Take a look at a genuine F5B/FS1 barrel compared to a cheap and crappy Chinese High-Level barrel.
Look at the porting/ transfer/ inlet ports on the genuine barrel compared to the High-Level. I knew these barrels weren’t that special, yet I never knew they were that bad.
After a full engine rebuild using genuine parts, apart from a High-Level barrel, my poor 89 FS1 wouldn’t: start very well, rev-out, pull through the gears and maintain 40mph on the flat. It was running too rich; the plug was black and wet.
I tried and changed everything: plug, stator, points, condenser, different carb and setting; changed rotary disk seal just in case gearbox oil was leaking into the crankcases etc.
I swore, sulked and moaned (ask my misses). Then I took the top end off and the crankcases and barrel were soaked in petrol.
My advise, don’t bother and don’t touch them. Use them as door stopper in your shed or garage.
Thanks to Per, I can now get my FS1 running properly!
Meanwhile, until I fit the genuine barrel during the new-year, I have temporarily chucked on an old 60 kit (running better now). I ran it over to Mr MOT station today, watch that black ice,
and it flew through! Back on the road again
