1972 flh
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Novice
Joined: Oct 2012
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From: australia
1972 flh
gday....i have 1972 shovel.
the bike is very original with only 11000 original miles....so its been asleep for a very long, long time.
i bought it about a year ago and im very happy with it as it rides quite beautifully......i have already put about 1000 miles on it by riding it locally.
up until about 5 weeks ago i noticed some white smoke coming out.....
i didnt take much notice at the time but yesterday i noticed it more and i also noticed that it was coming out much moreso from the exhaust that services the rear head. i think its slightly more smoky now than before. both cylinders are running and the bike starts first time every time. offcourse its not quick or pirky as many of the new bikes are today but it pulls well.....it doesnt seem to me in the last year that i have ridden it, that it has lost any power, but im not so sure as im not very well versed with harleys in general. its had an oil change and new filter and the mechanic i took it to about a year ago when i first bought it said that it rides well. i use 98 grade fuel with a little lead additive....im thinking maybe that it could be this?? anyway, if anyone can throw some light, it would be appreciated......cheers met
the bike is very original with only 11000 original miles....so its been asleep for a very long, long time.
i bought it about a year ago and im very happy with it as it rides quite beautifully......i have already put about 1000 miles on it by riding it locally.
up until about 5 weeks ago i noticed some white smoke coming out.....
i didnt take much notice at the time but yesterday i noticed it more and i also noticed that it was coming out much moreso from the exhaust that services the rear head. i think its slightly more smoky now than before. both cylinders are running and the bike starts first time every time. offcourse its not quick or pirky as many of the new bikes are today but it pulls well.....it doesnt seem to me in the last year that i have ridden it, that it has lost any power, but im not so sure as im not very well versed with harleys in general. its had an oil change and new filter and the mechanic i took it to about a year ago when i first bought it said that it rides well. i use 98 grade fuel with a little lead additive....im thinking maybe that it could be this?? anyway, if anyone can throw some light, it would be appreciated......cheers met
Last edited by met; Jan 26, 2013 at 05:38 AM.
I'd like to see some photos of the bike. There aren't that many original condition bikes left.The fuel you are running probably is not the problem. The white smoke is probably oil.
My rule of thumb is if it smokes on start-up and clears out, or smokes on de-accelaration, it's probably valve guide seals, or wore out valve guides. If it smokes on accelaration or while cruising, it is probably rings. You need to do a compression and leak down test to tell which it is.
My rule of thumb is if it smokes on start-up and clears out, or smokes on de-accelaration, it's probably valve guide seals, or wore out valve guides. If it smokes on accelaration or while cruising, it is probably rings. You need to do a compression and leak down test to tell which it is.
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Novice
Joined: Oct 2012
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From: australia
pics posted
yeah i figured this......1st thing monday i think a compression is in check.
anyway....i have posted four pics of the bike. i believe it to be pretty original and relatively untouched............but as i said, im no expert with these.
anyway....i have posted four pics of the bike. i believe it to be pretty original and relatively untouched............but as i said, im no expert with these.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,328
Likes: 154
From: Lake City, Florida
You need to do a top end job. My old Pan was bored out .050 over the last time I did her, and they usually were bored .010 each time. Do the math. I didn't have a speedo (didn't know real mileage) but I'd do a top end job just to keep her fresh every couple of years, it would help in kick starting her, and keep her running strong. Back then they didn't have an oil filter.
Last edited by jamesroadking; Jan 26, 2013 at 06:49 AM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 7,495
Likes: 3,705
From: Santa Klaus County, Cali
Only 11K and smoking, even it has has been sitting I am a bit surprised to think it would need a top end end. But as suggested definitely do a compression check.
Shovesl and pans treated right will go 65K before you need a top end. If you do the top end, consider swithing to unleaded valves.
You mentioned fuel additive. Does it say anuthing about mixing it with that premium unleaded. Any chance you are using too much aditive?
Shovesl and pans treated right will go 65K before you need a top end. If you do the top end, consider swithing to unleaded valves.
You mentioned fuel additive. Does it say anuthing about mixing it with that premium unleaded. Any chance you are using too much aditive?
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From: australia
yeah thats what came to my mind first thing.....maybe too much additive.
but then, if anything has been sitting for too long, just as this has, then one has to include this scenario into the equation.....
i dont believe there is a problem with rings, pistons and bearings.....but
sitting idle for this long couldnt be good to valve stem rubbers.........i thought.
but then, if anything has been sitting for too long, just as this has, then one has to include this scenario into the equation.....
i dont believe there is a problem with rings, pistons and bearings.....but
sitting idle for this long couldnt be good to valve stem rubbers.........i thought.
How do the plugs look? I have a 73 and went through the entire motor and tranny..Now I know exactly what I have..Good feeling if nothen else..Good luck.
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From: Niles Canyon Ca.
Early ones didn't have valve guide seals so pushing a little oil past the guide is common and the rear exhaust rocker arm gets the full load of oil coming up from the the feed and it tends to flood the guide pretty good . Do a leak down test and the compression test , the leak down will tell more than anything else what's tired or loose .
Also the bike is old enough all the lines are probably hard and need replacing , with the stock oiling system intact loose hoses sucking air on the primary and the scavenging lines can contribute to the smoking too . Contrary to popular myth it isn't always an upper end issue .
Also the bike is old enough all the lines are probably hard and need replacing , with the stock oiling system intact loose hoses sucking air on the primary and the scavenging lines can contribute to the smoking too . Contrary to popular myth it isn't always an upper end issue .
Also the bike is old enough all the lines are probably hard and need replacing , with the stock oiling system intact loose hoses sucking air on the primary and the scavenging lines can contribute to the smoking too . Contrary to popular myth it isn't always an upper end issue .
Last edited by AlCherry; Jan 27, 2013 at 07:52 AM.