Issue with my 69 flh
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Novice
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 15
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From: New York
The engine is never in neutral, the transmission is put in neutral.If the trans is locked up, the motor will not turn over. I had the same problem with a '68 Triumph. Problem was when it was stored, the exhaust valve was open and we had some really damp weather. The piston was at bottom dead center, and the cylinder was rusted from the rings to the top of the cylinder. Had to pull the head and jugs. Good news was a hone job and new rings and she was good to go.
So if it's in neutral do I still need to remove the chain to try to turn the engine by hand?
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Joined: Nov 2006
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From: la la land jerzey
a special socket pin type is needed for the front compensator to use a bar or ratchet to turn the engine
put it in HI gear and rock the bike back and forth to see if it turns
put it in HI gear and rock the bike back and forth to see if it turns
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Novice
Joined: Aug 2017
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From: New York
tried putting in gear and rocking back and forth with no luck.
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Novice
Joined: Aug 2017
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From: New York
I've tried to move it while in gear, every gear and the rear tire drags and doesn't move. I don't have the socket/tool that is suggested to be used to try to turn it by hand, once I do I will try using it to see if the engine turns that way. I have a socket that fits it and my neighbor who is a big bike guy tried to turn it with the socket I have and said the engine appears to be seized. He didn't take the chain off while doing this and it's just a normal socket/breaker bar he tried.
Seeing how the transmission shifts into and out of gear I don't think it's an issue with the transmission.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
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From: Long Island, New York
A- I would listen to John
B- before I pulled the motor out, I would remove the primary chain so you can separate the transmission from the motor as far as culprits. Then go back to rocking the motorcycle in gear to see if the transmission is indeed spinning. If yes, now you are with the breaker bar trying to spin the motor. Then at least you know 100% which one it is.
Good luck
B- before I pulled the motor out, I would remove the primary chain so you can separate the transmission from the motor as far as culprits. Then go back to rocking the motorcycle in gear to see if the transmission is indeed spinning. If yes, now you are with the breaker bar trying to spin the motor. Then at least you know 100% which one it is.
Good luck
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2012
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From: Pa.
Garage kept, even after seven years I wouldn't think it would be seized so bad that MMO in the cylinders wouldn't break it loose.
One thing is for sure, you have issues with either the trans. or the motor and you're gonna have to pull one or the other. In order to pull either, you need to remove your primary chain, so why not remove it and try cranking as John suggested. I guess I don't understand your reluctance to remove the chain.
Good luck.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2012
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From: CT/FL
if you don't have the tools to remove the chain, loosen the tensioner all the way. now you can see if the clutch turns when you try to push the bike or if the tranny is indeed locked up.
Last edited by Joe12RK; Oct 4, 2017 at 02:49 PM.