new to the ironhead i just picked one up for 1900 bucks (1981) runs great only problems i have as of now i cant get break light to work change bulb still noting but a tail light any help would be nice thanks....also does anyone no where i can find a oil box/battery cover

 

a multi-meter would make finding the problem easy and you can get some pretty cheap if you need to.
check the ground, look for cracks or breaks in the wires, the switch also can fail.

 

Brake light is operated by both the front brake and the rear brake. Front switch is in the handlebar switch assembly, and is a huge PITA to remove/re-install/test/etc - so i would leave that test as the last thing to check.

The rear switch is a hydraulic switch, located on the bottom/back of the oil tank. These switches do fail and can be replaced, although it is a tedious process because of the location. Easy to test tho as the two wires are accessible.

Remove bulb, stick the probes for the multimeter in the hole - one on the edge the other on the nubbin in the middle; then with your third hand, the long stretchy one, reach up and alternately apply the hand and foot brakes and see if you get a response from the meter.

Next would be to test at the rear brake switch; then in the wire harness under the seat; then in the headlite bucket for the wires for the front brake switch.

Each switch has one orange wire input and one red wire output. All orange wires on the bike are 12 volts with the key on.

Lots of fun.

 

congrats on your bike, i also purchased an 81 ironhead 4 months ago. i will sound like one of the experts but am not, just from eperience on mine.

1- my rear and front brake lights did not work when i got the bike, it was on both the brake light switch. the rear is on the left side bottom of the frame, it unscrews from the brake t going in to the rear caliper, it has 2 wires atached to it.

2- The front is a little more of a bitch because its inside your brake handle housing on the handlebar, so you have to take out the bolts and once you split the housing you can see the much smaller switch, it unscrews just like a bolt but its a little hard to do.

My switches had corroded inside and quit working, i think because the bike sat for a long time.

You have to do what SCOTTFISHER and IRONMICK says first, everything checks out go after the switch, you can get them anywhere without leaving home, JP Cycles, VTwin Dennis Kirk. I got mine on E-BAY, just do a search under HARLEY IRONHEAD and you get a world of things, there they sell also the cover you are looking for.
By all means check our Ironhead forum, as much as you can.

 

thanks guys it looks like its the switch im gonna start the the rear one not to worried about the front yet just want a beak light alot of none driving people around here and i always use hand singles as well...I am also always on the form reading all kinds of stuff but like im getting a little ahead of my self cuz i have been all over this bike just trying to get to no it a little better... i just come back from a 30 degree little ride and im seeping a small amount of oil from the front and rear rocker boxes front one the most and smokes like crazy when stoped i would like to get this stopped before ridding season is it a simple job to just put new gaskets there...i was told the motor was rebuild 2500 miles ago and all the seals looks fresh like it has been thanks

 

post some photos if you have so we can see progress, by the way if the bike is running good it was a good deal, i paid more for mine, what made you get an old ironhead?

 

For the leaks at the rocker covers, first loosen all the bolts then re-tighten them in a cross pattern.

The smoking is probably not a problem, just the leaking oil burning up on the cylinder head.

Check to be certain that it really is a leak and not just oil that was spilled in the past - thoroughly clean the area, stick some paper towels on the suspected leaks, take a ride, check the paper towels.

No point in accepting the truth of what you were told about the bike. These stories are sometimes false, exaggerated, or whatever. If the PO did the work rather than an indie mechanic then it is suspect. Not saying that it was not done or not done well, just believe what you see and what you experience rather than what you were told.

Pulling the rocker covers to replace the gaskets is a do-it-yourself job. The front is easier so if it needs to be done do that one first. For the rear you must remove the cylinder head and the rocker cover as an assembly, then separate them on the bench.

If you are going to do the rear post here again before you start and you will get additional help.

 

Oh, Joey, I didn't notice you've only two posts. Welcome to the forum.

It's winter up here and we've nothing to do but sit and talk ironheads on the forum 'cause we're snowed in...so post pics we'd like to see what your working on. There is lots of years of experience in the forums so don't be afraid to ask if you're not sure.

 

I have had an 80 Ironhead since 1995 and have replaced the front switch probably every year. Aftermarket switch seems to break alot (vibration?). I have never replaced the rear one. Also check the plastic connector under the seat, I have replaced it once due to corrosion.

 

The aftermarket front brake switches typically cost around $10. If you can get a Harley Davidson switch it will cost at least $25, and it will be worth every penny. The aftermarket switches are a perfect example of the cheap, no-good, cr@p parts imported from the orient.