Starting Issue
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Joined: Mar 2019
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From: Zinzinnati
Starting Issue
Ok, guys and gals, here's the scenario:
I have a 1949 panhead with an S&S carb, stock single point distributor (points gaped at .025), solid lifters.
I was riding it the other day when it starting running rough. Then it seemed as though only running on one cylinder! Now when I try to start it, it seems to gain compression and will not start. It seems to backfire whether I retard the timing or advance the timing. I checked for spark and fuel, everything seems to be ok, just seems to really have more compression on the compression stroke than before.
Any ides on what to try next?
I have a 1949 panhead with an S&S carb, stock single point distributor (points gaped at .025), solid lifters.
I was riding it the other day when it starting running rough. Then it seemed as though only running on one cylinder! Now when I try to start it, it seems to gain compression and will not start. It seems to backfire whether I retard the timing or advance the timing. I checked for spark and fuel, everything seems to be ok, just seems to really have more compression on the compression stroke than before.
Any ides on what to try next?
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From: la la land jerzey
a few things come to mind but I would start with a leak down test to see if the engines top end is correct -
or - you could pull the spark plugs and see if its still stiff to kick
if it is then pull the push rods and kick it over to see if its still stiff to kick
report what you have found with these ideas - we are trying to see if its top end or bottom end issues
or - you could pull the spark plugs and see if its still stiff to kick
if it is then pull the push rods and kick it over to see if its still stiff to kick
report what you have found with these ideas - we are trying to see if its top end or bottom end issues
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From: Zinzinnati
Leak down test.......... How do I do that? I will pull the plugs tonight to see if there is any change when kicking.I don't think there will be, but I'll definitely give that a try.
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From: Santa Klaus County, Cali
With that said, John has a bunch more time on the books wrenching than I.
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From: la la land jerzey
pans the condenser is a good pull for a try and see if that fixes it = I auto magically go for real issues as its what we see all the time simple stuff some how passes us by
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Joined: Mar 2019
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From: Zinzinnati
Well......I found the problem with my panhead not starting. I had a rear broken exhaust pushrod and a bent intake pushrod and lifter adjuster. Took the head off and there does not seem to be anything unusual!!!! Makes my wonder what broke and bent these pushrods and adjuster? I did have the exhaust rocker that was sticking. It has solid lifters, Any ideas what may have caused my issue? Also the rocker DID NOT touch or bend the pan cover!
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From: la la land jerzey
valve guide is the first thing to come to mind
simple test for a bent valve turn the head up side down with the pan top on - fill it with what even you use in your parts washer and leave it over night
that is if you don't see fluid going down and filling the exhaust or intake port - no fluid should transfer into a port
then remove the valves my guess they will be seized to the guides - at this point you need professional help don't try it if your not
simple test for a bent valve turn the head up side down with the pan top on - fill it with what even you use in your parts washer and leave it over night
that is if you don't see fluid going down and filling the exhaust or intake port - no fluid should transfer into a port
then remove the valves my guess they will be seized to the guides - at this point you need professional help don't try it if your not
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Joined: Mar 2019
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From: Zinzinnati
We took the valve out and didn't really see anything. The valve rotated and moved fine without the springs. Sending the heads off to get a valve job performed on them, both front and rear. Puzzling why the pushrod bent and didn't leave a mark in the tin and din't see anything in the cylinder either!
