Target Audience:
Motorcycle mechanics, restoration specialists, vintage motorcycle owners, tuning enthusiasts.
Niche Market:
Catapulting the user into the world of vintage motorcycle maintenance and carburettor tuning, a specialist niche.
Comparison To Alternatives:
Amal carburettors were the dominant OEM fitment for many British motorcycles. These manuals are essential for maintaining and tuning these specific, widely used systems, offering a level of detail often not found in generic motorcycle manuals.
Uniqueness:
Focus on specific Amal models, detailed parts lists with exploded views, model-specific tuning data, and official service bulletins directly from Amal.
Tuning Philosophy:
Focus on practical tuning hints and tips that can be applied by mechanics and enthusiasts to improve engine performance and drivability.
Practical Guidance:
Focus on practical 'Hints and Tips' for effective tuning and fault diagnosis, making complex procedures more accessible.
Primary Coverage:
Amal Carburettors (various series), Motorcycle Carburettor Tuning and Maintenance
Secondary Coverage:
Triumph, BSA motorcycles, Seagull outboard engines
Specific Vehicle Models:
Explicitly mentions 'Amal carbs for BSA Twins' and 'BSA Bantam 175cc Amal carburettor', indicating vehicle-specific application.
Estimated Total Pages:
Varies by specific manual, but individual manuals range from ~20 to 100+ pages. Total collection is extensive.
Types Included:
Workshop Service Manuals, Parts Lists, Service Bulletins, Tuning Guides, Hints & Tips Booklets
Primary Language:
English
Digital Format:
Likely PDF or scanned document reproductions.
Physical Format:
Original printed manuals, potentially reprinted.
Searchability:
PDF versions may offer text searchability; original print scans may not.
Fuel System:
Carburettor function, fuel delivery, float bowl operation, jetting, air/fuel mixture
Ignition Related:
Tuning aspects that influence ignition timing and spark plug fouling (indirectly)
Engine Mechanical:
Carburettor internal components, sealing, linkage
Throttle Control:
Operation and maintenance of throttle slides, spindles, and linkage systems.
Air Intake:
Interaction between the carburettor and air filter systems, including choke operation.
Maintenance:
Cleaning, inspection, float level adjustment, general servicing
Repair:
Component replacement, troubleshooting common faults, rebuilding
Tuning Setup:
Jet setting adjustments, needle positioning, idle speed control, mixture optimization, specific engine application tuning
Parts Identification:
Exploded views, part numbers, cross-referencing for specific carburettor models
Assembly Disassembly:
Step-by-step instructions for complete disassembly and reassembly of various Amal carburettor models.
Fault Tracing:
Systematic approach to diagnosing and resolving carburettor-related running problems.
Part Listing Details:
Detailed listing of every nut, bolt, washer, jet, needle, float, and gasket for specific carburettor models.
Bulletin Integration:
Inclusion of service bulletins (e.g., Floatbowl Service Bulletin 2/1973) provides critical updates and revised procedures.
Depth Level:
Comprehensive for carburettor mechanics and enthusiasts. Covers detailed assembly, disassembly, and tuning for various Amal models. Assumes some mechanical aptitude.
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Extensive diagnostic information for identifying performance issues related to fuel delivery, air metering, and component wear.
Rebuild Instructions:
Detailed instructions for complete carburettor rebuilds, including seal replacements and component refurbishment.
Digital Quality:
Variable. Original scans may have lower resolution. Professionally digitized versions would offer searchable text and higher clarity.
Original Print:
Standard for technical manuals of the era (1960s-1970s): Black and white line drawings, text, potentially some halftones. Durable paper stock.
Original Binding:
Likely stapled booklets or perfect-bound manuals.
Original Paper:
Likely semi-gloss or matte paper, suitable for technical diagrams.
Engine Type:
Internal combustion, typically piston-type, for motorcycles and small engines.
Typical Application Performance:
Carburettors directly influence engine performance (horsepower, torque, throttle response, fuel efficiency). Manuals provide data for optimizing this.
Carburettor Types Covered:
Amal 600 Series, 900 Series, GP2, MK2 Concentric, Monobloc (Pre-Monobloc, Monobloc), Strangler Carburettors, Seagull Two-Jet, Seagull 420 A2.
Jet Settings Data:
Specific jet sizes (main, pilot, needle jet), needle taper, throttle slide cutaway, float height specifications for various models and applications.
Needle Jet Type Carburetter:
Detailed explanation and tuning for carburettors utilizing an adjustable needle to control the fuel-air mixture based on throttle opening.
Float Level Adjustment Procedure:
Specific instructions for checking and adjusting the float level in Amal Concentric carburettors using a service bulletin.
Needle Jet Type Carburetter Description:
Explanation of how needle-jet type carburetters work, their advantages, and common tuning parameters.
Remote Float Chambers:
Specific models (e.g., GP2) feature remote float chambers, with instructions for their setup and maintenance.
Pilot Jets:
Information and specifications for pilot jets used in needle-jet and monobloc carburetters for low-speed fuel metering.
Carburettor Linkage:
Information on twin carburettor setups and linkage synchronization where applicable.
Strangler Carburettor Application:
Specific manuals for 'Strangler' carburetters used on small engines, detailing their single-lever control operation.
Two Jet Carburettor Design:
Information on the Seagull-Amal Two-Jet Carburettor, highlighting its unique offset float chamber and bottom feed design.
Mk2 Concentric Tuning:
Specific fitting and tuning instructions for Mk2 Amal concentric carburetters, including carburettion set-up service parts manuals.
Typical Carb Maintenance:
Recommended intervals for cleaning and servicing are generally based on mileage or usage hours, often suggested between 3,000-6,000 miles or annually. Manuals provide guidance for specific models.
Seasonal Maintenance:
Guidance on preparing carburettors for storage or seasonal use, including fuel draining and cleaning.
Fuel Type:
Standard unleaded or leaded petrol of the era, depending on the engine's original specification. Manuals may mention octane recommendations.
Lubrication Points:
Guidance on lubricating throttle slides, spindle bearings, and linkage points with appropriate light oil or grease.
Common Carb Problems:
Sticking throttle slides, worn jets and needles, leaking float bowls, incorrect float levels, clogged fuel passages, worn spindle seals. Manuals provide diagnostics for these.
Troubleshooting Sections:
Detailed 'Fault Tracing' and 'Hints & Tips' sections within the manuals are designed to help identify and rectify common problems.
Jet Setting Importance:
Emphasis on using correct jet sizes and settings for optimal performance and engine longevity, as detailed in tuning guides.
Amal Legacy:
Amal (Amalgamated Carburetters) was a prominent British manufacturer of carburetors, widely used by many motorcycle brands, particularly during the mid-to-late 20th century.
British Motorcycle Era:
These manuals are intrinsically linked to the golden age of British motorcycle manufacturing, providing essential support for these iconic machines.
Evolution Of Models:
The manuals cover the progression from earlier Monobloc designs to the later concentric and GP models, reflecting advancements in carburettor technology.
Gp2 Carburettor Legacy:
The GP2 carburettor represents Amal's high-performance offering for Grand Prix racing, indicating their involvement in competitive motorsport.
Monobloc Evolution:
Coverage of different Monobloc types (e.g., 375, 376, 389) used on various BSA and other motorcycles.
Applicable Production Years:
Primarily covers carburettors fitted to motorcycles and engines manufactured from the 1950s through the 1970s, with some overlap into the early 1980s.
Associated Vehicle Makes:
Triumph, BSA, Norton, Royal Enfield, Velocette, and many other British motorcycles. Also Seagull outboard engines.
