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Thanks Mojo, I thought a Keihin did have a pump, but wasn't certain.
On a 1971 model (nor any other that I know of) there is not a connection where you could connect the overflow tube to the primary. Not a good idea to do that of course, but that won't stop some people from trying it.
Now if that had been done however, then that's the answer to fuel in the primary/transmission compartment.........pg
Another thought...what if the carb overflow was hooked to the trans vent? Chuzter, you should post some close up pics of where you have your oil & fuel lines routed.
Well, if his engine is a 1971, then it will not have a vent in the transmission. On the otherhand, you have made a very good point, Mojo. The vent was put on in 1977 as far as I know, and where I said before that there was never a place to connect a line to the trans, you just corrected my error. I stand corrected.
I had forgotten about that and if he has a 1977, then maybe that is what happened. Makes good sense to me........pg
My carb overflow goes out to the street.. but thats from the floatbowl itself.. unless theirs someother overflow i dont know about..? -Mike
Hey guys.. i just wanted to thank you all for your help.. apparently his parents are sick and tired of paying for parts and things for the bike.. they opted to put money down to get a brand new 2008 HD sportster 883. could be the fact they've put a lot of money into it, and had constant problems, could be the gallon of oil spilt on the driveway... haha. i think he still wants to keep the 71 to have a vintage around.. or sell it.. or part it on ebay.. not sure yet. but i dont think he could of asked for a better christmas present this year.. i'm all for it.. i put about a grand into the old bike too.. and seeing it not run just makes me wanna take a match to it. the last point you made kinda sparked his intrest guys.. but i think for our xmas picture we're gonna have both harleys in it..with the traditional "happy harley-days" :P i will keep you posted on whats goin on.. and now we're off to the dmv to renew his permit.. i was reading over the maual last night.. seems kinda easy to ride a motorcycle.. but id rather read up and study, then learn in a quiet open area. but thats just me. haha. talk to you guys soon! -Christin
OK, thanks for the update. He won't have to work on a new one like he would with an ironhead, so I hope you guys enjoy the bike.
If you are new to riding, be alert 24/7 for the greatest danger to a motorcycle in the world......It is called an automobile. An automobile with a driver on a cell phone is twice as dangerous to a bike rider.
You can fall off, and easily get up and walk away, but if a car runs over you it may well be the end of the story. So pay attention out there. Let us know how you like the new Sporty..........pg
OK, thanks for the update. He won't have to work on a new one like he would with an ironhead, so I hope you guys enjoy the bike.
If you are new to riding, be alert 24/7 for the greatest danger to a motorcycle in the world......It is called an automobile. An automobile with a driver on a cell phone is twice as dangerous to a bike rider.
You can fall off, and easily get up and walk away, but if a car runs over you it may well be the end of the story. So pay attention out there. Let us know how you like the new Sporty..........pg
Yes, an automobile and the driver with a cell phone, drinking coffee, reading the paper, hollaring at the kids, possibly drunk, and getting ready to make a left turn while your coming at them. Riding a motorcycle may seem like it's easy, but there's a whole lot more to it than starting it and jumping on and going for a spin. NOTHING beats a rider training course and experience.
I'd keep the '71 and get it going.
Had the same experiences Got a 71 xlh with only a kick start. First; GET RID OF THE POINTS. they never stay set. Replace with a Dyna S DS6-1 ignition. Second; S&S Super E carb. Third ACCEL Coil. Started fine and ran great!!! Finally I switched to an electric start. Well wourth the investment. As I said, I had all the same problems when I first got the bike in 92. Made the changes and the bike has not let me down since. Best of luck.
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Had the same experiences Got a 71 xlh with only a kick start. First; GET RID OF THE POINTS. they never stay set. Replace with a Dyna S DS6-1 ignition. Second; S&S Super E carb. Third ACCEL Coil. Started fine and ran great!!! Finally I switched to an electric start. Well wourth the investment. As I said, I had all the same problems when I first got the bike in 92. Made the changes and the bike has not let me down since. Best of luck.
One important consideration is the Valve adjustment, the Sportster has solid lifters and be sure to set them properly or you may bend a valve and even damage a piston... if they're set to tight it won't start, the push rod should spin freely with the lifter/rod all the way at the bottom position (Valve Closed).[/align]
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