My 42 arrived today. Pics within the next week or so. I'm a rank novice with 45s so I might want to pick the collective brain of this forum, beginning with...What grade fuel do these old bikes like best? As far as I know this is a rebuilt engine but being a WLA has the low compression heads. Thanks.

FB

 

Can't help you on your question but I too have an old 45ci on the way. So I'm sure we will learn together.

mine should be here by the end of the month...

You might also be interested in visiting http://www.hydra-glide.com/index.php there is some useful information there.

 

use the lowest octane fuel, also buy at auto supply store lead substitute, and add
as requierd.It will help to keep valves in good shape. Those engines were designed
for leaded gas.

 

They will run on low octane fuel no problem. But I run mine on Premium fuel because the extra additives help keep fuel system clean and reduce carbon etc.

Bike has been in continuous use since 1972 and has never had lead substitute put in it.
The cast iron seats are pretty hard and valve spring pressure is light due to no rocker gear and pushrods. Have not noticed excessive valve wear.

 

Every time you fill up, put in a little Marvel Mystery Oil. Helps on top end oiling and softens carbon builtup.

 

Another little tip to keep in mind is that when you're running at sustained high speeds on a 45 (roughly 55-65mph), remember to roll the throttle closed for just a second about every 7-10 miles, this action results in a vacuum that pulls oil up to the valve springs & guides & helps to keep the engine from overheating & seizing up. You can also get a higher top speed at lower rpm's by using the engine sprocket from a 45G model Servi-Car.

There are also some other performance tricks such as increasing your compression ratio by shaving & refacing the heads, but mind you, it will only work with the aluminum heads, not the cast iron version, fortunately because the engine design remained relatively the same from 1929 until the model's end in 1973 a lot of 45 parts are interchangeable. You can also relieve the barrels which provides almost fuel injection like results, plus you can increase your oil pressure by using a different spring in the oil pump relief valve.


Yeah, there are all kinds of cool & creative things you can do with a 45, they're just as versatile as their grandson, the Sportster.......