69XLCH Problems
Thread Starter
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6th Gear
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Tampa
69XLCH Problems
So I picked up my second '69 XLCH, I guess you could say I have a thing.
Went through the whole new owner refresher on the bike and rode it around for about 45 minutes. It has new plugs gapped .020, new battery, points are correct, pushrods adjusted, good compression, new intake bands and no cylinder leaks. Rebuilt S&S Super E.
Now my issue comes in that after my hour or so ride, I cannot for the life of me get the bike to start again. The starter (it's a hybrid CH) turns the engine over just fine but it doesn't fire up. I've pulled the plugs and held them to the engine where I get plenty of spark. But when I test the plugs as they're plugged in to the engine it only sparks every few seconds. Anyone have any ideas as to why I could be having this problem? Could it be something with the magneto coil? (Also to note I've already replaced the condensor)
Any of you Ironhead geniuses have any ideas for me to try next?
Thanks for the advice and as my first time posting I'm happy I found this forum, seems to be a lot of well educated guys here, maybe I'll be able to help someone else out one day!
br3or
Went through the whole new owner refresher on the bike and rode it around for about 45 minutes. It has new plugs gapped .020, new battery, points are correct, pushrods adjusted, good compression, new intake bands and no cylinder leaks. Rebuilt S&S Super E.
Now my issue comes in that after my hour or so ride, I cannot for the life of me get the bike to start again. The starter (it's a hybrid CH) turns the engine over just fine but it doesn't fire up. I've pulled the plugs and held them to the engine where I get plenty of spark. But when I test the plugs as they're plugged in to the engine it only sparks every few seconds. Anyone have any ideas as to why I could be having this problem? Could it be something with the magneto coil? (Also to note I've already replaced the condensor)
Any of you Ironhead geniuses have any ideas for me to try next?
Thanks for the advice and as my first time posting I'm happy I found this forum, seems to be a lot of well educated guys here, maybe I'll be able to help someone else out one day!
br3or
I am not really familiar with the 60s IronHeads, but my first thought is the plugs and points/magneto/whatever seem good when you are actually holding the plug against the cylinder head, so maybe it is the spark plug wires and connectors. Perhaps there is a bad part or connection?
Thread Starter
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6th Gear
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Tampa
I am not really familiar with the 60s IronHeads, but my first thought is the plugs and points/magneto/whatever seem good when you are actually holding the plug against the cylinder head, so maybe it is the spark plug wires and connectors. Perhaps there is a bad part or connection?
Thread Starter
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6th Gear
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Tampa
The previous owner has the mag fixed in place, without the turn handle retard. I'm not 100% on timing a magneto or how much I would need to rotate it to retard it. I have tried rotating the mag away from the engine to start it up and haven't had any luck there. I've checked the points which are good, other than that the magneto hasn't been removed or anything since it ran well.
These might be useful ...
Setting Timing, 1964 & Earlier Mag
http://xlforum.net/vbportal/forums/s...d.php?t=634523
magneto questions
http://xlforum.net/vbportal/forums/s....php?t=1343908
Mick's 1969XLCH Refurbish - Magneto
http://xlforum.net/vbportal/forums/s....php?t=1429221
Setting Timing, 1964 & Earlier Mag
http://xlforum.net/vbportal/forums/s...d.php?t=634523
magneto questions
http://xlforum.net/vbportal/forums/s....php?t=1343908
Mick's 1969XLCH Refurbish - Magneto
http://xlforum.net/vbportal/forums/s....php?t=1429221
Thread Starter
|
6th Gear
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Tampa
These might be useful ...
Setting Timing, 1964 & Earlier Mag
http://xlforum.net/vbportal/forums/s...d.php?t=634523
magneto questions
http://xlforum.net/vbportal/forums/s....php?t=1343908
Mick's 1969XLCH Refurbish - Magneto
http://xlforum.net/vbportal/forums/s....php?t=1429221
Setting Timing, 1964 & Earlier Mag
http://xlforum.net/vbportal/forums/s...d.php?t=634523
magneto questions
http://xlforum.net/vbportal/forums/s....php?t=1343908
Mick's 1969XLCH Refurbish - Magneto
http://xlforum.net/vbportal/forums/s....php?t=1429221
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Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 566
Likes: 3
From: rural ontario
With the plugs out the starter spins the motor easily, quickly and lots of sparks popping.
When the plugs are in the starter isn't going to spin as quick with motor compression but you are still getting spark, so, I would keep this in mind. Perhaps the problem is something else.
what are you using to determin spark when the plugs are in. I ask, because the faster the Mag spins the stronger the spark. My clip-ons won't catch the spark through the wire until I get the RPMS up...and nothing when I am kicking.
s
When the plugs are in the starter isn't going to spin as quick with motor compression but you are still getting spark, so, I would keep this in mind. Perhaps the problem is something else.
what are you using to determin spark when the plugs are in. I ask, because the faster the Mag spins the stronger the spark. My clip-ons won't catch the spark through the wire until I get the RPMS up...and nothing when I am kicking.
s
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Thread Starter
|
6th Gear
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Tampa
With the plugs out the starter spins the motor easily, quickly and lots of sparks popping.
When the plugs are in the starter isn't going to spin as quick with motor compression but you are still getting spark, so, I would keep this in mind. Perhaps the problem is something else.
what are you using to determin spark when the plugs are in. I ask, because the faster the Mag spins the stronger the spark. My clip-ons won't catch the spark through the wire until I get the RPMS up...and nothing when I am kicking.
s
When the plugs are in the starter isn't going to spin as quick with motor compression but you are still getting spark, so, I would keep this in mind. Perhaps the problem is something else.
what are you using to determin spark when the plugs are in. I ask, because the faster the Mag spins the stronger the spark. My clip-ons won't catch the spark through the wire until I get the RPMS up...and nothing when I am kicking.
s
Thanks for your time
Put a voltmeter across the battery terminals, and take a reading while cranking. I am curious if the reading will be below whatever limit the magneto system needs. With electronic ignition if it goes below 10 or so volts it will not start. I believe mag can start on less than 10 but i do not know what is the lower limit.