1969 XLCH. New plugs gapped at .020. New points .015 gap, new condensor. New 8mm plug wires. Made sure timing is correct. I only get a good spark once out of ten kicks. (plugs removed and held against jug). My right leg is now twice the size of my left leg! Talked to a Harley Mechanic at the dealer today and he had no idea but also told me he has never worked and a bike older than 1997!!!! Could the coil in the magneto be bad?? Any other ideas out there? ANY HELP would be appreciated. Thanks

Tom

 

two things to check and or disconnect for the time being

first if you have a key to shut the mag off dis connect it< could be shorting had that happen

the handle bar kill switch could also have a split in the wire and it will kill the mag run a new wire to a toggle switch and see if that works < had this happen as well

 

Deleted it.

 

Have done both of those things. No change. Thanks for the help.

Tom

 

did you add a ground wire to the MAG had that issue as well - you would think it is because of how its attached its fine well its not in some try that

 

UPDATE:
1969 XLCH last ran 1980. Just finished getting the bike back together. Have not been able to start the bike. I have kicked it for the last three days. Hundreds of kicks. Not one fire. Asked for help here. Johnjzjz suggested I ground the magneto. Started on the 4th kick!!!! Johnjzjz thank you, thank you, thank you. You saved me an ulcer and a total knee replacement. I would have never thought the mag need to have an extra ground. There is so much good help here it is incredible.

Tom

 

glad to help -- jz

 

I love hearing these success stories. Nothing like the look, sound and feel of an IronHead. How about posting a nice video of the starting process, and especially including the sound of it running