Won't start
Thread Starter
|
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From:
Won't start
I have a 1979 FLH. \\; It had been running great all year. \\; One morning it wouldn't start and was puking oil out of the breather. \\; I replaced the check valve ball and spring in the oil pump and cleaned the tappet oil screen. \\; After this, it fired up. \\; Two days later, it would not \\;start again and is again dripping oil out of the breather. \\; I tried reseating the check valve ball but it still will not start. \\; The battery, ignition coil, spark plugs, and connections are all fine. \\; Should I replace the oil pump? \\; Would wet sumping cause the bike not to start? \\; Please help!
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,078
Likes: 39
From: NW Florida
RE: Won't start
Sometinmes debrie gets between ball and seat. \\; Clean it off and reseat the ball. \\; If it doesn't help they make a tool for recutting the seat. \\; Replacing the pump would be my last option. \\; You could remove the plugs and let the starter pump out the lower end before trying to start it.
Thread Starter
|
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Won't start
I cleaned off all debris and tried to reseat, but it still won't start. \\; I'm getting pretty desperate since I have a road trip next week. \\; I might just put on a new oil pump. \\; Can \\;anyone think of anything else that it could be? \\; I really appreciate the help.
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,078
Likes: 39
From: NW Florida
RE: Won't start
If you are going to change the pump, pull off the cam cover and check the breather gear. \\; I believe it's plastic in your model. \\; It might have worn and jumped time. \\; Check everything else in there. \\; Also you said the plugs were fine. \\; Are you getting a strong spark?
Thread Starter
|
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Won't start
They are in good condition and gapped correctly. \\; As far as checking the spark, the manual says I need a special tool to check the spark. \\; This tool is a test plug (HD-26792). \\; Is this the only way to test? \\; I know an old school way is to lay the plug across the cylinder head to ground and turn it over to check for spark. \\; Is this an acceptable procedure? \\; What would you suggest?
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,078
Likes: 39
From: NW Florida
RE: Won't start
The plug method is \\;the way I always have tested. \\; The 78 1/2 to 82 manual \\;says insert a conductive adapter in wire and see if it jumps a 3/16 gap to cylinder head. \\; Plug method is easier. \\;
Thread Starter
|
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Won't start
Oil is still puking out of the breather, but I got it started! \\; I checked for spark, and had none. \\; My electonic ignition had shorted out. \\; I replaced and it fired right up. \\; Thanks for all your help!
Trending Topics
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,078
Likes: 39
From: NW Florida
RE: Won't start
If you are going to replace the pump, I would pull the cam cover, You're going to have to do it anyway to change the pump. \\; If the breather gear wore and got out of time it could cause the oil puking. \\; If the oil stops afer a few seconds its probably the check valve.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 365
Likes: 0
From: Ohio
RE: Won't start
Just had a problem with oil puking. Then developed a bad tapping.
There must have been a lot of crap in the oil. The new screen was
plugged. Put in another screen and have no problems now. \\; I would
put a new screen in or check it again. Before I did the hard expensive options.
There must have been a lot of crap in the oil. The new screen was
plugged. Put in another screen and have no problems now. \\; I would
put a new screen in or check it again. Before I did the hard expensive options.
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,078
Likes: 39
From: NW Florida
RE: Won't start
If your screen plugged that quickly, check your oil filter and find out what kind of junk it is catching. \\; It might give you a clue of a pending problem. \\; ie copper colored particules indicates a bushing gone bad. \\; Steel could be bearings or gear damage. \\; I had a piston pin bushing spin in the rod and the filter tipped me off before it did any expensive damage.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
