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Panhead Won't Start - Need Advice

Started by JamLazyAss, August 08, 2020, 05:55:34 PM

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JamLazyAss

August 08, 2020, 05:55:34 PM Last Edit: August 08, 2020, 08:33:52 PM by JamLazyAss
My 52 has been sitting in the garage for exactly one year.
It hasn't been started nor did I try to start it due to medical BS.

I first tried a few days ago. I turned on the petcock and gas flowed everywhere.
Took the bowl off and found the float pin (I don't know the proper term) fell out from the float fingers.
I corrected that and the problem appears to be corrected.
All old gas was drained from the carb (linkert M74-B) and tanks.
Fresh gas was put in the tanks.

I have spark at the plugs.
I can't get it to start. Doesn't even try.
I gave it a couple quick shots of starter fluid, same thing.

Does anyone have a suggestion? What am I missing?

I never had a problem with this bike/motor.
It appears that the time has come to sell it, but I have to figure this out first.

Thanks.
JamLazyAss (Jack)
I'm not a proctologist, but I know an asshole when I see one...

Hossamania

Is the spark a good strong blue color? Could timing have changed somehow? A valve hanging open killing compression? I've seen failed condensers do weird things.
If the government gives you everything you want,
it can take away everything you have.

drifter

I haven't had my hands on a M74 B for a long time but if it has a drain plug on the bottom of the float bowl, unscrew it and confirm that fuel is indeed flowing to the carb at a good rate.  When the spark plugs were out did you hold your finger over the hole while cranking it to confirm compression?  As you know the engine needs air, fuel, compression and spark at the proper times to run, which one is wrong?  If you didn't drain the carb float bowl when it was parked the gas may have gummed up the jets etc. when it dried, might have to clean the carb for the new gas to get through.  Since it 'ran when parked' there shouldn't be much wrong with it.  As Hossamania suggested, if the spark is weak it may not ignite the air fuel mix in the cylinder under pressure, check and clean the points and all electrical connections related to the ignition.   Good luck.

JohnnyCashPan

You sprayed starter fluid in the carb and still nothing?  Verify your battery is charged; fire present at the plugs.  Check to see your clutch isn't slipping.  I watched a guy with an open primary kick himself sober.  Clutch basket barely moved, discs were glazed.
Old, slow and fat...

JamLazyAss

Just installed a new battery over the weekend.
Spark looks good at the plugs.
No, it didn't even try to fire with starter fluid.

I hope to get back at it this week but it's so effin hot in the garage.
We'll see.
I'm not a proctologist, but I know an asshole when I see one...

Excalibur

Agree with Drifter on cleaning the points. They dull off from sitting.

fleetmechanic


When you do get it to start be very careful about putting it in gear.  The clutch plates may well be glued together from tranny oil leakage.  I see this on just about any 4 speed with a "dry" clutch that's been sitting awhile.

drifter

If you haven't got it running yet, some furry critter may have turned the exhaust pipe into a cozy house with lots of grass etc. stuffed in there blocking exhaust flow, it won't run well if it can't breathe.   

JamLazyAss

Aug 26

Put new plugs in it today.
Checked compression. About 105.
Verified spark at both plugs.
Lightly sanded points.

Sprayed some starting fluid.

Still get nothing.

This has been a perfectly running bike before I parked it.  :banghead:
I'm not a proctologist, but I know an asshole when I see one...

Hossamania

If the government gives you everything you want,
it can take away everything you have.

fbn ent

Umm...So, how much for this doesn't run '52?   

Sorry, had to ask  :teeth:
'02 FLTRI - 103" / '84 FLH - 88"<br />Hinton, Alberta

JamLazyAss

Quote from: fbn ent on August 26, 2020, 03:22:23 PM
Umm...So, how much for this doesn't run '52?   

Sorry, had to ask  :teeth:

I'll probably try the condenser next.

Unfortunately it probably is going to go up for sale after I find the problem.
Pushing 70 and the doctors tell me it's time.
I'm not a proctologist, but I know an asshole when I see one...

fbn ent

'02 FLTRI - 103" / '84 FLH - 88"<br />Hinton, Alberta

Hossamania

Quote from: JamLazyAss on August 26, 2020, 03:42:10 PM
Quote from: fbn ent on August 26, 2020, 03:22:23 PM
Umm...So, how much for this doesn't run '52?   

Sorry, had to ask  :teeth:

I'll probably try the condenser next.

Unfortunately it probably is going to go up for sale after I find the problem.
Pushing 70 and the doctors tell me it's time.

And by doctors, you mean your knees?
If the government gives you everything you want,
it can take away everything you have.

JamLazyAss

I'm not a proctologist, but I know an asshole when I see one...

twincamzz

not all who wander are lost...

Brrrap

Jam, Sad to hear all of this. If I were still back in NY, I would have loved to swing by to get the 'ol pan going. Good luck man.
82nd ABN INF B.Co.1st 508th '78-81<br />1923rd Comm Group, ATC, Kelly AFB '82-86

JamLazyAss

I'm not a proctologist, but I know an asshole when I see one...

Herb

If you have good spark the condenser is not a problem. If you spray starting fluid in the carb and dont even get a pop I would look to see if there is something that is plugging the intake since it has been setting. Even if something was plugging your exhaust it should at least pop. At 105 compression I would not look for a stuck valve. Even with timing off it should pop with either. Are you checking spark at the plug electrode and not just the wire? Have you pulled a plug to verify if they are wet (getting fuel to them)

Reddog74usa

I'm with Hoss on this one and have also seen weird stuff with condensers. Damn shame your gonna sell the Pan. I always like that bike and is one of the nicest ones I've seen. Perfect lines. Try the condenser. I have one if ya need it. Oh yeah, I have seen them have spark and not start then put in a new condenser and WHAPPOW she started right up.
RIDE IT LIKE YA STOLE IT

Hossamania

Agreed, the spark can be erratic with a bad condenser, it will spark, but timing  can be way off.
If the government gives you everything you want,
it can take away everything you have.

Deye76

i have experienced bad condensers right out of the box. New doesn't mean good anymore.
East Tenn.<br /> 2020 Lowrider S Touring, 2014 CVO RK,  1992 FXRP

Excalibur

How you doing with this? Must have got it going by now??

JamLazyAss

Quote from: Excalibur on October 23, 2020, 09:03:54 PM
How you doing with this? Must have got it going by now??
I went out there a few days ago.
Gave it some starting fluid and it started right up.
I turned off the choke and it stalled.
Haven't been back out to try it again.
Like I mentioned before, it's always been a good starting bike.
It's probably just me. Might be time to buy a old BB Chevy...
I'm not a proctologist, but I know an asshole when I see one...

fleetmechanic

Running only with the choke on points to clogged jet passages on a Linkert.  Main or idle jet probably both need to be unvarnished.