Panhead Engine Questions
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Joined: Jul 2018
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From: Lake Elsinore CA
Panhead Engine Questions
Hey Guys,
Got a couple of question for my 1949 Panhead.
What is the typical oil pressure? Im thinking about installing a gauge to watch this, but I dont know if I should get a 30PSI or 60PSI gauge? Secondly to that, where can I find a oil port for installing the gauge? I have no clue where to find one.
Lastly, I had to replace some missing screws on the distributor pickup. I loosened so I could spin and replace, but now I want to check the timing. Need some advice on how to do this, and what should I set it to?
Thanks in advance for any help!
Sean
Got a couple of question for my 1949 Panhead.
What is the typical oil pressure? Im thinking about installing a gauge to watch this, but I dont know if I should get a 30PSI or 60PSI gauge? Secondly to that, where can I find a oil port for installing the gauge? I have no clue where to find one.
Lastly, I had to replace some missing screws on the distributor pickup. I loosened so I could spin and replace, but now I want to check the timing. Need some advice on how to do this, and what should I set it to?
Thanks in advance for any help!
Sean
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Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 12,878
Likes: 5,448
From: la la land jerzey
Oil pressure is not something you want to watch on early machines as they dont have any the day they were built and rely on only a bit of flow hot - period
5 pound gage would make you crazy and at idle it might not be moving off the zero
timing - is set at full advance at engine stop - using a test light with the line on the wheels in the center and the engine firing on the front cylinder compression stroke ( when this is correct the rear intake valve is open about 30 percent - some open the push rod cover to confirm its doing that )
then as you turn the receiver to full advance just as it stops the test light will come on as the points have just opened
the 48 only has adjustable solid push rods - tuning it is something you need to do - ask when your ready new post
if this is a new toy you need the factory parts book and service manual
5 pound gage would make you crazy and at idle it might not be moving off the zero
timing - is set at full advance at engine stop - using a test light with the line on the wheels in the center and the engine firing on the front cylinder compression stroke ( when this is correct the rear intake valve is open about 30 percent - some open the push rod cover to confirm its doing that )
then as you turn the receiver to full advance just as it stops the test light will come on as the points have just opened
the 48 only has adjustable solid push rods - tuning it is something you need to do - ask when your ready new post
if this is a new toy you need the factory parts book and service manual
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Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 79
Likes: 23
From: Lake Elsinore CA
Oil pressure is not something you want to watch on early machines as they dont have any the day they were built and rely on only a bit of flow hot - period
5 pound gage would make you crazy and at idle it might not be moving off the zero
timing - is set at full advance at engine stop - using a test light with the line on the wheels in the center and the engine firing on the front cylinder compression stroke ( when this is correct the rear intake valve is open about 30 percent - some open the push rod cover to confirm its doing that )
then as you turn the receiver to full advance just as it stops the test light will come on as the points have just opened
the 48 only has adjustable solid push rods - tuning it is something you need to do - ask when your ready new post
if this is a new toy you need the factory parts book and service manual
5 pound gage would make you crazy and at idle it might not be moving off the zero
timing - is set at full advance at engine stop - using a test light with the line on the wheels in the center and the engine firing on the front cylinder compression stroke ( when this is correct the rear intake valve is open about 30 percent - some open the push rod cover to confirm its doing that )
then as you turn the receiver to full advance just as it stops the test light will come on as the points have just opened
the 48 only has adjustable solid push rods - tuning it is something you need to do - ask when your ready new post
if this is a new toy you need the factory parts book and service manual
Pic attached of the bike.
Club Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 66,104
Likes: 51,372
From: Niles Canyon Ca.
These engines are all roller bearings and low pressure pump systems, you get enough pressure up to show what you think is good on a gauge and you are flooding the motor with oil, upper ends in particular.
Clean bike by the way the old man had good taste.
Clean bike by the way the old man had good taste.
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Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 6,133
Likes: 2,528
From: CT/FL
Nice bike, and judging by the paint, rear sprocket and regulator, recently re-built.
ps Factory shop and parts manuals are available digitally at many websites and reprint via eBay. I suggest you get both, as they will make your life a lot easier.
ps Factory shop and parts manuals are available digitally at many websites and reprint via eBay. I suggest you get both, as they will make your life a lot easier.
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Joined: Jul 2018
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From: Lake Elsinore CA
When you say the vent? Do you mean the little drain hose on the bottom of the primary? If so, yes it dropped what I feel like has been a quart of oil recently on my garage floor, twice. I tried to start her a few weeks back, and just didnt want to go. I think I had old gas. So I stopped cranking.
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Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 79
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From: Lake Elsinore CA
My dad rebuilt in 2014/15. Bikes been painted since the late 80s. Frame is chopped and lowered.