Reserve fuel tap

[Tufftrax]

Just picked up my 3 1/2 Sport (350K) and have a question for more experienced Morini riders :-

My bike has an electronic fuel tap on the left and a manual one on the right - when riding, should the manual tap be switched on too or is this only for "reserve" fuel use when the tank gets low?

What do most riders do?

[MarkB]

Hi, the reserve tap is just for reserve: point the lever down for 'on.' Some people say that having both taps operating increases fuel flow at higher speeds, but I've not noticed any difference myself.

Enjoy the bike!

Regards, Mark

[unreal]

Hi, I open the second tap if I'm giving it some welly or on motorways, it's not unknown for the electric tap to get restrictive allowing the mixture to lean-out, not good news! I tend to know how much fuel I have anyway, I may be a little over cautious but better safe than sorry...

Simon

[Morizzi]

I removed the electric tap and used a standard gravity feed tap to replace it. Both taps now have on and reserve.

I normally only run with one tap on. I've never experienced a fuel starvation issue with only one normal tap. Have both on if you feel the need with the reserve amount still there via the taps.

The morini was the only bike I had with an electric tap so it isn't an issue for me to remember to turn the taps off when I'm finished.

Just what I do. I am not a fan of added complexity for no practical gain.

[GeoffJH]

Hi - does anyone know what make and model and perhaps a part number of a fuel tap with a reserve position that will fit a 1977 3 1/2 tank thread. If not does anyone know the the size. Cheers Geoff

[Brett]

Hi Tuftrax,

In response to your comment, you will find that the 3 1/2 Sport has an electronic fuel tap on the left side a manual one on the right, each tap fuels the respective carbies, so the electronic should come on as you turn the key and you will need to turn the manual one.

There is no reserve on the electronic tap the manual tap I believe the the key down is on reserve or up is normal, I tend to just leave it in the down position while riding and watch the odometer.

There has been issues witht he electronic tap when under full throttle the carby will run dry as the feed isn't quick enough so many have changed the electronic for a manual tap, it depends on whether you want originality or intend giving it a bootful on a track.

Hope that helps.

Cheers

Brett

[Brett]

Hi Geoff,
I am unsure as the thread size but if you contact North Leicester Motorcycles they can help you with a manual tap.

Cheers

Brett

[buzby]

I bought one of these on ebay for my Kanguro,

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/FUEL-PETROL-TAP-1 ... 20b841cf59

[EVguru]

you will find that the 3 1/2 Sport has an electronic fuel tap on the left side a manual one on the right, each tap fuels the respective carbies, so the electronic should come on as you turn the key and you will need to turn the manual one.

The carbs are connected in series (or should be) so either tap feeds BOTH.

There is no reserve on the electronic tap the manual tap I believe the the key down is on reserve or up is normal, I tend to just leave it in the down position while riding and watch the odometer.

The orginal 'reserve' tap is a standard twin position tap with the level tube removed so either 'on' position provides reserve.

[EVguru]

Hi - does anyone know what make and model and perhaps a part number of a fuel tap with a reserve position that will fit a 1977 3 1/2 tank thread. If not does anyone know the the size. Cheers Geoff

The thread is 16 by 1mm as I recall. I've used Yamaha Majesty 250 taps in the past, but when I wanted taps for the 500 I bought a pair from NLM for about £12.

[Brett]

Thanks for the info Paul, I take the balance tube that runs between both carbies therefore supplies both carbies??

I wasn't sure on the manual tap about a reserve position.

Thanks

Brett

[GeoffJH]

Thanks for you guidance on the taps, will give Rob at NLM a call.

[EVguru]

Thanks for the info Paul, I take the balance tube that runs between both carbies therefore supplies both carbies??

When most Morini owners talk about a balance pipe, they mean the vacuum pipe that runs between the carbs on later models.

Dellorto carbs can be fitted with single or twin stub banjo. With a twin stub fuel can flow from one stub to the other, as well as into the float bowl. The Dart and the Excalibur have just one fuel tap with the carbs fed sequentially. The first carb has a twin stub banjo, the second a single.

[Brett]

Hi Paul,

Thanks mate, it all makes sense now.

Cheers

Brett