Fixing an Ironhead Sportster that won't run or charge the battery

[@buttcrackcycles]

See all of my Ironhead Sportster videos here: kzbin.info/aero/PL2qPHGtR5vYYsanIZbcmlbserZOR5nST7

[@LuxRoseGT]

These videos are very enjoyable while i sit and cool down from the heated battle im facing getting my 78 ironhead to start again.

[@georgerobinson9275]

Had a problem exactly like this one that drove me crazy! I did all the things that you did drain , filters, petcock etc. One day a guy asked me to try this: remove the tank and fill it with water and flip it upside down several times. A piece of an old rag came out. That was the end of the problem. The bike would run great until the piece of rag got sucked into the supply line. Once the bike set for a while the rag would slink down to the lower part of the tank and the bike ran great! Over and over. Drove me crazy!

[@joaquinferguson4404]

It feels good that's for sure Riding a machine that nice and knowing that you did the work .

[@wymansst]

Harley's and a 4dr fairmont on the slab is enough for me. You got a new subscriber!

[@buttcrackcycles]

I need to put that car back together 😅

[@arthurleino]

Good you got it running! Like to see the older Harley's run!

[@buttcrackcycles]

Thanks Art, new video comes out tomorrow

[@dumberdrumerstickz0534]

I dont mind long videos...I love the way you have Sooo much pa sents'..You don't start yelling curse words and going crazy'....I always wants to find out what is the fix..

[@ironridermoto]

Good job sourcing the issue. I finished my 83 ironhead a year ago (completely dropped the ball on posting content though), but one thing that is an absolute must when owning these old bikes is having the factory service manual (parts catalog too). As you found out, float height is a very important step in tuning the carb, and the manual explains setting it in depth. Ride safe! #IronheadsForever!

[@Hardknox701]

I’m really enjoying this as I just got a iron head and am dealing with a bunch of weird quirky things about it

[@buttcrackcycles]

They're goofy old bikes but totally worth it!

[@bryonkidder6199]

It sucks when you gotta spend $500 to fix your bike and the pos breaks down a couple days later!...lol I feel your pain, bro!...lmao Great video!

[@stevegappa2959]

As a multiple ironhead only guy for the last 42 years, I enjoy your videos. curious as to on your evo build, what you will do with that boat tail fender...... imo, it doesn't belong on a chop.

[@buttcrackcycles]

Yeah the more I look at the fender the more I don't like it. Working on that bike some today, should publish a video about it later in the week. Thanks for the comment!

[@antipodas1979]

Nice channel! Being a fan of sportster.. i must subscribe to this channel! 😁 Greetings from Portugal!

[@decadantdog4444]

I like your shop.

[@tomconte1765]

what did you do after you ironed your shirt, hahaha. Thanks Paul. Good videos.

[@warrenp2022]

I guessed wrong again, no raisin pie for me, happy you got it fixed. Your Sporty looks like it sits low, may I ask how long the rear shocks are? It looks like a well cared for bike, enjoy it.

[@buttcrackcycles]

Warren, no fear, shortly after this video it laid down on me again 🤣 still working on that video. Yes it's been lowered in the rear, I believe my aunt said my uncle lowered it 2". I don't see any part numbers or stampings on the shocks.

[@warrenp2022]

I was hoping you had a tape measure in your pocket. ;-) I have been putting shorter shocks on my bikes for 40+ years, I think it helps stabilize the steering and doesn't look as much like a dirt bike. My Sporty still has the stock 13.5 inch shocks, they are coming off, yours sits the way I like to see them. Seems that it wants more attention, must be a Harley, HD stands for hundred dollar repairs. 😎

[@buttcrackcycles]

@@warrenp2022 I'll try to remember to measure them tomorrow for you!

[@buttcrackcycles]

@@warrenp2022 As they sit on the bike they're 11 3/4" long measuring from the center of the bolt holes.. Hope that helps

[@warrenp2022]

@@buttcrackcycles Yes it does, thanks. I'm in the shop keeping the Sporty company, seems I mis-remembered the stock shock length, it is 12.7 inches. Something I have never figured out is why there is 5 inches of clearance between the tire and fender and the shocks only have 2 inches of travel. Back in 1910 through 1925 there were a lot of muddy roads and leaving enough clearance for mud build up made sense, those times are gone.

[@Brunow007]

thanks for the video's! Great job

[@RifeB6892]

Hey man, curious what charging voltage you see and at what RPM? I have an 82 with a cycle electric generator and I’ve heard they don’t charge until 2000+RPM. I see a little over 13 when I rev past 2000. I typically keep my battery on a trickle charger when not in use. Thanks!

[@buttcrackcycles]

Yes they usually won't start charging good until the rpm are around 1500-2000, for an electric start bike you should be in the 14s for voltage. Are you measuring this at the battery or the generator itself? Cycle electrics says that on an electric start bike with a generator it may take up to 20 minutes of riding to bring the battery voltage back up to that needed 14ish volts. They have some excellent trouble shooting and testing guides on their website

[@RifeB6892]

@@buttcrackcycles I was measuring at the battery while revving the engine around 2000 RPM but that was after a cold start. I will try riding and then measuring again. How do you measure voltage at the generator?

[@jerrybigrig]

👍😎👍

[@henrythwaites358]

Are you still using the super e knock off carb on it?

[@quintonsales2232]

So what was the problem the generator and the float or was it just a generator?

[@buttcrackcycles]

Both

[@jlbsparks299]

What happened to the shovel?

[@MrGus4440]

I was going to say maybe the vented gas cap was stopped up. Ethanol gas will do that.

[@wolfeyes9357]

Get a cycle electric dgv5000 genny vr combo....done!

[@pb68slab18]

Yep! I swear by them for generator motors. I've probably installed 2doz of them. So simple. Built -in solid state regulator. 1 wire hook-up to + terminal of battery or ignition switch, 2 if ya want the idiot light.

[@benderbender1233]

subd