Float chamber 1930 R9

[Oily thumb nail]

It has been pointed out to me that the float chamber on my R9 seems to be on the wrong side of the carb. Research shows pictures of other restored R9's with the float chambers installed on either side but factory pictures show it on the NS. It might be that when the engine gets hot (in summer) its a bit too hot tucked in behind the "pot" and vapour lock might be an issue when re starting from warm. Maybe that's why the restorer(not me) fitted it this way? Maybe he too was working on other peoples pictures and the internet had expanded the mistake?

I balanced all the info and decided that its a very exposed position (on the outside) and the float chamber risks damage where it was so I have re located it. Swivelling the float chamber to the other side was child's play. Re bending the chromed fuel feed pipe was a laborious and tricky job but now its all connected up the engine starts and runs as well as it did before.

Anyone fancy confirming the above observations?

Still have to cure the oil leak!

[SPRIDDLER]

There's a pic on page 9 of the 1930 Pitmans Owners Manual showing it on the R/H side here:

http://archives.jampot.dk/book/Owners_m ... cycles.pdf

However, and as you say, these factory brochures show it on the L/H side.

http://archives.jampot.dk/promotional/S ... alogue.pdf

http://archives.jampot.dk/promotional/S ... Poster.pdf

[Oily thumb nail]

Thanks Spriddler.

I have some of these pictures and not others. Its all very interesting. I can honestly say I'm enjoying finding my way round this bike and shall enjoy taking it out on the road later in the season.

These pictures you sent, particularly the brochure, confirm the R9 came out of the factory gates with the float chamber on the near side of the Amal carb. It seems to be mounted on the other side on some of the 350 models.

As I have already said the bike seems to run the same with the float chamber on either side, but the brass float chamber has already been broken on my bike (many moons ago, and very neatly and carefully repaired) and re positioning inboard it has given it a load of protection from getting "biffed" again.

Thanks again for your helpful input.