My 1950 FL Harley panhead is a son of a gun to kick over. It does not matter how big or bad you are, it will not turn over fast enough to start.
A bump (push) start gets it started & running with out problem. Timing is set correct, carb (Linkert M74B) complete rebuild. Spark, gas, air all there.
Installed longer kicker arm & shaft. Still, way to hard to kick over, (feels like to much compression, but turns over freely with spark plugs rermoved)
Kinda at a loss here, no shops in the area have been able to help. Any thoughts on solving my problem will be so welcome. THANKS

 

Compression pressure wants to be around 100 or a little bit less 90 maybe - another 25 pounds more becomes an issue

valve spring pressure and camshaft lift become an issue

you did not say it has 8 1/2 to one or more compression pistons in it — and a performance cam with valve springs


then you did not say its stock flywheels 74 inch not and 80 inch or more

information is the beginning of helping

 

A simple compression test will tell you what you have, then how was the motor built will tell why you have it.

 

Bike was purchased off ebay. The crook I got it from had no information on what parts were used to rebuild it.
Was hoping I would not have to tear it apart to find answers. The fact that it starts wiith a push gives me some hope.

 

Do the compression test, takes a minute and then you know if too much compression is your issue.

 

My 75 kicks easy , stock 74 cubes , Crane Cam , 84 is 80 cubes : supposed to be stock bore , camshaft is a big , I suspect advanced a bit . I can kick start it but the issue is it lights 1/2 through the stroke and will remind you , it is the Boss of the operation

 

On eBay, Craigslist or whatever site a bike is advertised on, when the description is very limited, run don’t walk away. Seller is usually hiding something.

 

"The crook I got it from" ... Hopefully you didn't know that before hand ... As mentioned, a few minutes with a compression gauge should give so information ... Good Luck

 

Compression only reads 65psi per cyclinder.

 

In that case, it's at least conceivable that your kicker is hanging up inside the cover. That is, either: (a) bad (very bad) bushing and/or kicker shaft (I don't think a hardened kicker shaft O-ring could add that much friction); or (b) insufficient clearance between the shaft's shoulder and the inside of the cover--or some other mechanical interference. I.e., your throwout bearing could be coming apart inside the kicker cover.

Regardless, you can diagnosis this easily. First, get tranny in neutral, then:

1) remove spark plugs and try turning the engine with kicker first--this eliminates compression as an issue, though you've said it's low;

2) now remove primary cover and try turning the engine with a big socket on the nut at the end of the crank--which eliminates the kicker.

3) if step no. 2 does turn the engine easily but not step no. 1, you've isolated the issue with the kicker mechanism or throwout bearing;

4) if step no. 2 does not turn the engine easily, your tranny or clutch might need attention. Disconnect the primary chain or belt and try no. 2 again to make sure. Diagnose the clutch before messing with the tranny.