Engine questions for a 1929 61" "f" head

[mkmclm]

I am almost done restoring a 1929 HD JC with a 61" "f" head engine. I started it a couple of weeks ago for the first time in a year. It started on the 3rd kick. It ran for about 1 minute and when I attempted to open the throttle a little it died. I noticed the carb. was leaking pretty bad. I sent the carb. back for repairs and then tried to start it again last week with no avail. The carb. was leaking again so I sent it back again. I checked the riders hand book and it stated not to look to the carb. first for difficulty in starting/running. I checked the plugs and they were very black. They are the same plugs that were used when the bike was first restored in 1977 by my Dad. I have ordered NOS plugs for my year and have not received them yet. The coil works well (I tested both wires and they spark). I know the timing is correct. I have not checked the compression. I did not completely tear down the engine during restoration. I took off the cylinder heads, cleaned off the carbon deposits on the cylinders, checked the rings (they were good), put on new gaskets and put the cylinder heads back on.

My question is two fold. How much compression should I have in both cylinders and what is the correct amount of torque I should tighten the cylinder head nuts? Also, is there anything else I should check before attempting to start it again?

Thanks in advance,
Matt

[killerbob]

Matt - I have a 34 model R - And I THINK the carb is pretty much the same technology.. After choking "leak" is pretty normal. When you open the throttle a little did it smoke black smoke before dying or did it just die ??

Don't know about comp but I'm pretty sure they didn't tighten things with at torque wrench in 29

[mkmclm]

Thanks for the response. It just died. No black smoke. For the minute it ran it sounded good. I am hopping the nos plugs and the fixed carb. is the solution. I am going to get a compression gauge this upcoming weekend from my Dad just to make sure that is not the problem.

[claydbal]

compression ratio back then was 4-6 to 1. dont know what gauge would read, but if you get 60 # or so, i would call it good?

if it fires up, try to keep it running with short shots of wd40 to the carb, it it runs, its lack of fuel, it not, its electrcal.


that will cost you a few pictures!!!!

[killerbob]

Will have to agree with claydbal... This is not a effective modern engine and it will run just fine even with bad rings. I would say that if you feel resonable resistance when you kick the kickstarter it will run provided your carb feeds it ... The rest you have checked (ignition/timing)

[mkmclm]

Thanks for all the responses. I really appreciate it. I will let you guys know how it goes. I won't be able to get to it for a couple of weeks because of not having the new parts and the holidays.

Thanks

[byaffe]

I jelous. Why don't you post some pictures of your old iron.

[Rulle28]

Sorry, I am a little late. Did you get your F Head started?

I have had four of them. Two -26 1000, and two 28 1200. The explanation for starting, but not running can be a vacum in the tank. If the holes in them are plugged up, or the flow of air reduced, it could result in a vacum. A leaky carburator, or low compression should be no problem for this wonderful engines.

Harleys workhorse, and winner of lots of races, over a period of almost 20 years.

The F Head engine is very underrated. It was built to accomodate the low octane gas of the period.

I hope you have had several tours on yours.

[Buddy Seat]

I know, old thread but:

Originally Posted by claydbal

if it fires up, try to keep it running with short shots of wd40 to the carb, it it runs, its lack of fuel, it not, its electrcal.

WD40 has not been flamable for several years (at least) now.