Messages by Dusty

One of my favorite books is the Harley Davidson factory service manual. It costs about $50 dollars, but that was a few years ago so it may be more now. I have used this manual several times and it has helped me immensely. The only problem is it’s designed for readers who have basic mechanical knowledge. It is not a beginner’s manual and the wording is very technical. For those who need a little more hands on information, you may want to use, “Motorcycles Fundamentals Service and Repair”. It provides a large range of photos related to repair work and it covers trouble-shooting areas that are always helpful when trying to diagnose a problem.

The compensator is not actually located inside the engine. It is on the output shaft and it’s a complex ramp like device that is designed to minimize sharp engine pulses from entering the drive train. Usually the biggest problem associated with compensators is the fastening nut coming off or loose. When this happens, major problems can emerge in the primary case area, but never in the engine. That's what my experience has been.

Are you sure it’s the exhaust that you smell? The reason I ask is because if your crankcase breathers are routed to vent to the atmosphere, then your passenger will smell the crankcase venting. In fact, you will also smell it when you stop at a light or signal. Other than that, I really can’t think of how the exhaust gases from the tailpipe could come all the way forward towards your face. What does everyone else think?

I just saw in the news that Evel Knievel died recently at the age of 69. According to reports, he was a very sick man who eventually died from pulmonary fibrosis, which is an incurable condition that scarred his lungs. Along with that he suffered two strokes a few years ago. I personally remember watching some of his daredevil stunts with his motorcycle. Weren’t they something to watch? Does anyone else remember his stunts? I’m surprised he never died from jumping his motorcycle over so many cars, RV’s, trucks, etc . Remember when he broke 40 bones from a stunt he did at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas? I think he retired after that. Some people really looked up to him as a great showman. His son Robbie Knievel is suppose to be following in his Dad’s footsteps as the next generation daredevil. Anyone ever watch him? I think it’s going to be difficult to replace his Dad. Don’t you agree?

Always make sure the treaded area is clean and never put any type of oil such as WD-40 on the thread.  You may want to take the time to properly insert the spark plug so it is threaded properly.  The importance of doing this is to avoid cross- threading.  To tighten up the spark plug, I suggest using a torque wrench. 

 

If there is a  little bit of rust on the sideplates, this is not a problem. However, a light red, loose powder coming from the area between the rollers (with O-rings on O-ring chains) means your chain is no longer any good.  

My suggestion is to use a small dab of kerosine to get rid of the rust that may be from debris that adhees from the chain. 

 

If you ride your motorcycle on normal streets, your chain wont need too much cleaning.  I suggest using WD-40, spray it on the chain and use a rag to wipe off any excess.  That should do the trick. 

 

The first thing you need to do is check the spark plugs.  They may be dirty and need to be replaced.  Next, check the air filter, check the vaccum lines for any cracks, and check the fuel flow.  You may also want to check the battery.  A weak battery may start the motorcycle up sometimes and not at all other times.

Putting in straight pipes will definitely make the bike sound louder, but it still wont sound like a Harley Davidson.  What makes the Harley sound so unique to other motorcycles is the way the crankpin is in the Harley Davidson motor.  The bottom line is to just save your money and buy a Harley Davidson.  There is no way to get the sound you are looking for. 

A big problem with the ironhead sporty motor is the high-dome pistons.   Overall, they're still an OK engine, for the era. Of course, Harley Davidson engines now are so much better.  That's just my opinion.  You may want to talk to a mechanic to get their advice.