Is it possible to install the distributor in 180 degrees off. The engine starts with the choke on but won't continue running with choke off. When running the engine coughs on acceleration and just plain runs sour. Any suggestions on tuning will help. So far I have changed coil, rebuilt heads, bored out 30 over because lower flange broke on cylinder and had to replace, rebuilt Tillotson carb, checked timing with light. The bike ran great b4 all I replaced cylinder.

 

FRESH fuel?

Welcome from Kentucky.

 

Intake leak?

 

To answer the first sentence of your post. Yes. I have it done it more than once. Does it back fire out of the carb? One sure sign 180 out. Easy fix.Good luck.

 

It has to be bad gas or running lean. RK4ME has good point, intake leak causing running lean. Could also be defective carb causing running lean. But I'm guessing Hippie49 is right, old gas.

 

Take a look in the Technical Stickys Index in the Ironhead section over at the www.XLForum.net and you will find lots of trouble shooting help for the older Sporties.

 

Thanks for all the input, the gas is fresh. I thought at first it was an intake leak but have done everything I know of to correct. I will take another look at the carb after I rotate the distributor. Thanks again for the input but don't stop with the ideas. I rode this bike for 35 years but moved on to a 2007 Softtail Standard, and 2011 Roadglide Ultra and a 2011 Ural with sidecar and I still ride all of these bikes. A lot of people have told me it is the Tillotson Carb but I can't believe that because it ran great b4 the cracked flange on the cylinder.

 

I had my 66XLCH run badly 180 out but it had a magneto.

 

What I'm thinking or he might be a tooth off on the distributor install, can't get it 180 out or they won't fire at all.

 

A bike that runs with choke on but not off is the biggest symptom of intake leak. Start the bike, let it run with choke on. Spray WD40 or starting fluid in short bursts around intake, being careful not to get in carb. If engine revs, you just confirmed intake leak.

FYI, it's refreshing to hear some old school issues.