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This is just a thread of me working on my 1983 FXDG. At the moment the bike does not run, has been standing for 8 years parked in a living room.
The bike had some rust in the battery area. I think 40 years ago it had the classic wet battery. Maybe the little vent hose came loose, but it looks like some battery acid was sprayed in this area, peeling the paint and causing rust. Its a very light surface rust, not the deep worked in type rust. I fixed it by brushing it off with a metal brush, treating it with a rust solidifier and painting over it with high temp black paint (the pipes are very close). Not a fix for beauty but to stop the rust from spreading. Based on what I wany to do with the bike, I can see myself stripping it completely and having the frame powdercoated a few years from now. Until then the fix should prevent further rusting.
I opened the ignition cover and found points. Measured the coil, it was roughly 3.5 Ohms. All the same as my 81 Sturgis, so I will fit the same simple Dynatec ignition and use the mechanical advance.
I opened the primary, all screws were loctited and all threads were in perfect condition. Found an extra screw (as compared to the 81) in the area of the (missing) drain plug. I had the feeling I was the first one in there after the bike was made. Everything looked brand new. The speedo reads 7500 miles...
From what I can see in the pictures, it looks good considering it has been sitting for 8 years. Fortunately it was indoors.
Not sure if you are just posting, or asking a question. And check for spark at the plugs. If you have spark, spray a little (just a squirt) fresh gas in the carb and see if it will start.
But in terms of the no start, I'd check the fuel which is likely soured and no longer flamable enough to ignite. Also check the carb to be sure the float isn't stuck. Good luck.
Hello Bmp72,
hows it going with the FXDG ? with a fresh Gel. Battery & maybe using a reserve tank & a good carb cleaning i would imagine you could turn the motor over to check for spark, and when everything is ok put the plugs back in & try to start her ! Mine sat for 27 years ! & i got her running in just a half days work !
From what I can see in the pictures, it looks good considering it has been sitting for 8 years. Fortunately it was indoors.
Not sure if you are just posting, or asking a question. And check for spark at the plugs. If you have spark, spray a little (just a squirt) fresh gas in the carb and see if it will start.
But in terms of the no start, I'd check the fuel which is likely soured and no longer flamable enough to ignite. Also check the carb to be sure the float isn't stuck. Good luck.
FYI ; No Way I ever ...never run an inline filter... drop the Petcock and at least inspect the in tank filter...which is all that is required or wanted...
Hello Bmp72,
hows it going with the FXDG ? with a fresh Gel. Battery & maybe using a reserve tank & a good carb cleaning i would imagine you could turn the motor over to check for spark, and when everything is ok put the plugs back in & try to start her ! Mine sat for 27 years ! & i got her running in just a half days work !
I am waiting for parts. Ordered parts that were all in stock, paid extra for 3 day shipping, 2 weeks later still nothing.
This is how she sits now. I repainted the rear vertical frame strut cause it had rust from battery acid. The rear support for the battery had bad threads so that's in the order I am waiting for. I also ordered a Dynatec S ignition to replace the points it has now, with the pipes off and no battery support it will be easier to route the ignition wire. I ordered new oil filters... dont want to spin it without fresh oil and a new filter. But before that I want to replace the check valve ball and spring (in the order too). Also ordered a new air filter. I did put new transmission fluid in, I was happy to find no damage to the oil plug threads. On the 82 the threads came out when I loosened the transmission drain plug 😥 Oh and I do have a new gel battery for it, the only part I did not order but bought at the local Polo shop.
the 82 pulling duty as a painted parts holder (the battery box is hanging from the kickstarter, the exhaust pipe holder from the handlebars
And this is the 81, this morning (in front of the Alps):
FYI ; No Way I ever ...never run an inline filter... drop the Petcock and at least inspect the in tank filter...which is all that is required or wanted...
Ive heard this before and wonder why. I have inline filter on my bikes with no issues. Whats the potential problem Race?
This is just a thread of me working on my 1983 FXDG. At the moment the bike does not run, has been standing for 8 years parked in a living room.
The bike had some rust in the battery area. I think 40 years ago it had the classic wet battery. Maybe the little vent hose came loose, but it looks like some battery acid was sprayed in this area, peeling the paint and causing rust. Its a very light surface rust, not the deep worked in type rust. I fixed it by brushing it off with a metal brush, treating it with a rust solidifier and painting over it with high temp black paint (the pipes are very close). Not a fix for beauty but to stop the rust from spreading. Based on what I wany to do with the bike, I can see myself stripping it completely and having the frame powdercoated a few years from now. Until then the fix should prevent further rusting.
I opened the ignition cover and found points. Measured the coil, it was roughly 3.5 Ohms. All the same as my 81 Sturgis, so I will fit the same simple Dynatec ignition and use the mechanical advance.
I opened the primary, all screws were loctited and all threads were in perfect condition. Found an extra screw (as compared to the 81) in the area of the (missing) drain plug. I had the feeling I was the first one in there after the bike was made. Everything looked brand new. The speedo reads 7500 miles...
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Working on my 83 FXDG
