TOPIC:

Hi guys sorry to bother you but I've recently bought a nordie and have the starting issues, but rather than mess about with the carbs I bought New from Bob Wright. I've also bought New batteries 1st not that good but the 2nd (varta 190 cold cranking amps) and still struggles to fire but if I just give it a boost from spare battery with jump leads its away ?
Also are they normally quiet engines? As mine seems a bit tappety
I've had lots of bikes just not Italians haha
Cheers for any info
Also anyone got a front mudgaurd for sale as I've got a nordie in boxes as well

They do need good batteries to start, I have used glass mat batteries for some time the Motobatt was OK, but the best I have used so far were the Hawker Odyssey which although a bit more costly lasted longer, I'm still using one after about 8 years
the engines should not be tappety, have a look at your valve clearances and if you don't know when the belt was last changed replace it.
John

If the bike's been sitting for a while A: the fuel will have gone off and B: the carbs will need stripped and cleaned - if you've a new set of carbs then get them fitted up, strip your original pair, get them ultrasoniced and keep them as a spare set.

The secret is simple- meticulously clean carbs, fresh fuel, big fat spark (so decent battery). It shouldn't sound tappety, it should whir like a well oiled sewing machine and a new belt will save tears before bedtime later on.

Given a new carb set, it sounds like a sub optimal spark. Presumably you have tried a new spark plug? Check all the connections at the ignition box and the HT coil, and it's also worth checking the ignition sender air gap. The standard (metal shrouded if I remember correctly) plug cap can get very manky. Worth treating it to a new HT lead and NGK cap. If all else fails go a grade softer on the plug until the weather warms up.

The valve clearances aren't difficult to do. As Overbomber said, a new cam belt is a must unless you know when it was last changed.

I drained the old fuel out so it's all new for the new carbs, I also fitted a new plug. The battery should be good with the 190 cranking amps?
I'm also thinking of fitting a stick coil to help with starting.
Where is best for the timing belt and guess I need check my valve clearances then. Was hoping to get it tested and take it for a spin.
Cheers for the info lads

www.bobwrightmotorcycles.co.uk/nordwestpriceguide.htm

Spares here ^^^^^^^^

£32 for the belt plus £28 for the tool, it's best to do the belt as a precaution, particularly if you don't know the service history.