Life with an original shovelhead
#1
Life with an original shovelhead
I've owned and ridden a basically stock and unmodified '77 Harley FLH 74" since I bought her from the original owner back in 1991. It now has 76,900 original miles. I've had great rides and experiences on this machine, including two cross-country tours, and get lots of nice feedback on its originality and good condition - it's a dark silver colored King Of The Highway edition Electra Glide. It even has the stock Keihin carb and ham can air cleaner. Lately it sits more than it should but I want to change that. Over the years I've replaced several starter solenoids, voltage regulators, the clutch basket once, had the carb rebuilt twice, and the primary/tranny seal twice, and a handful of electrical bugaboos. The top end hasn't been apart since I've owned it, and I'd like to keep it that way, with oil changes every 2000 miles, using a spin-on type filter. I want to keep this old girl running, as original as possible, and continue to use it like a modern motorcycle as much as is possible. I'll need more good advice along the way...
The lastest issue/problem happened last night - was cruising after dark, 75 degree weather, and the engine made a mild 'pop' sound and just quit. After rolling into a gas station, I tried restarting (the engine had been occasionally snorting or hiccuping), but it wouldn't fire, not even a single pop. I noticed that the engine was cranking faster than it usually does, as if there was lower compression...haven't checked to see if plugs are sparking yet. Any thoughts?
The lastest issue/problem happened last night - was cruising after dark, 75 degree weather, and the engine made a mild 'pop' sound and just quit. After rolling into a gas station, I tried restarting (the engine had been occasionally snorting or hiccuping), but it wouldn't fire, not even a single pop. I noticed that the engine was cranking faster than it usually does, as if there was lower compression...haven't checked to see if plugs are sparking yet. Any thoughts?
#7