Cranking Without Plugs
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 217
Likes: 38
From: NE Illinois
Cranking Without Plugs
My 1991 FXSTC has a Screaming Eagle ignition module. When Spring comes I would like to remove the plugs and spin the engine to prime the oil feed system. Would that damage the ignition? Thank you for your input.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 38,525
Likes: 6,406
From: Honah Lee
On any system, you should ground the plugs on the wires to the head or just the wires to the head. On a TC, the system does it by sensing no compression and doing it for you.
Seems like more trouble than it's worth. Why not just leave the fuel off and spin it for five or ten seconds?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 21,091
Likes: 7,611
From: Poolville
The only time I do pull the plugs and crank it for thirty seconds maybe 2 or there times with rest in between (to cool the starter motor) is when I do a top end rebuild with lifters.. But yeah you should ground the plugs or leads or disconnect the 12v supply to the ignition system but not really needed..
Last edited by 98hotrodfatboy; Dec 9, 2019 at 01:45 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 8,852
Likes: 2,493
From: Decatur, Alabama
You would be better off priming the oil pump by removing the screw at the top and pouring a little oil down into it. Then just start your bike.
carl
carl
Trending Topics
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 5,649
Likes: 430
From: MASS_hole
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Club Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 15,428
Likes: 7,122
From: Beyond Fucital
Its a gravity feed system. Theres oil in the pump. The lifters, pushrods and rockers might be a little dry. So leave the petcock off and bump it 3 times for 2 seconds to get the oil up into the heads.
