Just got 82 iron head won't start, after driving bout 30 miles it shut down while driving it. It's new bike to me this season, and am still working out kinks but this one is crucial being that the americade bike rally is in 2 1/2 weeks and need help any advice could help, iron head advice would be so appreciative.

 

First thing is check for spark and pull the plugs and see if there fouled. Second thing is make sure you have fuel to the carb and that when you roll the throttle it shoots fuel! Possible causes cold be a coil gone bad or a ignition issue under the cover but like I said first thing is check to see if you even have spark

 

What kind of carb does it have, S&S carbs can gas foul your plugs if run just a bit too rich. Do you know any history on the bike?? Was it sitting for awhile??? Does the carb and gas tank need cleaning?? How was it running before it died?? If it was running good the timing should be OK. Check coil for cracks, sometimes they run fine at first but after they get hot they lose spark. Hit up the ironhead forum.

 

Tks allot I have good spark to my plugs, thinking it's a linkage problem with throttle on crab maybe it all feels right but when u throttle down and watch they don't seem to be workn as a team and think not getn proper fuels. Put a lil fuel in plug ports and wanted to fire but not enough.

 

Check the compression.

 

Seems good out the pipes on back cylinder the front ont almost seems to be drawing air? But that front cylinder has been running a lil poor until the bike was warm so I'm not sure?

 

Ironheads have solid lifters so the correct adjustment is critical. Looks like you will need to buy a Factory HD shop manual.

 

Got a shop manual just would like a educated spot to starting place. Do my own work Lookn for some advice on starting point. Think my front cylinder lifter would cause it to not start???It was running and was driving at 55 mph when just died no sputtering just acted like the key was turned off , and wouldn't re fire back up..?

 

Do you output from the ignition coil?

 

Like others said, its either fuel delivery or spark. My guess is its spark. I hate to throw parts at things but Im sensing the coil also..