Thank You. I actually considered writing directions for line of motorcycle parts. And, it's quite obvious I have a lot of respect for people who take pride in communicating well. I was actually better at this when I was younger. But I really enjoy it.

Thank You. I appreciate your kind words. I also appreciate your love of H.D. What's happening here, with the virus, is so confusing, I just try to keep my distance from people as much as possible. So much is political, it's hard to understand who's doing what. I wish you well. At some point, this will be over. I hope we learn something from it. For some reason, Man can't seem to learn from his own histrory.

Very well put. And I Thank You.

Yes, I will have one of my buddy's bring one over. There's a bunch of simple little tricks to be done there.

I did not forget the grease. I showed it. Yah, there's lots of beauty to our age. Don't exactly know what it is. But, you bet we love those old books. And yes, I was born wayyy back there.

I can understand what you are a saying ,but I was born in 64 & i came from a reading time ,just cant see them letters anymore ,look like ants crawling across paper to me ,tho I still try with my magnifying glass,but you see i was raised by folks like yall,who believed in reading .but you can not deny the ability to watch this is just way to cool & great ,I try real hard to find all the positives of modern tech .

Same to you!

Thank You.

Thank You.

Happy holidays!

Glad you think so!

Thank You.

Thank you! You too!

Thank You. And, backatcha.

Glad you enjoyed it

My pleasure!

Thank You.

You got it! Thank You for watching.

Glad it was helpful!

Thanks for sharing! And, Happy Fourth to you.

Glad you like them!

And, a Happy 4th to you!

Very cool!

Glad you enjoyed it

Thanks, you too!

Same to you! And, Thank You.

Wow, thanks

Thank You. I'm glad you did too.

Thank You. And the same to you.

Thanks so much

And a Happy one to you. Thank You for helping me to "Keep Looking On The Bright Side." It's obviously our job.

Same to you!

Thanks, you too!

Thank You.

I run a very fancy electronic ignition on my cone motor Shovel. On my older bikes, I run single points with modern coils. British electrics? Been there, replaced it all on my British car.

Thanks for watching!

Same to you!

Thank You. Some of those old British bike were awesome.

Pulltabs are still a new developement. We are a funny bunch, huh?

@@pacificmike9501 Never a dull moment!!!!

Ever use a dollar bill as a point file, it works just don't leave any of it behind. Match book for setting and coarse filing. Love the Idea of using a rolling paper to static time, I was never given that technology but enjoy watching what six volts can do.

Happy 4th to you Kurt! Great to hear from you! I hope all is well.

Thanks! You too!

👍

Thanks! You too!

And, backatcha! Thank You.

That's awesome. Thank You.

Thank You.

Good stuff. Thank You

Same to you!

Thank You.

I go to it. I love it. I know some of the competitors well. Most of them are amazing. Show bikes have progressed a long ways from when I was doing it. I think the bikes I do are nice. But, they're really best flying down the road.

Thank You. And, Greetings to you.

Thank You. And, Happy 4th to you.

And I hope you did. Thank You.

Backatcha

Thank You. And Amen to that.

Good modern wire is wonderful. I think you're speaking of the circuit breaker. They get old and aren't very weather tight to begin with. Again, nothing like a "fresh" electrical system. That 71 Harley is 50 years old, no matter how well it's been taken care of. I've rewired and replaced everything on my Shovelhead a few times, and I've had it since May of 1978. It was a brand new 77 FLH. We're still in love.

@@pacificmike9501 thank you Mike for a great answer. That is the circuit breaker I am writing about and it is nothing more than an automatic thermal fuse, which is used in old American cars too. ✌️

@@pacificmike9501 BTW: should it be a 15 Amp or 30 Amp circuit breaker to a FLH Electra Glide from 1971? 😊🙏 (Specifications not available in Clymer or on the internet).

"Automatic thermal fuse" sounds good to me. It's probably the "proper term." And generally, the "main" circuit breaker is a 30. A genuine Harley Davidson (model specific) service manual has that in it. Not to be rude, I know they're expensive, but money well spent.

@@pacificmike9501 They are not expensive, from $2.25 on AliExpress to $20 in the most expensive stores, average price is $10. I didn’t know if it should be a 15A or a 30A, but I selected the 30A.

Happy Fourth of July to you. It needs a skirt, but it's already been upholstere in leather.

It will happen. But, it won't happen until we have one here to do, or when I install one on the project bike.

Almost anywere on the points assembly. Just poke around, you'll find it. Thank You.

Thank You. Kind words.

And a belated Happy 4th to you! John around the corner is still complaining about his leaky fork seals. We'll get to it and make both of you happy. Not today though.

Pacific Mike 👍🤣

You were right. The early electronics did not stand up too well. It took me a long timee to trust them. They are now quite good.

Okay, fine by me.

I normally remove them. A little too "unstable" for me. Putting in a single point distributor with a good 12 volt system would make a bone stock beautiful motorcycle even better. Good modern coil, Good modern generator with built in regulator. Sorry. I don't mean to push stuff on you. But what a neat bike if it would stay in tune and light up the road at night.

@@pacificmike9501 you are absolutely correct and I should do that. It starts with finding a single point distributor. How I rue the days when I could get one for almost nothing and I didnt.... Any recommendations on a generator make? ( I'm still 6v too....)

The ones on my old bikes are Cycle Electric.

@@pacificmike9501 thanks very much. You are a class act!

You are correct. You and I learned this one the hard way. I honestly have forgotten why the higher ohm resistance is required for points, but I know that it is. That's the difference to remember when ordering a coil. Sorry I'm not more help on that one, but it is so. I'll bet we get a better answer from one of our viewers. Thank You.

Thank You. I'm waiting for the front end to come back from the frame shop. Money has gotten unexpectedly tight. You know, life.

I don't have one to do at the moment. But, given the opportunity, I usually change them over to a single point setup. The dual points work great in theory. One set of points is less than half the effort.

@@pacificmike9501 I'd be interested in swapping to a single point depending on whats involved, those drop in elctronic ignitions get more tempting by the day

I set it with either a meter or a test light. Good condensers have become an issue. It depends on how I feel about it at the time. There are some real bad ones out there.

Thank You.

What year? Early (generator type), go by the book. Cone motor, I like eleven to fourteen.

Thanks Mike, it’s a 78 cone, I’m at 12 right now so I’ll call it good, thank you!

Okay, I'll do my best. My Shovelhead is a 1977 FLH I bought new in 1978. Other than by serial number and knowing how many were made each month, it's hard to figure out. My '77 is a late '77, so I'll tell you the differences as I know them to be. First, Harley moved up to Dot 5 brake fluid. Good idea. Don't mix 3 and 5. If your using 3, flush it out and go to 5. Next, the suspension, both front and rear was changed from HD to Showa. Showa is a Japanese manufacturer that makes all of Harley's suspension today. The only front suspension that they didn't make was the late style springers. The only other and most important change to pay attention to is the gear set in the engine. This include the pinion gear, breather gear, and cam gear. These can easily be identified. The cam gear (Late Model) has a groove cut in the face of the gear. If changing from one type to the other, the entire gear set would have to be changed. Those are the only differences that come to mind. There may be one or two others, but I don't know what they would be.

You are correct. Be careful, I appreciate a mag I can retard for easier starting. But, it may be just fine as it is. There are mechanical pieces out there for retarding mags, and I mean old original style. Just remember, mags need to be set very accurately and it's a pain getting them there. But, once you've got it, it will stay that way. Also remember to gap your plugs around .019, or you'll start burning things up. Check them often. Have fun! Awesome combo!

@@pacificmike9501 Hi Mike! thanks for the reply, just wanted to make sure as I've came from a UL which is not the same. I've ran mags on all of my bikes, makes for an easier life! Thanks again sir.

The VOES is almost foolproof. The best way to check for a vacuum leak on an Evo, to pull the sparkplugs and compare them. If the color match is good, no leak. If one is dark and one is light, vacuum leak. When seasons change, quite often fuel changes. Sounds like you may just need a slightly richer idle jet. Or, maybe a vacuum leak. But from the way I'm reading you, slightly larger idle jet.

@@pacificmike9501 Thank u i start with the sparkplugs tomorrow when it will be rain here on the westcoast. If u ever have some sticker or T-shirt with your logo i by some 👍. The Swede.

I don't push brands, but I generally run 20/50.

@@pacificmike9501 OK. Thanks for the reply. Really enjoy the videos. Please keep making them.

You'll probably have to tear it down. But, if you can copy the numbers down by looking into the window (by removing the timing plug), and check with S&S, they can probably tell you the length of the stroke. If the cylinders a very close together, probably 3 5/8 bore. Again, you'll probably have to disassemble it. Or, don't worry about it. My bike is fine in hot weather. I do run an oil cooler and I do try to be easy on her. I don't do as well with the heat as I used to.

Pacific Mike Thanks Mr.Mike. I’m going to do this. Just love your videos

I grew up in a gas station. I started building my first hod rod at age 13. I built my first Harley at age 20. I started working in Harley aftermarket shops in about the late 70's. I had my own shop for quite a few years. I am officially retired. And, there it is. I don't ever want to be referred to as a "technician." I'm just an old wrench.

And, Happy Independence Day to you!

Please look at our videos. We do both.

Close, but we're not on the road. We have tools and time to be as accurate as possible. By the way, when's the last time you saw a matchbook? Funny, huh?

Well, it's irritating. But the uit is sealed. There are many methods. But, it's almost always a mess. I'd call it a design flaw. And we all continue to try.

@@pacificmike9501 pulled the plug apart and oil came out and bike will not start, like battery is dead,replace feb 2020

Just like you sent in this comment. Glad you're enjoying our efforts.

Thank You. And you too.

Thank You. She's a good ole girl. That is a factory accessory horrn and I've converted it to 12 volt guts. It doesn't shake the earth, but it's adequate.

On the Panhead, is an Akront 21X1.85 alloy rim on a reproduction star hub with Timken bearings and Buchannan polished stainless steel spokes. The "Project Bike" is getting a 19". Check out our other videos, we show quite a bit on wheels.

Use the "F" mark and treat it as if it were the only mark you have. It is now your "advance timing Mark," as if it came from the factory with single points. It is where your points begin to open with your ignition advanced all the way. That would be with the mark to the rear of the window. If it pings, bring it a little forward, it's too far advanced.

@@pacificmike9501 Thanks, Mike. I'll take a look at it. I might be a tad retarded. Boy, THAT didn't sound right, heh.

Sorry. I never got the opportunity to learn J-Models.

Thanks Mike

My problem is buying faulty condensers. I have a tendency to not replace them every time I replace points.

And a Happy 4th of July to you.

I usually change the system to a 12 volt generator with a built in regulator. Rebuilding generators isn't nearly as necessary as it used to be.

You really need a service manual. If your timing is off a little, it is less than a tooth. Time that distributor by rotating the head of the distributor slightly. We show this on tuning the Knucklehead. Over time valves seat deeper in the heads. That's normal wear. The lifter do get "tired" however and should be replaced. Concerning that timing, if you go to KZfaq and get to the Pacific Mike Homepage, click on the word "videos", a bunch of videos will come up. Look for the ones on tuning the Knucklehead.

Hi Mike, thanks for your reply. Did my checks today and I did in fact put the distributor in correctly, as per manual. So all is good there. With regards to the hydraulic units you stated that they do get "tired". So getting back to my earlier question...will lengthening the pushrod a full turn or so compensate for a "tired" hydraulic unit? I believe the average hydraulic unit has about .190-.200" of travel from zero lash to bottoming out, so each full turn on 32 TPI adjusting screws leaves you with about 6 full turns before collapsing the hydraulic unit and after that you would be not allowing the valve to fully close.

As per the old service manual. Do a normal adjustment. Start at the beginning and go through it. It's in our videos. Always wait until the lifters bleed down before rotating the engine.

You have to figure out: Is there fuel in the manifold when it's hot? or Is it dry in that manifold when it's hot? Then you'll know whether to just crack the throttle to start it hot, prime it first, or open the throttle all the way.

Another thing, are your plugs fouled? Are your points in good shape and adjusted properly. Some times, it's a good idea to go through the setting procedure one more time.

We're setting up a bike with points. We're setting it for it's running down the road. The timing mark is the "advance" timing mark. At speed, the points should fire at 35 degrees before top dead center. That's means it's going to fire with the piston 7/16 of an inch before it reaches the top of its travel up in the cylinder. The fuel and air mixture starts it's burn when that mark appears in the window. Again, it is the advance timing mark. It's explained pretty well in the service manual. Once it becomes clear, you'll get it.

@@pacificmike9501 Thanks a lot man. I don't actually have a Harley ( l wish ) but l love watching this stuff.. I have a Honda Hawk 650. When it's running that is haha. Thanks again Mike 😊👍

Those Blue Streak points weren't intended to go there. They just happen to fit in place.

Certainly, a 74 Sportster did not come with a mag. Consequently, you should contact the manufacturer of the mag for specs. Unless it is a single fire unit, the mag doesn't care which plug is which. It is very important to set the plug gap properly (probably .018). Too large a gap will burn things up.

thank you very much I love you channel

Thank You.

Short (stubby) screwdriver.

@@pacificmike9501 no room tried offset as well

oh guess difference is looking at yours my flh heads have more fins means less room

Kinda. But, it will do.

Yah, we're old. Just joking. I'm adjusted to being me.

@@pacificmike9501 actually you made my day yesterday. I honestly haven't thought about points since 70s. LOL. Your video brought back an avalanche of great memories . Being 22 not knowing nothing to 65 where I am now. Thanks. Most of the oldtimers that taught me when I was in my 20s are long gone. Nice to relive it again

Thank You.

Some things are characteristics. You can change them some, but, you learn to accept certain things. Now, these are not heavily modified engines, but my opinion based on what I've experienced. Knuckleheads run cool. Panheads run warmer than Knuckleheads. Shovelheads run warmer than Panheads. Evos run very cool. Anything newer than that is designed to run very hot in order to get complete combustion and eliminate smog emissions. I always run oil cooers on Shovelheads. The engines run cooler and make me happier.

@@pacificmike9501 Thanks for the answer, i appreciate it. I think my engine gets a bit hot right now beacuse its a fresh rebuild engine. I was a bit worried that it had something to do with the timing. But ill try get some more hours of it on the road and see if it cools down a bit.

Okay.

I believe V-Twin in New York (Tedd Cycle) sells them (complete cloth harness) to all of the aftermarket shops.

Pacific Mike mike thank you so much for your help on the wording. Richard Cooper

I thank you. But, I'd rather think about your grandson. That's very cool. He's a "Real Live Nephew of His Uncle Sam."

I can talk about him forever. He bleeds red, white and blue. I try to comment, I was told that it helps your channel. Rock on Mike. Hopefully my bike is ready tomorrow or Tuesday. It was the fuel strainer, which had to be ordered from out of state because no HD dealers had it in stock. See you on the road.

Huh?