Rickman Questions

[Jumbo]

Hi
I have recently bought a Rickman in very good condition. However there are a few minor faults as ever with old bikes. Both the petrol taps are leaking, causing petrol to drip down onto the engine. Can these be repaired or do they have to be replaced. Am I correct in saying that both these have to be open to run the bike and there is no 'reserve' part to the tank. Also I need to replace the foot peg rubbers are these available.
I emailed Rickman Metisse this morning as I belive they do supply certain parts, but no answer.
Jumbo

[steve bowdler]

Hi sure M+P supply fuel tap repair kits,but as for a rickman I'm unsure of these,give them a try.

[Iain marshall]

Jumbo what type of taps are on your fank are they the small square italian ones?

[Jumbo]

Hi Iain
Yes the taps are small and of a very square body construction.
Jumbo

[Rickman CR]

The Taps should have a reserve. There should be a small moulded letter R on one side. If this is in the up position, its on reserve. Repair kit? I'm not sure. Try a dismantle, clean and re-assemble. Amazing the amount of ****e in there over the years. As for Mettisse try phoning instead of email.

[Rich]

Do they have a big threaded adaptor (double threaded nut) joining them to the tank? Are they the straight outlet at the bottom with the alloy lever mechanism held on by a threaded nut or at 90 degrees with the plastic lever held in with a plate with tow screws? If they are straight you'll probably be better off tyring to find some Paoli later taps which flow more fuel, TSS triumphs and Ducati 900ss used to have them but I don't know if they are still available.
I think you'll find the footpeg rubbers are kickstart rubbers off a Triumph Bonnie, go and ask at your local British Bike shop

[Iain marshall]

jumbo as Colin says you can take them apart,unscrew the nut behind the tap lever,once this is off you should see a rubber washer with three holes in it the chances are the rubber has hardend up,take it out carefully and soak it in something like WD40 and see if it softens up a bit.I remember seeing one of the Ducati specialist listing new rubbers for Piaola?? fuel taps,will have a look and see if i can find them,i ended up making new ones myself a few years ago and they still work,let us know how you get on

[Jumbo]

Iain
Since you asked how I got on, I phoned a few Italian spare parts people and the general answer is that you have to buy new taps at about ?20 each. I got hold of Metisse who offered new taps also. I found a place in Australia who do the seals. So I ordered two sets. They are sending them airmail so should get them next week hopefully. It was worthwhile taking the taps off as I can see now how they work with the reserve section.
As for the footrest rubbers, I have ordered two Zed kickstart rubbers from Z Power. That should look OK as they long enough not to leave anything exposed.
Hopefully get it MOTd soon and get it on the road.

[Iain marshall]

Jumbo good to hear your getting something sorted out for the taps,could you send me the address of the supplier in Oz as i've got another set of taps to do for the other bike and it was a pain making the last set,cheers

[Jumbo]

Iain
The address is:-
[url=http://www.roadandrace.com.au/parts/parts/Italian%20Fuel%20Tap%20Seals.htm

They]http://www.roadandrace.com.au/parts....

They[/url] quoted AUSū for a seal and air mail. So I do not think it will be a big expense, even for 4 !!

I will let you know what they are like once I have got them. Assuming they are the same mine are 14mm diameter and 2mm thick. 3 holes.

[Jumbo]

Iain
I got the seals through from Australia, only took about 10 days. I think the AUSū was for the airmail, however the total cost was only AUSำ which is about ?15, that was for 4 seals. The seals are now fitted, which wasn't the easiest of jobs, and the taps don't leak now !!!
The Z kickstart rubbers look good as footrests also.