78 sportster I think : V-Twin Forum: Harley Davidson Forums

Ironhead 78 · 06-09-2006, 12:32 AM

Hello, this is my first post, just found this place it's great so far.
have some ????????????? mybe I can get some help here.

This is it, I got it a month ago, My first Harley
I have no idea what type it is other than what I've been told
the # on the engine is 3A27887H8 if that helps any, So far I love it, minor problems but to be expected with it's age, want to get a manual but but not sure which one to get.
has a problem right now, starts up, runs like a champ but when I stop and shut it off It won't start again for 15 to 45 minutes, It has a new coil, battery is charged, but it wont even turn over, it does nothing, turn the key the lights come on push the starter, complete silence. any ideas?
Oh yeah it has points and those are new 2

AndrewM01 · 06-09-2006, 12:31 PM

and probably partly homemade, at that. Go through the wiring, end to end, slowley and carefully cleaning connections and checking for worn through insulation, loose connectors, and like that. Wouldn't hurt to get a cheap voltmeter and learn a bit about electrics, while you're at it. The immediate symptom sounds like a main breaker. THese get old and unreliable. They're triggered by heat, so if an old one is sitting where engine heat gets to it, it'll do just what you're describing. Year-model ought to be listed on the registration and/or title. Check in magazines like Walmneck's Cycle Trader for handbooks and parts.
Good Luck

Y2K · 06-09-2006, 03:05 PM

Check in over here... http://xlforum.net/vbportal/forums/index.php

77Ironhead · 06-09-2006, 03:20 PM

Yep, Looks like an early 78 - older style frame, dual disk front - basically the same as a 77 with dual disk front forks. Late 78 and later had the newer XLCR style frame with the square swingarm and rear disk brake. What you have is in my opinion the last of the "classic" ironhead sporsters. Good luck - give the TLC it deserves.

77Ironhead · 06-09-2006, 03:21 PM

P.S. it would be even more classic if it was an XLCH.

77Ironhead · 06-09-2006, 03:26 PM

Oh sorry, the starter problem? I don't know I got the XLCH so I didn't have to worry about such things, plus it's good exercize when the battery is low or the engine is hot or it needs a tuneup/airfilter cleaning.