... really just suck. Not sure why, but I somehow feel like raising this topic today.

So do Harleys, full stop.

(That ought to get things going)

And BMW riders.

They never do the salute!

Classic vehicle owners mostly fall into one of two camps: They are either unable to see the flaws in their vehicle, or they have a long list of improvements to the design. It doesn't even seem to matter if they do their own work or not.


I work mostly on English cars. The Germans often feel that the first thing to improve is to install a Bosch fuel pump, as they are convinced that SU is crap. The problem isn't SU or Bosch, the problem is expecting a fuel pump to last more than 40 years!

I always thought the idea of desmodromic valves rather elegant. Leaving the closing to mere springs seems like cheating.

However, I understand they're a real bastard to adjust.

Or maybe the problem is putting the bloody thing exposed by a wheel arch so it is constantly showered in water and road grime. In my youth, I seemed to spend far too many journeys on wet winter nights in Minis and 1100/1300s repeatedly having to get out, lie in the gutter and belt it with a hammer.

Bit like Tom after he fallen off (again) you mean ?

Back in the day it may have been annoying, but think of how it built character! Once the cars become classics these quirks add to the charm. I've spent my share of time swapping pumps in the dark because on a twin tank Jag the pump invariably fails on the tank which is full. Had it down to a science, but now I can afford a new pump.

Do Bosch pumps whine???

TBH mine makes more noise the harder it has to work

Some do, as do the Facets. Most make some noise, the SUs were usually mounted with some rubber isolation, so you don't really notice it when the car is actually running. If you mount an SU, Bosch, or Facet straight to the body then you will hear it even at idle.

Bingo!!!
Considering the chassis design and mounting of the pump it explains the noise. The racecar also has the same issue before firing - when you hear the pumps (one in tank and one for the swirlpot)

And a good job you could hear them too. Because the return valve never worked, you had to wait after you'd turned on the ignition to hear the SU pump stop clicking before you tried starting the engine. Otherwise you could flatten the battery on the starter before enough fuel had been pumped up.

I really did have some rubbish cars.

Why mods don't close threads like this?
it has 0 relevance and just fill forum with junk.

Maybe EF should create a chat channel so people can chat instead of creating threads like this?

Maybe if the mods banned you, that would lead to less junk in this forum

Coming from a guy with a "Thanks/Groan-ratio" on almost 1:1

Must resist taking your cherry

Until recently I had a 1997 Cagiva E750 Elefant. Lovely bike, real pain finding parts. The engine is the same as a Ducati Monster from the same period so not too many problems there, but pretty much everything else was a real issue.... It died (flywheel split, damaged crankshaft) despite being taken care of and isn't worth repairing in terms of money and time Miss the bike, don't miss the associated hassles and numerous electrical gremlins.

You just love being my new biker bitch, don't you!

I.e. I'm no longer banned, boy!

Tom

You are both wrong.

Because I said so.

Thank god, the voice of reason is back ..... my thanks and groan totals have missed you.