Long-standing engine needs re-start. (Off topic...sort of..

[gahorN]

I've got an old flat-head Harley ('34 VLD) that has not been started in almost 20 years. It's free and turns over with compression. Thinking about soaking it with penetrating oil (PB Blaster?) or WD40, etc thru the sparkplug holes for a week or so before I attempt to crank it.

Anyone with old Harley knowlege got any special words?

 

[Dan from WI]

I would suggest going over to the HD forums or the Vtwin forum and asking your question over there. Lots of great information from some very experienced folks over there. Sounds like an awesome scooter and would hate to see you do something wrong with it.

 

[rapture505]

If its free to turn over I'm not sure what the advantage would be in spraying penatrating oil in the cilenders would be.....VLs are a total loss oil system so make sure you do an "oil change" before you try to start it.....fill your oil tank (upper left fule tank) wit 50 or 60 straight weight oil.....empty the crank case there will be a lever on I think the right lower side of the engine case (could be the left not sure) un screw your oil pump knob again upper left fule tank and give it three good long pumps...of course you want to make sure you fule delevery system is in good order as well as your spark delevery too....ingnition off...gas on....two kicks to prime.....ignition on...retard your spark ignition (left grip) kick the hell out of it.....if/when it fires advance your spark and hopefully all is well.....good luck!

 

[gahorN]

Yes, that left grip (retard) is a curiosity to me. I guess it's full forward to retard to avoid a kick-back. Sounds like you're fairly knowlegeable about the old bike. It's otherwise in pretty good shape. I plan to put new rubber on it but otherwise keep it original. Belonged to an old mentor of mine whose Father gave it to him for his 19th B-day gift.

 

[Sean (TX)]

Lets see some pic's!!

 

[Joe T (CO)]

(quoted from post at 21:18:26 01/09/10) I've got an old flat-head Harley ('34 VLD) that has not been started in almost 20 years. It's free and turns over with compression. Thinking about soaking it with penetrating oil (PB Blaster?) or WD40, etc thru the sparkplug holes for a week or so before I attempt to crank it.

Anyone with old Harley knowlege got any special words?

I would love to see pix of your "74".

I have restored two, a 62 Panhead, and a 67 generator Shovelhead.

They were great projects and very rewarding.

Not sure how I did it cause one person said I was a "backyard-shade-tree-jack-of-all-trades" that couldn't install a cogged belt on a hydraulic pump.

All I know is I really enjoyed those bikes!

 

[gahorN]

The reflectors are actually all red but the camera flash made them look orange. Original bags 1934. Leather still good and pliable.

 

[gahorN]

But of course my 1934 Harley hasn't been restored...as my neighbor's 1953 Indian has. Looks more like a 1989 model to me, however......


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[G6 at Snook, TX]

Looks like that Indian MC has a "battery charger" installed on it, as one of our more colorful locals might put it.