I am about to take my dad's panhead and clean out everything and try to start it after 17 years of sitting. I am in the planning process right now. Gonna pick up the bike Saturday and just trying to get my ducks in a row. I'm going to use marvel's mystery oil in the cylinders first, then pull apart everything, clean the tank, the carb, check the fuel lines, new plugs, air cleaner, etc. The bike was running great when it was parked. My first question will be, what is the best oil to put in this thing? Should I go synthetic or stick to a regular oil? And then, is there anything else critical I should take care of before I try and crank this thing over? Thanks for all help.
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cogs 69, don't forget to change the condenser and while your at it you might make sure none of the electrical lines have frayed to the point they will create a short.Before you kick it you might think about testing wires end-to-end to make sure you got continuity.
I assume you got a new battery for it as well. Don't know any battery that can survive 17 years.
Depending on the environment it sat in,I would say most of the gaskets have probably died up, so be prepared for a few leaks you might not expect around cylinder base, lifter blocks, o ring seal around upper and lower pushrods.
I know ther are different minds about oils butI have only used HD 60 wt in all my pans. It is all pop ever used in his flathead, so it kinda runs in the family.
One last thought, replace o-rings around intake manifold as well. They are probably as dry as a stale cookies.
Only other thingI would do is take a wrench and socket and make sure bolts nuts and the like are properly tightened (exception for me would cylinder head bolts, base nuts)
you should take the oil tank off and wash it out with gas or kerosene, and there should be a plug (short bolt) on the bottom of the crankcase, be carefull takeing it out and putting it back, clean the threads and use some medium strength lock-tite and (don't cross thread it) after 17 years you want to get rid as much of that old oil as you can. hope this helps. my old 59 pan likes Harley Davidson 60 wt.
Thank you to both of you guys, I will check all this out. You have been a lot of help. My father had to make an emergency run to Oklahomayesterday and does not get back till this afternoon, so I took the chance to drive 3 hours last night to get the bike. It is safely in my garage now. Just FYI, I was wrong on what year this bike is, it is actually a '51 panhead. We took some pictures last night but they aren't very good. I will post some up as soon as i get a chance.
Ok, I have learned a few things about the bike today. It originally had a springer front end, which I did not take with me when I picked up the bike. It has a suicide shifter, which any help on how this works would be greatly appreciated. I have found neutral for moving it around, but if I'm not mistaken there are only 2 gears??
U need to post a pic of bike.Is it original looking or a custom?Bike could be a three speed w/reverse?Never a two speed.Wheres the shifter?on trans or tank?Foot clutch have rocker style or spring less single pedal design?A pic would help us guide you better.
Take a look at the photo gallery in my user profile. There is one picture of the transmission side of the bike. I will take a better picture when I get a chance. The bike is mostly stock. I would venture to say everything is stock except the front end. Can't exactly ask my dad, as that would ruine the suprise. The shifter is on top of the transmission. Sits just below the left thigh. Everything has been cleaned up and all fluids drained. We are soaking the carb right now to get the bowl off. Thank you for your time and help
'56 Panhead Rebirth
