Runs on full choke

[NicoNP]

Have a ’47 WL, Linkert carb, pretty original bike. Hard starting. I don’t have much time to work on it these days, I pick an hour here and there. When it starts it will only run with full choke. I’ve had it running a month ago, poor throttle response but it ran and idled. Rode around the block. Now this. Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

[c.o.]

It sounds like your intake manifold may be leaking. There is plenty of info on the topic if you use the search function.

[knuckleheadtim]

Maybe the spring that holds the main nozzle into the venturi broke or is missing. if you look into the throat, it should reach about to the center of the carb. Also, make sure the venture ins't installe backwards. The leading edge should be round like the front of an airplane wing.

It's best to pull the carb and check everything. The float could be swollen and stuck, or the needle valve may be "Viton" and was attacked by the gasahol forcing the float to the bottom of the bowl. It could just be gummed up from sitting. I doubt it's a manifold leak if it idles but leans out at high speed.

[c.o.]

I guess I didn't ask questions like....how long has the bike been sitting? etc... etc... If gas was left in the carb for a lengthy period of time it for sure should come apart for an inspection if it's not working properly.

[T. Cotten]

I guess I didn't ask questions like....how long has the bike been sitting? etc... etc... If gas was left in the carb for a lengthy period of time it for sure should come apart for an inspection if it's not working properly.

Corey!

You were dead-on with your first post,
however, never does only one thing go wrong at a time!

...Cotten

[c.o.]

So true Cotten! If it were only one thing at a time it would be way too easy!!!!

[NicoNP]

Thanks guys. I've had the carb off and on so many times, it is clean and doesn't seem to be damaged by gasahol at all. Jets (needle valves) look clean.

I have to admit the float is suspect. Of course the last time I checked it seemed "floppy" enough, but looking at it (up-side-down, in my hand) it's never perpendicular to the bowl. I kind of blew this off thinking it can't make that much difference (can it?). Messing with it I've had a hard time trying to get the float clearance right.
Last time it was running (month ago) it idled like a 45 (runs forever) and wish I would have checked for air leaks then. Now without it idling like before, makes it more difficult.
My plan is to remove carb (again) and check float, manifold seats and . . . this is new to me knuckleheadtim, ". . . spring that holds the main nozzle into the venturi broke or is missing", hmmm I'll look but have never seen anything like you have referred to.
Also unfamiliar with the term "Viton" . . . ??
Thanks again, Nick

[knuckleheadtim]

The spring I referred to goes in last when you put the bowl nut on the bottom They're carbon steel so the can rust very quickly if any water settles in the bottom of the car.

Viton is a rubber compund that was commonly used for the tips of needle valves and accelerator pumps on automotive carbs. Some aftermarket Linkert float valves are Viton tipped, but it swell like crazy with alcohol and forces the float to the bottom of the bowl- not a good scenario.

[NicoNP]

Ah ha, that dang float was stuck on the bottom of the bowl and does not "flop" around. In fact it seems like it is swollen. It's a plastic type float. Was the same way first time I opened the bowl up and thought I had gotten it to "flop" around in there. But like I mentioned before, that float is suspect.
So, guess I'll have to bite the bullet and get a new float. I've heard of the "Rubber Ducky" but in trying to hold the expenses down I've just put it off hoping I could salvage this stupid, bloated, swollen float.

Thanks for the clarification Tim, I'm not Viton tipped and the carb spring you referred to is in tact and looking good.

thx all

[TimR]

NicoNP, The gentleman on post #5 Tom Cotton IS the go to man for a replacement float. Tim