way to hard to kick
Thread Starter
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1st Gear
Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 5
Likes: 3
From: detroit
way to hard to kick
My 1950 FL Harley panhead is a son of a gun to kick over. It does not matter how big or bad you are, it will not turn over fast enough to start.
A bump (push) start gets it started & running with out problem. Timing is set correct, carb (Linkert M74B) complete rebuild. Spark, gas, air all there.
Installed longer kicker arm & shaft. Still, way to hard to kick over, (feels like to much compression, but turns over freely with spark plugs rermoved)
Kinda at a loss here, no shops in the area have been able to help. Any thoughts on solving my problem will be so welcome. THANKS
A bump (push) start gets it started & running with out problem. Timing is set correct, carb (Linkert M74B) complete rebuild. Spark, gas, air all there.
Installed longer kicker arm & shaft. Still, way to hard to kick over, (feels like to much compression, but turns over freely with spark plugs rermoved)
Kinda at a loss here, no shops in the area have been able to help. Any thoughts on solving my problem will be so welcome. THANKS
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 12,878
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From: la la land jerzey
Compression pressure wants to be around 100 or a little bit less 90 maybe - another 25 pounds more becomes an issue
valve spring pressure and camshaft lift become an issue
you did not say it has 8 1/2 to one or more compression pistons in it — and a performance cam with valve springs
then you did not say its stock flywheels 74 inch not and 80 inch or more
information is the beginning of helping
valve spring pressure and camshaft lift become an issue
you did not say it has 8 1/2 to one or more compression pistons in it — and a performance cam with valve springs
then you did not say its stock flywheels 74 inch not and 80 inch or more
information is the beginning of helping
Thread Starter
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1st Gear
Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 5
Likes: 3
From: detroit
Bike was purchased off ebay. The crook I got it from had no information on what parts were used to rebuild it.
Was hoping I would not have to tear it apart to find answers. The fact that it starts wiith a push gives me some hope.
Was hoping I would not have to tear it apart to find answers. The fact that it starts wiith a push gives me some hope.
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 83
Likes: 53
From: Kentucky
My 75 kicks easy , stock 74 cubes , Crane Cam , 84 is 80 cubes : supposed to be stock bore , camshaft is a big , I suspect advanced a bit . I can kick start it but the issue is it lights 1/2 through the stroke and will remind you , it is the Boss of the operation
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,191
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On eBay, Craigslist or whatever site a bike is advertised on, when the description is very limited, run dont walk away. Seller is usually hiding something.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 157,525
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From: Michigan 15 Minutes East Of Hell
"The crook I got it from" ... Hopefully you didn't know that before hand ... As mentioned, a few minutes with a compression gauge should give so information ... Good Luck
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Road Master
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 1,192
Likes: 703
From: New Mexico
In that case, it's at least conceivable that your kicker is hanging up inside the cover. That is, either: (a) bad (very bad) bushing and/or kicker shaft (I don't think a hardened kicker shaft O-ring could add that much friction); or (b) insufficient clearance between the shaft's shoulder and the inside of the cover--or some other mechanical interference. I.e., your throwout bearing could be coming apart inside the kicker cover.
Regardless, you can diagnosis this easily. First, get tranny in neutral, then:
1) remove spark plugs and try turning the engine with kicker first--this eliminates compression as an issue, though you've said it's low;
2) now remove primary cover and try turning the engine with a big socket on the nut at the end of the crank--which eliminates the kicker.
3) if step no. 2 does turn the engine easily but not step no. 1, you've isolated the issue with the kicker mechanism or throwout bearing;
4) if step no. 2 does not turn the engine easily, your tranny or clutch might need attention. Disconnect the primary chain or belt and try no. 2 again to make sure. Diagnose the clutch before messing with the tranny.
Regardless, you can diagnosis this easily. First, get tranny in neutral, then:
1) remove spark plugs and try turning the engine with kicker first--this eliminates compression as an issue, though you've said it's low;
2) now remove primary cover and try turning the engine with a big socket on the nut at the end of the crank--which eliminates the kicker.
3) if step no. 2 does turn the engine easily but not step no. 1, you've isolated the issue with the kicker mechanism or throwout bearing;
4) if step no. 2 does not turn the engine easily, your tranny or clutch might need attention. Disconnect the primary chain or belt and try no. 2 again to make sure. Diagnose the clutch before messing with the tranny.
Last edited by NM Pan-shovel; Aug 18, 2024 at 04:51 PM.