Engine Mechanical Topics Discussion for motor builds, cams, head work, stripped bolts and other engine related issues. The good and the bad. If it goes round and around or up and down, post it here.

77 fxe won't start

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
  #1  
Old 05-16-2019, 09:22 PM
munkster's Avatar
munkster
munkster is offline
2nd Gear
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: wisconsin
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default 77 fxe won't start

My FXE will not start. I have great spark at the plugs. The S/S carb, squirts plenty of fuel when you twist the grip. I pulled the points cam, to make sure it is in there correctly, which it is. The compression is a problem. I have 180# in the rear cylinder, but only 130# in the front. Obviously a problem there, but I would think I would still get some pops or even get it started. It will not fire at all. I would appreciate some help from someone out there. Thanks, Mark
 
  #2  
Old 05-17-2019, 08:33 AM
98hotrodfatboy's Avatar
98hotrodfatboy
98hotrodfatboy is offline
Seasoned HDF Member
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Poolville
Posts: 17,590
Received 4,792 Likes on 3,303 Posts
Default

A little more info would help... how long have you had the bike? Still original bore and stroke (1200).? What mods? Have you done anything to the motor recently? ANY changes at all or did it just stop running?
Sometimes with the compression being that far off would it indicate the cam off a tooth. but you didn't list any other info...

I looked into your other posts and it looks like when you recently purchased this bike it was always like this... So first thing I would do is check the cam timing.... According to your other post it appears you have a FSM so it shouldn't be too difficult for you...
 

Last edited by 98hotrodfatboy; 05-17-2019 at 08:48 AM.
  #3  
Old 05-17-2019, 08:56 AM
jbarr1's Avatar
jbarr1
jbarr1 is offline
Road Master
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: georgia
Posts: 1,060
Received 278 Likes on 197 Posts
Default

Have you checked the intake manifold seals?
There is plenty of compression for it to run.
 
  #4  
Old 05-17-2019, 09:06 AM
Jackie Paper's Avatar
Jackie Paper
Jackie Paper is offline
Seasoned HDF Member
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Honah Lee
Posts: 34,191
Received 4,527 Likes on 3,780 Posts
Default

Spray some fresh gas in it carefully. If it's getting spark and fuel, it has to be bad gas or the spark time is way off. That is pleanty compression to start. Probably not idle very well. Probably valve seat problem on that one cylinder hopefully. Leak down tester will tell you where problem is.
Does it have points? Then it's a simple check to see if it is firing near top dead center. Scrap of thin cigarettes paper will pull out at top of compression stroke.
 

Last edited by Jackie Paper; 05-17-2019 at 09:11 AM.
  #5  
Old 05-17-2019, 06:59 PM
munkster's Avatar
munkster
munkster is offline
2nd Gear
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: wisconsin
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Yes, the bike ran somewhat ragged at first, but always started. The bike has had a different cam installed, as per the previous owner. I will check the cam timing. Stay tuned. And thanks for the input. Mark
 
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
jammer1
Exhaust System Topics
3
07-03-2011 07:37 PM
Hcochoa
Exhaust System Topics
24
12-21-2009 01:15 AM
lowglide88
Exhaust System Topics
0
05-05-2008 12:12 AM
albionphill
Panhead
10
10-19-2007 02:26 PM
Born2run
Ignition/Tuner/ECM/Fuel Injection
7
03-05-2006 08:11 PM



Quick Reply: 77 fxe won't start



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:48 AM.