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I get power to the coil but no spark at the plugs. When I checked to see if I was getting power to the coil, I accidentely grounded the probe to the head are got it to fire. Ignition module? I already replaced the coil.
As old as it is I'd replace the pickup and the module at the same time, or go with an integrated ignition. That way you start fresh rather than waiting for the next ancient part to fail.
1979 was a long time ago. I was thin, and had hair....
1979 was the first year for electronic ignition on a Sportster. It was quite primitive compared to a modern electronic ignition. Many traditional guys replaced them regardless of whether they were good or not, from lack of trust.
If you are going to buy anything consider the Ultima ignition ...
1979 was the first year for electronic ignition on a Sportster. It was quite primitive compared to a modern electronic ignition. Many traditional guys replaced them regardless of whether they were good or not, from lack of trust.
If you are going to buy anything consider the Ultima ignition ...
Some one had converted my 80 back to points and it never ran great no matter what i did. I installed that ultima ignition that came with a new coil and now it runs great. fires right up and runs great
I have been commenting on two different threads regarding 1979 XLH's, so for inspiration I dug up an old photo of the one I had. I am guessing this picture is from 1988 or maybe 1989, my brother's Shovelhead (which he still owns) and the noted 1979. This is pretty good picture of what it looked like when we bought it with the exception of the leather tassels (all the rage in the 80's) some chrome, drag pipes and the black seat. Original brown seat was loaned to a buddy with a 1980 XL, and then the pan broke in half when he hit a pothole. I think we threw the seat away, to go back and keep all that stuff. Note the last year of a kick start as an option, this bike was equipped with kick and electric from the factory. We had another buddy that was an original owner of a special order 1979 kick only XLH, which he put in a rigid frame at some point.
Pic is in front of our next door neighbors house, Maspeth, Queens, NYC. And yeh we always parked on the sidewalk, hooligans. Good luck with yours.
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79 sportster
