My barn find 1978 Iron Head Sportster won't start. Need advice.
#71
There may be rust in the brake caliper(s). It happens when bikes sit for a few years.
We used to run straight 60 or 70 wt oil but I think Mobil 1 V Twin would be better. Maybe call your dealer and see what they recommend for the older bikes.
Check the sprockets and invest in a good O Ring chain. I broke a cheap chain on my Sporty and it took out the sprocket cover.
We used to run straight 60 or 70 wt oil but I think Mobil 1 V Twin would be better. Maybe call your dealer and see what they recommend for the older bikes.
Check the sprockets and invest in a good O Ring chain. I broke a cheap chain on my Sporty and it took out the sprocket cover.
#72
Put syn in that bike it'll leak like a pasta strainer, straight 50 or 60 wt dealer wouldn't have a f**king clue with a bike that old.
Op isn't about the oil breaking down it is about all the crud and moisture build up that accumulates over time when sitting and you just circulated that gunk all through that engine.
Sorry don't know what caused all the goofy type in this was not deliberate.
Op isn't about the oil breaking down it is about all the crud and moisture build up that accumulates over time when sitting and you just circulated that gunk all through that engine.
Sorry don't know what caused all the goofy type in this was not deliberate.
Last edited by TwiZted Biker; 06-03-2019 at 01:17 PM.
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RHPAW (06-03-2019)
#73
Not to mention you picked one of the neediest maintenance engines H-D ever made.
#74
Well, to be honest, I thought this would be a nice little project. Now, with what I'm hearing and seeing here, I think this frickin' thing is going up for sale!
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Sorce (06-07-2019)
#75
Lot of experience in here use it, it'll save you headaches and money.
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nytryder (06-05-2019)
#76
#77
Don't do that, just do all the necessary stuff to keep from hurting her....no more shortcuts. IMHO, I think a well treated Ironhead is a solid motor. I had a '72, a '76 and a '77 and they were all good bikes.
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Sorce (06-07-2019)
#78
I wouldn't do that. That's a pretty nice looking scoot considering it hasn't run in so many years. Please change the oil before you run it again, and start working through all the issues one at a time and you should wind up with a nice bike. Ask for advice here as needed (lots of great experience and expertise here, but you NEED to listen to and follow their advice) and you'll be on your way. There's no reason for you to be "in over your head" here, lots of folks have started out pretty much exactly where you are experience wise and have done just fine. Good luck whatever you decide.
#79
Don't bail, man. It's a GREAT find, and if you can get through the rebuild, you will love that bike til the day you die.
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Sorce (06-07-2019)