knuck replica won't run
Thread Starter
|
1st Gear
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
knuck replica won't run
Hey out there, i've read the forum for quite a while but never posted.
I bought and built a v-twin knucklehead replica recently but can't make it run.
I brought it to my local HD mechanic and he's getting stuck too. I don't think he's very familiar with the older bikes. It's getting fuel, at least you can see it coming out of the accelerator pump. It has spark and he said the timing seems to be set right. He checked the valve adjustment and they were ok.
I did have it running twice but it ran fast,wouldn't respond to the throttle and died. Any advice ( other than " don't buy anything from v-twin" ) on what to look for next?
The bike looks great and once I got used to the idea that nothing fits without some drilling or grinding, I had a lot of fun building it but it's frustrating not being able to run it.
Appreciate any help, thanks
I bought and built a v-twin knucklehead replica recently but can't make it run.
I brought it to my local HD mechanic and he's getting stuck too. I don't think he's very familiar with the older bikes. It's getting fuel, at least you can see it coming out of the accelerator pump. It has spark and he said the timing seems to be set right. He checked the valve adjustment and they were ok.
I did have it running twice but it ran fast,wouldn't respond to the throttle and died. Any advice ( other than " don't buy anything from v-twin" ) on what to look for next?
The bike looks great and once I got used to the idea that nothing fits without some drilling or grinding, I had a lot of fun building it but it's frustrating not being able to run it.
Appreciate any help, thanks
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 566
Likes: 3
From: rural ontario
when you say you built the motor....what did the job include?
did you use an assembly lube in the build?
because you have spark and fuel....I'd go back to the timing and work with that. The racing engine when it ran would likely be a carb adjustment once you get it to start again.
did you use an assembly lube in the build?
because you have spark and fuel....I'd go back to the timing and work with that. The racing engine when it ran would likely be a carb adjustment once you get it to start again.
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 234
Likes: 1
From: Sawdust City
If your sure everything else is right, I'd play with the timing. Do a static set, bring #1 up on compression and turn your dist so the points just begin to open. It shouldn't race if the throttle's working correct, make sure it closes all the way, what kind of carb are you running?
Thread Starter
|
1st Gear
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Yeah, I have manuals and have set the timing, gapped the points, all the typical stuff.
I was thinking there may be something else to check out. Would anything in the electrical system affect it? I wired it myself and the problem with this kit is that it's a 41-47 replica so there's replica parts from different years. So if say the generator wasn't good, it would still run for a bit off the battery yes? Or say the voltage reg. Wasn't working, should I be verifying that these things are working?
I was thinking there may be something else to check out. Would anything in the electrical system affect it? I wired it myself and the problem with this kit is that it's a 41-47 replica so there's replica parts from different years. So if say the generator wasn't good, it would still run for a bit off the battery yes? Or say the voltage reg. Wasn't working, should I be verifying that these things are working?
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 566
Likes: 3
From: rural ontario
I just did a quick google to see what you have gotten. It looks to me that the motor comes assembled and tested. You have indicated that you have spark and if your battery is good then the generator or regulator won't matter (until you have used up the battery). This also tells me the ignition is wired ok. You have fuel travelling through the carb. So It should start or at least pop through the carb when you are kicking or kick back on your peddle. I have a routine to start mine and if I deviate from it it floods the plugs also if I use full choke it is tooo much and floods so I have a mark that is at about 2/3 choke that works. I have to prime the motor (squirt gas...kick it though twice...then turn on the ignition...then kick and it starts) So purhaps you just have to find your routine. Check your plugs when you are trying and dry them up if they get wet and try again.
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 260
Likes: 3
From: Fort Worth, Texas
How is the fuel flow to the carb? If you've got a restriction in the tank or in line fuel filter it could cause slow fuel bowl fill. Need more info. What type of carb, running points or electronic. What type of throttle set up are you running? Improper set up on the cable could cause no response when running. Like Scott said don't need the gen or volt reg to come on line for the engine to run. As far as the different year parts it shouldn't make that much of a difference as far as it is to get it running.
Thread Starter
|
1st Gear
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Thanks very much for the responses.
I,m picking the bike up tomorrow, my guy is too old to keep kicking it over!
He gave me several things to fix/check.
One thing he said was that there was some type of film in the carb. I didn't wash out the tanks, I blew them out with air but I probably should've cleaned them out. Could that be a problem? Also, also, does anyone know what type of gas I should use? I assumed high octane unleaded yes?
again, thanks for all your help...
I,m picking the bike up tomorrow, my guy is too old to keep kicking it over!
He gave me several things to fix/check.
One thing he said was that there was some type of film in the carb. I didn't wash out the tanks, I blew them out with air but I probably should've cleaned them out. Could that be a problem? Also, also, does anyone know what type of gas I should use? I assumed high octane unleaded yes?
again, thanks for all your help...
Trending Topics
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 566
Likes: 3
From: rural ontario
The gas...I use high octane premium...mostly because the cheaper stuff has ethanol. Yup...I would strongly recommend the high test gas.
A film in the carb...who know's what that could be...anything really...but most likely if it kind of a yellowish varnish looking film it would be old gas residue...but your guy should recognize that and wouldn't call it 'some kind of film'. It could also be a 'fog' product that some use to keep parts lubed during storage. I would expect it to be old gas that didn't get cleaned out properly that has dried to a varnish...solvents will clean it up but you will have to scrub too. It would make the bike difficult to start as it would plug the jets and channels where gas needs to flow. Don't let solvent touch rubber in seals or o-rings...it will eat at the rubber.
A film in the carb...who know's what that could be...anything really...but most likely if it kind of a yellowish varnish looking film it would be old gas residue...but your guy should recognize that and wouldn't call it 'some kind of film'. It could also be a 'fog' product that some use to keep parts lubed during storage. I would expect it to be old gas that didn't get cleaned out properly that has dried to a varnish...solvents will clean it up but you will have to scrub too. It would make the bike difficult to start as it would plug the jets and channels where gas needs to flow. Don't let solvent touch rubber in seals or o-rings...it will eat at the rubber.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski