Had a no spark situation. After getting spark I have upgraded my carb to a Nibbi PE28FL. Having starting issues. So I am removing the carb to inspect and ensure the float, manifold, spacers, gaskets, etc... are all in good functioning condition. The Carburetor is new but the manifold and spacers are 4 years old. Been 2 years since I pulled it out and ran it.
As stated there was no spark, that is now cured. It is a nice orange. Now to deal with the carb.
So this project is a current project. Be back soon with moer info.
Current Situation:
- Main: 118
- Pilot: 38 (currently in)
- Air filter: NIBBI cone (flows more air than your old Uni pod)
- That’s the size that previously ran the bike successfully.
- The 38 is probably a bit too rich (especially if the engine is warm), which often makes starting and idling worse.
- The cone filter does need more fuel than the old filter, but 38 seems to be overshooting it.
- Install the 35 pilot jet.
- Set the air/fuel mixture screw to 1.75 turns out (seat it lightly first, then back out 1.75 turns).
- Use the old spacer + gasket on the manifold side.
- Choke ON (cold engine).
- Try starting.
After you swap to the 35 pilot, tell me exactly what happens:
- Starts and dies right away?
- Starts, runs for X seconds, then dies?
- Idles rough?
- Runs okay with choke but dies when choke is pushed in?
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Yes, the plastic spacer (insulator) is needed. I recommend keeping it for now.
- It acts as a heat insulator — it prevents engine heat from transferring directly into the carburetor. Without it, the carb can get too hot, causing fuel to boil (vapor lock), rich/lean issues, hard hot starts, and poor idling.
- Many TBR7/Hawk 250 owners who removed the spacer reported problems (especially with the NIBBI carb).
- The original spacer worked for you before, so sticking with it reduces variables while we get the bike running.
- Look for cracks, crushing, or distortion.
- If it’s damaged, use the old original spacer (you said you have it) — it’s the safest choice right now.
- Intake manifold (on engine)
- Gasket
- Plastic spacer/insulator
- NIBBI carb (O-ring on carb flange seals against the spacer)
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- Intake Manifold (bolted to the cylinder head)
- Gasket (goes directly against the manifold surface)
- Plastic Spacer / Insulator (the thick plastic/rubber-like piece)
- Second Gasket (if you have one — many NIBBI kits include two)
- NIBBI Carburetor (the O-ring in the carb flange seals against the spacer/gasket)
- The plastic spacer is important for heat insulation. I recommend keeping it unless it's cracked or badly deformed.
- If you only have one gasket, put it between the manifold and the spacer.
- Lightly grease the O-ring on the carb flange and both sides of the gaskets with a bit of oil or petroleum jelly for a better seal.
- Tighten the mounting bolts evenly and not too tight — the plastic spacer can crack or crush easily.