Just picked up this '76 IronHead. The guy I got it from said he wasn't mechanically inclined. He did have a mechanic go thru the carb. And had replaced the plugs. Never did anything to the points. He said it might need Timing adjustment. After quite a few tries and near starts he got it running. I couldn't even get a near start. Got it home and tried and still can't even get a near start. I've got to get a manual on order and some new points for it. In the meantime I was wondering if any one here could give me some tips on starting. The guy told to crank it he would choke it for one kick. Then no choke. Also he said not to give it any gas. I didn't want to put a starter on it but I am now rethinking that one. I had a '65 650 BSA that I built when I was kid. That's the biggest engine I've ever kicked off. Since then it's mostly been push a button.
The guy I got it from was about my size. I'm 5'11" 190#s if that make a difference.

 

Go thru a pushrod adj., points adj., timing adj. as per the service manual.
Check the flyweights as well.
If you have fuel, compression, and spark, it should just like turning a light switch on.
Scott

 

Check the flyweights as well. Very Common For Them To Seize In The Advance Position !!! They're located under the plate that the points and condensor mount to.

 

Best way to attend to the flyweights is to replace them with an ignition rotor, and a Dyna 2000i, or DTT.
Once that is all set, you'll never need to get back in there for maintainence again, but then again, after a set of points settles in and the flyweights are in good working order and lubed occasionaly, they'll give good servire.
Scott

 

Thanks guys, I've got a manual on the way. I'll then be able to check the push rods and timing. I'll pull the cover off the points this weekend and check them and the weights. I think my problem partly not knowing the machine and partly it's in need of a good tune up.