S&S panhead kickstart : V-Twin Forum: Harley Davidson Forums

DR Ransom · 04-25-2009, 09:35 PM

Hi
I have just built a bobber, it has:
S&S p-series panhead, with superstock ignition 93 cu in
8.2:1 compression ratio.
Primary belt 1.5 inch
Kick only
Harley 4 speed transmission
S&S super E carb

I cant start it.

I have checked the carb settings
The timing is good
A few times I have managed to start it, but after about 200 kicks.
Then I rode it 16 miles & the oil temp was 250 degrees (with 20-50 syn oil)

My questions:
Is this engine too big for kickstarting?
Should I send it back to S&S?

Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanx in advance

Scooter · 04-27-2009, 08:25 AM

Make sure that the clutch is not slipping while kicking. The slightest pressure on the throwout bearing will cause you to loose rotation on kick. It's true.

fastfxr · 10-03-2009, 07:41 AM

wondering have you sorted this motor so it can be kick started cheers

rosascycle · 10-05-2009, 07:47 AM

Most any engine 74 cuin to 100cuin at 8to 1 compression S&S carburetor with the pump working properly should start with out killing yourself lets say within 6 to 10 kicks most of the time. Above 70 degrees tuned and timed correctly Not 200 kicks. Check! that S&S ignition S&S makes great engines and related parts but kick start bikes need a fast breaking spark 35yrs of kicking has me convinced nothing beats a simple mechanical advancing electronic ignition system on kickstart motorcycles happy kicking

rbabos · 10-06-2009, 08:42 PM

Most likely your problem is with the ignition. Never had a problem with points back in the day. Rotate distributor to retard, one choke kick with switch off and a second kick to charge the other cylinder. One more to distibute the mix and turn the switch on. Always started in 4-5 kicks cold and usually one when hot. If you can kick this thing 200 times I don't think I'd want to pi$$ you off.

Ron

Bigbearkiller · 10-07-2009, 09:20 AM

Stopped for gas Sunday on my 76 fxe wouldn't start....button or kick....30 kicks later checked battery cable......yup!It's a real one kicker......sometimes dumbshuit will get you!I trust points/properly set.I bet it's electrical.Nothing like a one kicker...it pisses on twinkies!!

aharp · 10-23-2009, 07:57 AM

My 80" pan was a real one kicker. Mallory Electronic distributor and cv carb. Smooooooth as glass.

stroker93 · 10-23-2009, 07:58 PM

That motor is a glorified evo( oiling system,roller rockers,ect)..I would believe there should be NO issue with size of motor,,I kick a 4 3/4 stroker shovel..I would check plugsfor spark,,mess with timing (retard it).If you have to dump gas straight down carb throat..Only jump on comp stroke,,save some work..
Dave