Hi guys,

I just joined because an old friend of my family just gave me a 1973 FXE. It hasn't been started in 4-5 years and so I might be needing some help in getting her ready to start...

I got a fresh battery yesterday, and I'm going to put some fresh gas in, check the oil level (I gather that oil will come spewing out of the vent if it's collected over the last few years) and see what happens.

I'm hopeful, but if the carb is gummed up, then I'll run some seafoam through and see what that does.

Other tips/hints?

Thanks!!

 

carb should be sonic cleaned - boat yard some repair shops have as well

new plugs - see what ignition it has ( look ) points change them

do not add oil if it still has a couple of inches in the oil tank, as it for sure is sumped and most will return to the oil tank - if you fill the tank it will get you beat with a broom so much oil will be floating around in the garage and driveway it could take hours to clean and the spot wont go away for at least a year

 

Got pics? Where are you located? I'm in Canton. Rebuilding a 1980 FXS.

 

So, I started her up tonight and she ran great! Got some bugs to iron out, but I'd happily ride it on the road once those bugs are taken care of.

I need to bleed the brakes and fill with fresh fluid, and the brake light (rear) works when either brake is engaged, but not as a running light, so I have that to figure out. Otherwise, life is good!

She's got the original pipes from 1975 and they were loud, but gorgeous!

Scooper, I'm on the edge of Homeland, near Loyola and Notre Dame. between York Rd. and Charles.

Always up for a ride!

The oil looked clean as a damn whistle, no rust in the tank, tires are fine... I probably need to pull the solenoid and clean it up, check the timing, run a can of seafoam through the SnS and throw some new plugs in, but she ran so sweet, I'm kind of reluctant to mess with it too much!

The clutch is HEAVY. I need to beef my left hand up some, because that Barnett is a beast. Y'all think it'll loosen up a little with some use?

PapaM

 

Sounds like a sweet ride. Congrats and welcome.... The Barnett is what it is... If it runs good I wouldn't mess with it till theres an issue.... Sounds like it was well kept.... Pics would be nice?

 

I do Not recall the Stock Pipes being all that loud... if that is what ya mean by "original pipes"

 

Welcome from San Antonio, TX.

 

 

welcome from CT. the tail light bulb may have one burned out filament - start with the easy stuff

 

No, I mean the pipes are from the year 1975. The same year the bike was born. Just seems a long time to me.

Anyway, here is a picture of a nerd with a Harley-Davidson.
I have to replace those buckhorns for something...else.