How do you start a Shovelhead?
Kick the bike over a few times with the switch off to get it primed. Spin it through until you get compression. Turn the switch on. Kick until you have to wipe the snot from your face.
Why won t my shovelhead start?
It may just be flooded. Hard to tell but assuming everything is in working order, dry the plugs and don’t choke the carb, give it a couple shots of gas and one or two prime kicks. Then turn the ignition on, open the throttle all the way and kick it over.
How does a Harley kick start work?
As the lever begins to descend under the riders foot, the rachet engages a gear linked to the crankshaft causing it to spin past top dead center so that an ignition spark can ignite the compressed fuel mixture. Upon starting, the rachet disengages and the rider folds the lever back.
How do you adjust the timing on a Shovelhead?
How to Set the Timing on Shovelhead Points
- Remove the spark plugs, the timing port plug (on the left side of the engine case between the cylinders) and the timing cover (on the right side of the engine case).
- Place your thumb over the front-cylinder spark plug hole and kick the engine over slowly with the kick starter.
What kind of oil is in a 1975 Shovelhead?
Bought a 1975 Shovelhead a while back from a very shady character and among other things, when you start the engine, it starts puking tons of oil all over the floor. There is a braided metal line about 6-8″ long with a small filter on the end of it.
Are there any ignition problems with my Shovelhead?
Shovelhead ignition troubles… So I took her out the other day, she was spitting, coughing, backfiring, black smoke. Took her home, checked the points, cleaned the carb out, it starts, but rough. It’s kick only.
Where is the timing mark on a Shovelhead?
With that timing mark centered in the hole…the small lobe of the points cam should be coming around towards the point rubbing block. The idea is you can now put a small screwdriver or scribe or awl through that 3/8″ hole you drilled in the plate, using that tool to move the advance weights outward to the full advance position.
Which is the correct way to turn the Shovelhead ignition plate?
Turning the plate counterclockwise retards the timing, turning it clockwise advances it.
Bought a 1975 Shovelhead a while back from a very shady character and among other things, when you start the engine, it starts puking tons of oil all over the floor. There is a braided metal line about 6-8″ long with a small filter on the end of it.
Is there a 1975 Harley Davidson shovelhead for sale?
1975 Harley-Davidson FLH Shovelhead. Great running shovel here for sale. Well cared for with recent trans rebuild, new Barnett clutch and aluminum pressure plate. I added the larger early model throw-out bearing and a six bolt clutch basket while I had it apart.This bike has all new bearings in the wheels, steering head and swing arm.
What causes a Shovelhead bike to not start?
Always check manufacturer’s instructions and specs before beginning this type of job. Shovelheads are notorious for having starter problems involving the solenoid, but many times this can be traced back to connection errors or bad parts. If the starter relay wire is not connected to the “S” post on the solenoid, the bike won’t start.
How old is the battery on a Shovelhead FLH?
Battery is a 1 year old glass mat 300+ CCA hooked to an All Balls Starter with custom heavy gauge cables. Kicker is heavy duty and works great with a hot engine.