I'm assuming the cable is too short and pulling the slide plunger open. When I remove the collar, it drops the slide to normal. The throttle seems to work decent and I'm trying to decide that I don't need the collar? If so, I'll order a new cable from the dealer and wait for it come in.
Update.... Spoke with the dealer and he said that the reason it's got a high idle is that the exterior housing was not shortened by the same length as the inner cable was shortened. Therefore the housing is just a fraction long. That's why it will low idle without the collar end on. Without it, the housing goes up inside the switch housing and let's the carb run at a low idle.
-
Post a pic of what you're talking about so I can see if it's ok to remove.
Scottie
-
Post a pic of what you're talking about so I can see if it's ok to remove.
Scotti
Update.... Spoke with the dealer and he said that the reason it's got a high idle is that the exterior housing was not shortened by the same length as the inner cable was shortened. Therefore the housing is just a fraction long. That's why it will low idle without the collar end on. Without it, the housing goes up inside the switch housing and let's the carb run at a low idle.
(http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu203/rvcycleguy/f85bad809ce8c4d45ecf3cc83f464e28_zpsf25597e1.jpg)
-
Yeah you need that collar. Did you make sure that knurled adjusters are as loose as they can go? Sometimes if you take the lock nut off it will give you enough play.
Scottie
-
Yeah you need that collar. Did you make sure that knurled adjusters are as loose as they can go? Sometimes if you take the lock nut off it will give you enough play.
Scottie
There are no knurled adjusters on either end. Not sure if the cable fits the bike or the cable fits the carburetor? It has a Mikcarb on it with is not stock.
-
There should be at least one adjuster where the cable goes into the carb.
Scottie
-
There should be at least one adjuster where the cable goes into the carb.
Scottie
Your right. There is a small brass threaded hex fitting on the carb end. It's sitting on what looks like a stack of 5 washers? If I back off the fitting, it increases the height and allows the washers to be loose. I may have to add more washers to get the slack in the housing I need on the other end. Thanks for the heads up. No more today.
-
NO NO NO!!! TAKE THE WASHERS OUT!!!
THAT'S why you don't have any slack in the cable. Remove ALL of those washers and you should have the free play you need and be back in business. :D
Scottie
-
NO NO NO!!! TAKE THE WASHERS OUT!!!
THAT'S why you don't have any slack in the cable. Remove ALL of those washers and you should have the free play you need and be back in business. :D
Scottie
Thanks. After I wrote of adding washers, I realized I probably should remove some or all to get more slack. The thing is, there is no locking nut, just a brass or bronze fitting. My guess is someone through the years prior to me owning the bike modified the cable end when they changed the stock Amal to the Micarb. Now I know. It's been an enlightening experience learning as I go on this bike.
Thanks,
RV
-
Removed the washers, actually, left one single on. Connected it all up and starts, idles and runs fine. Rode it today for about 60 miles. All good. Thanks guys for the advice.
-
No problem. Good to hear you got it figured out. :)
Scottie
-
Yay! Glad Scottie walked you through. A little slop or jiggle at the throttle is better than too tight and no play at all.
-
Went out on a group ride near the coast. Rode 60 miles there to meet up and then 20 more to the destination. About 2 miles short, the throttle went to idle only and no roll on. Found the carb end disconnected from the slide inside the carb. Can't seem to keep it locked into the key way. Its a slot with right angle that does not seem to want to hold anymore? Mikarb unit. Got trailered back to the meet up and wife came with the pu truck and carried it home. She says, if I can't ride it round trip, I will have to park it. It ran well this week since I got it repaired from the throttle end, probably 100 miles or so. Any more ideas?
-
Sounds like you need a new cable. Just buy a replacement or find a local bike shop that builds custom cables. Maybe the guy that helped you the first time can build you a new one from scratch.
Scottie
-
Sounds like you need a new cable. Just buy a replacement or find a local bike shop that builds custom cables. Maybe the guy that helped you the first time can build you a new one from scratch.
Scottie
Thanks Scottie. That's the conclusion that seems appropriate at this point. May have to go custom. The RE dealer here wants to special order with no returns. He cannot guarantee it fits due to vintage era and carb is not stock, as he says...
-
When you go back, make sure you bring your carb slide and throttle tube to make sure you have the correct barrels and nipples so you don't end up having to REmodify anything.
Scottie
-
Flanders cable parts. Never dealt with them but hears good things
http://www.flandersco.com/FlanCableSearch.html (http://www.flandersco.com/FlanCableSearch.html)
Barnett. these guys rock.
http://www.barnettclutches.com/ (http://www.barnettclutches.com/)
Either one should be able to accommodate your requirements.
-
Flanders cable parts. Never dealt with them but hears good things
http://www.flandersco.com/FlanCableSearch.html (http://www.flandersco.com/FlanCableSearch.html)
Barnett. these guys rock.
http://www.barnettclutches.com/ (http://www.barnettclutches.com/)
Either one should be able to accommodate your requirements.
Thanks Ice. I will give them a call after the holiday here on Monday. I lost that slotted sleeve retainer from the grip end of the cable. I saw it fall out while I was coasting to the shoulder after the carb end failed and created slack. I tried to find it on the road shoulder and could not.
-
I've just realized I'm missing the Mikarb slide retainer plate. It's what locks in and hold the throttle cable stopper end to the slide. Where do I start to find it. That is the reason the cable continues to pull out of the carb end. I can lock it into the L shape key way but there is no retainer plate on top of that. Don't no why it's missing. Only person this year that has had their hands in the carb is a vintage MC shop. He swears he did not see it or lose it.
May be this item. Mikuni Spring Seat Plate VM26-606 VM28/132.
-
Sudco part # 002-079 310-637-8330
or Niche Supply on eBay (I've ordered a lot of small parts from them.).
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mikuni-Spring-Seat-Plate-VM26-606-VM28-132-6-/160897983145 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mikuni-Spring-Seat-Plate-VM26-606-VM28-132-6-/160897983145)
-
Sudco part # 002-079 310-637-8330
or Niche Supply on eBay (I've ordered a lot of small parts from them.).
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mikuni-Spring-Seat-Plate-VM26-606-VM28-132-6-/160897983145 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mikuni-Spring-Seat-Plate-VM26-606-VM28-132-6-/160897983145)
Thank you
-
Sudco part # 002-079 310-637-8330
or Niche Supply on eBay (I've ordered a lot of small parts from them.).
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mikuni-Spring-Seat-Plate-VM26-606-VM28-132-6-/160897983145 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mikuni-Spring-Seat-Plate-VM26-606-VM28-132-6-/160897983145)
Got it ordered and on the way. Flanders is sending me 2 of them, in case I lose another one... lol. They did not ask for payment. He said, just send him a check for $2.26 when I get a chance. Excellent customer service. Thank you very much.
-
Got it ordered and on the way. Flanders is sending me 2 of them, in case I lose another one... lol. They did not ask for payment. He said, just send him a check for $2.26 when I get a chance. Excellent customer service. Thank you very much.
+1 :D
-
YAY!