Why is the starter button on my Shovelhead not working?
I have owned a 1981 shovelhead FLH since it was new. When starting it yesterday, I had to push the starter button 5 times before it turned over. The battery is new, the starter button connected because of a strong clicking from the lower left side just above the trans. Any thoughts.
What to do when flathead 6 won’t start?
Put a pencil or a straw in the # 1 cylinder spark plug hole and turn the engine over by hand. Watch the pencil/straw as you turn the engine and notice when the pencil/straw reach the highest point rising out of the plug hole. You should hear a “whoosh” from the plug hole at that time – that is the top of the compression stroke for # 1 cylinder.
What should I do if my SHOVELHEAD is not starting?
Use new gaskets for re-assembly. REMOVE the battery so the chains and sprockets do not remove your fingers. Wondering if i should replace the starter relay while I have this all apart.
How to spread the word about the Shovelhead?
It has been expanded to include more history of the Shovelhead years as well as other features to help spread the word of the best HD’s on the road. Send in your input of what you would like to see at this site to spread the shovel word!
What are the problems with a 1981 Shovelhead?
Shovelhead starting problems. I have owned a 1981 shovelhead FLH since it was new. When starting it yesterday, I had to push the starter button 5 times before it turned over. The battery is new, the starter button connected because of a strong clicking from the lower left side just above the trans.
Is the Shovelhead Chopper a high dollar build?
Sure, high-dollar, fancy builds are cool and all. But deep down, we’ve got a soft spot for the no-frills choppers of the old days. Lightweight rides with plenty of power and little of anything else. So when we came across this incredible Shovelhead chopper build by HD Forums member Hannibal Smith, we knew we had found something truly special.
Do you need a sealed battery for a kick start Ironhead?
You don’t want the battery shorting against anything. Also if the battery isn’t sealed it may need somewhere to vent (drain) and you don’t want it daining on your paint. None of this will likely matter in your case.