What kind of motor oil does a 1972 ironhead Sportster use?
Be sure to inspect primary shoe for wear and to see that it is held in place tight on 1952 to 1976 models. For 1971 and later, with a wet clutch, a quart of 20w50 motor oil works well. No special Harley yuppie juice required. If you have a clutch that likes to drag make up a quart of 1/2 20w50 and half ATF.
How often should an Ironhead kick starter be replaced?
Intake leaks can cause things like poor running and even put a hole in a piston from lean running condition. 1978 and later Ironheads with the “rubber band” type intake manifold and heads, should have the intake seals replaced once a year. These are notorious for cracking and leaking. Kick Starter.
What are the problems with Ironhead Sportsters?
Ironheads are known for having the nut on the front transmission sprocket come loose. Chains are often neglected. Rear drum sprockets are known for shearing off the rivets, leaving you stuck. Rear Brake. This is another area of problems and neglect.
When to adjust tappet on Ironhead vintage cycle?
Check the adjustment when the engine is cold and the tappet you are working on is at the lowest point. The pushrod should spin freely, with no up and down movement. After adjusting it roll the engine through and recheck your work, then move on to the next one.
How much slack should an ironhead Sportster have?
DO NOT NEGLECT THE PRIMARY AND TRANSMISSION SERVICE. It does not use much oil and it should be changed regularly. Keep the Primary Chain properly adjusted. With engine COLD it should have 5/8″ to 7/8″ slack and HOT 3/8″ to 5/8″.
Be sure to inspect primary shoe for wear and to see that it is held in place tight on 1952 to 1976 models. For 1971 and later, with a wet clutch, a quart of 20w50 motor oil works well. No special Harley yuppie juice required. If you have a clutch that likes to drag make up a quart of 1/2 20w50 and half ATF.
DO NOT NEGLECT THE PRIMARY AND TRANSMISSION SERVICE. It does not use much oil and it should be changed regularly. Keep the Primary Chain properly adjusted. With engine COLD it should have 5/8″ to 7/8″ slack and HOT 3/8″ to 5/8″.
What kind of Kick Starter does ironhead Sportster use?
Kick Starter. Sportster kick starters are known for bustin’ knee caps. That is a fact, Jack. 1971 and up have a better set of kick ratchets then the earlier 900cc models. They have a gear with a bushing and the bushing should be inspected if the kicker has a tendency to slip through, as that bushing wears.
Check the adjustment when the engine is cold and the tappet you are working on is at the lowest point. The pushrod should spin freely, with no up and down movement. After adjusting it roll the engine through and recheck your work, then move on to the next one.
What happens to the oil in an Ironhead bike?
When you crank or start the engine oil is then forced out the breather. As long as it stops after a minute or two you are probably OK. The longer the bike sits between starts the more oil there will be.
Kick Starter. Sportster kick starters are known for bustin’ knee caps. That is a fact, Jack. 1971 and up have a better set of kick ratchets then the earlier 900cc models. They have a gear with a bushing and the bushing should be inspected if the kicker has a tendency to slip through, as that bushing wears.
Do you have to take care of Ironhead Sportsters?
Theoretically you should have a good one if everything in the engine is within specification and you take good care of it. FUN FACT: Most cheap Ironhead Sportsters for sale are money pits that have been used and abused and are in need of much attention.
What’s the average speed of an ironhead Sportster?
A Sportster can cruise comfortably at about 65 to 70mph, if properly geared right. Sometimes you have a good Sportster and it does well and sometimes you end up with a constantly broken down money pit. Theoretically you should have a good one if everything in the engine is within specification and you take good care of it.