Ironhead - Do It Yourself - Tune and Service Guide with Frank Kaisler

[@michaelrelich5988]

Been watching Frank for 10+ years I've chopped 3 sportys 1 made it to the horse magazine couldn't have done it without this guy right here! Big shout out to my man frank your the man !

[@klaytonvonkluge4905]

This is a true blessing, to have references like this at hand, thank you Frank, Low Brow, and everyone else involved

[@caseyhardison4320]

WOW! I purchased a 76 XLH in 2012, all original from 1st owner. Sold it to a man in 2018 after I couldn't find anyone to work on it. His wife has offered it back to me after his unexpected death and because of this video I'll be able to finally get this back on the road; satisfying 3 souls in the process. Thank you so much for this opportunity!

[@LyricalTrain]

Ride safe brother ❤

[@williamsedlak1822]

Ppppppp

[@williamsedlak1822]

Pppppp

[@williamsedlak1822]

¹p ppppp

[@pskemster]

Frank, You are a walking encyclopedia. Thank you for sharing that knowledge

[@brandonjones152]

I just bought a 1976 sportster! It’s nice !!!Great 👍 video!

[@danheino7006]

Rebuilding/construcing a 73 XLCH for my daughter.It was my first HD ,have had 7,want it to be her first...she is 22. She,unlike me,will get it when she graduates from college.

[@billys.worthy6756]

This has to be one of the best if not the best video on the Ironhead made. Thanks for sharing all this information, really clarifying the whole mystery of the Ironhead.

[@MadTatted_Dad]

My father recently passed and left me with a 73 ironhead custom sportster that isn't quite finished being built and I don't know much about bikes. As I'm watching this I realizing this frank kaisler looks familiar... Don't you know my father has this exact video on DVD in the top shelf of his tool box! I'll be learning this engine!

[@abstractapproach634]

Hold onto it forever, 73 is the second best line of ironheads imo and the best in many peoples eyes. Stronger case bc spedo moved but before epa pvc shit

[@Thekarlskorner]

Thanks for a very informative video. Restoring my '67 XLCH magneto Sportster which been apart since 2001. This will help me checking the motor and having everything in tune. Been using the HD factory service and parts manuals to rebuild the frame rear fork and front form so far. Great in depth coverage and tips here.

[@RevAldea]

Sir, you have stated the finest spoken words about the three major points or needs of any internal combustion engine that any mechanic must know as their process guide for any repair that may come at them with respect to any internal combustion engine and yet you pointed to the exact point for the HD Sportster motorcycle. I salute you, for such a good job that was done very well and truly correct!

[@williamsedlak1822]

Pppppp

[@williamsedlak1822]

Pp

[@steveblottenberger1097]

A very smart mechanic you're very patient and very thorough and I can understand you and you're not in a big hurry keep up the good work

[@myendurochallenge8885]

what an amazing resource youve provided...the smallest of details being revealed for us...great job

[@erikrapoport7318]

While I don't think that I learned anything new in this video, seeing someone else do it helps me figure new ways to do it also. Thanks so much

[@gjdion]

i think he got the test light wrong he said hook to the positive battery post maybe he meant ground post

[@VndNvwYvvSvv]

If you want to learn more and really get into it, watch all of Keenan Tatro's videos at Tatro Machine.

[@shannanhostetler5349]

This is awesome Mahalo Nui. It's the middle of the night and I think I'm about to go out and go through my bike just because. 🤙

[@cdazzy8441]

I’m 23 years old who bought a iron head engine and plan on going to uti in Arizona next summer watching this buying a owners manual wish me luck

[@jeffreyhosto3294]

Wow, mr. Frank! I just relived a big section of my life as owner of a "bastard" 1979 XLCH sporty. For every new part needed to custimize this "oddball" i had to hunt down correct info because this model/year sporty seemed to have parts not compatible with any other year sportster. The 1979 XLCH was the first year that had electronic ignition. I swapped-out the factory electronic ignition for a points conversion-kit because i was able to work on points! Finally got it running strong but couldn't find a custom frame for a '79 sportster. Nothing. Despite all the aggrivation connected with this model, i loved this bike and it created the "harley spirit" within this country boy! I've never rode anything but a well-massaged harley after that! your calm deliverence of this tutorial made it so enjoyable. Wish i could have kept my cool on that '79! But it was an oddball...or perhaps i was the oddball...thanks so much frank. Well-done!

[@mcyclecollector]

I own 2 Ironheads a1973 and a1985 this video was a great help. Thanks I have also got the hard tail from you guys to customize my 1973 Ironhead. Cheers from Ireland.

[@manaspadhi543]

O

[@manaspadhi543]

👌

[@abstractapproach634]

Keep that 73, great year. After spedo was moved to tire and case beefed up and before epa shoved vent tubes into carburetors.

[@seanconnell8027]

Some interesting tips I had never thought of. Thanks man.

[@jeffreysolano2149]

Hey Frank enjoying your professional commentary and tips on working on Harleys . Keep them coming , it's like taking an online course

[@michaelmitchell5909]

The lifters mopen the pushrods.... Lol... ...great video, Franks a very intelligent dude, I'd be honored to have him service my bike

[@DavidRobinson-mx6cl]

Thanks bro , i really needed this information !!! Working on a 72 iron head sportster now !!!!!!

[@kennethlooper9268]

I had to share this on an Ironhead Sportsters page on Facebook very informational for all types of ironheads love it

[@oomtownonparler6018]

fixed a problem I had on the Ironhead. Bike started... first time in 2 years. ty. Going thru the bike tomorrow again then its time for new rubber

[@longdong3889]

I woke up to this playing on my phone in the middle of the night, hoping I maybe learned something unconsciously

[@mikehawk9617]

Wow same!!

[@simonbratescu5909]

Yo wtf me too

[@ryanl157]

same.

[@maxcapacity4328]

Wtf I did too

[@Nicole-xs4si]

I just did the same thing. Crazy

[@daronsteenbergen3749]

This is the most beneficial channel I’ve been on! This guy is great!!!!

[@jasonruetz2306]

Best thing I've watched in a long time, thank you.

[@omnipotentone6545]

Congratulations. I really like the instruction. Good job. I wish I can be as good as you. I like to clean the 2 contact point surfaces with alcohol to remove oily residue etc. It helps reduce pitting and corrosion.

[@iknowwhatudid712]

I can relate to the I hope I learned something while in rem state only I happened to catch it part way through so I tried to watch it again and fell asleep but on the streight up side things I have much respect for the efforts that it took to make the videos for all of us to hopefully learn something and I am greatful and I thank you Lowbrow customs.

[@izaacciro]

RIP Frank. Thanks for the tips

[@brandonjones152]

Frank died?

[@repairandcreate6192]

"passed away peacefully at 70 years old in 2022" ​@@brandonjones152

[@gromzen]

Great video and lots of useful tips for newbies and even every day wrenchers.

[@lonniemixon8685]

Watching this was worth every second. Great tips! Thank you, Frank!!!

[@meansteve3602]

great video. Nice clear easy narrated pace. Glad it was a custom so as to deal with the odd nonstock features we all have. Would really dig an evo tune up . mid 90s sportser next time around. cheers

[@petrvalder9481]

Good job brother

[@jonnyfoxmtb]

This is perfect! I just bought a 78 Ironhead that needs some love. Thanks for the great video!

[@abstractapproach634]

First mod, buy a carb that routes the breather tube away from your intake. Not the legalest thing; but the thought of my bike breathing warm oily used crankcase air rubs me the wrong way. They claim its runs better and has better emissions. Idk about that, very happy with my 69; but the environment probably doesn't. Leaded gas, no pvc shit, just a pure airpump Fresh mix in, spent gas out.

[@rubiconoutdoors3492]

I went on the HD website today. They dont look like HD's anymore.

[@roadking6841]

Bought a lot from you guys back 2012 on my Bobber build thanks for your time..

[@michaelwills7884]

Two days to worry it off lol. Great vid turning wrenches for many years myself great job .

[@benitohernandez5086]

Best video ever. I even feel bad for not having to pay for it, man. 🤘🏽

[@danheino7006]

Ken my father was a Superintendent of schools,I went to college to teach..rode my ironhead to college the first day and rode it back 3 years later after saying I WOULD KILL THOSE LITTLE ###### ! You would have been a GREAT TEACHER. My hat is off to you , sir.

[@the_Googie]

Wow this is such great help for us non-mechanics. This is really great!

[@jaydensaum707]

budda dog, budda dog budda dog

[@the_Googie]

@@jaydensaum707 yes

[@judsonl8990]

Of course you put this on KZbin for free AFTER I buy the DVD! haha DANGIT! But it is nice to have it so readily accessible now.

[@mikeysmith3755]

wtis

[@MO2VAedu]

Thank you very much for taking the time to put out all of this information. Very helpful advice given in a common sense manner. Super cool of you guys to do this!

[@ericweber1969]

This is a fantastic video, keep them coming! Please do one for Evo Sportsters (1986-2003) next!

[@mikeysmith3755]

Fuck

[@mikeysmith3755]

M

[@VndNvwYvvSvv]

Don't need to.

[@wolfeyes9357]

Frank looked like a good knowledgeable guy!

[@glen3993]

never knew that about the adjustment on the primary chain and thanks for showing me how to change the oil in the tank and flush old oil out of the engine Thanks Mr. Kaisler

[@abstractapproach634]

I went with kerosene, it's on the manual. I know diesels cheaper, maybe an initial diesel flush floowrd by kerosene would be more economical.

[@connorfairchild5302]

Most informative video I have ever watched on KZbin. Needed help with my oil line routing on my 83 iron head, got my answer here. Great work.

[@schmittyk2]

Wonderful video!

[@michaelmitchell5909]

Old wooden closepins to hold up pushrod tubes....it works

[@ediblemusic2785]

This guy is great! Very good information.

[@Richard_Lush]

Great reference. Keeping it. Nice Ironhead by the way! Thanks guys 👍

[@aronbechiom565]

Damn.... by far the most interesting and informative Sprtster maintenance video, I've seen. Best friend has an 80's 1000. I just got an 07 1200 (FI Evo)... as far as the ATF ( for older bikes) will it do the same in these newer ones? Is it acceptable/common for people to do? Thanks for taking the time, and posting this vid.

[@Dncqq]

Mate i realy realy appreciate this video and your knowledge ALOT! I've just bought a 74 sportster ironhead and started to adjust and change stuff to my visual needs (nice clean and secure)! I love these bikes so much! Greetings from Germany

[@abstractapproach634]

Nice score, before the epa stuck there vent tubes in our intakes and after the spedo was moved and the case beefed up. Great year, wouldn't trade my 69' (real xlch, no rectangle on primary) but your's is a close second choice

[@justinb6898]

(MAGNETO PART) Great video except the magneto part. The hex spins the other way. He has the lobe on the wrong side. This video was one of the only videos that showed this and I had it wrong and couldn't start my 69" XLCH for 2 weeks. Finally I went to the Morris Magneto video and it showed to put the narrow lobe on the left of the follower so that the points open. The way he did it the points were just closing. Other than that part its an amazing video. Very helpful.

[@sooflodiesels]

Awesome video 👌

[@knockoutcustoms7477]

This video reminds me of the old skateboarding how to trick tip videos

[@aquaagu2]

Rest In Peace Frank!

[@mickeyduke1910]

THIS is yet another GREAT.. PERFECT.. Instructional, "How To video". Put there out by, LOWBROW CUSTOMS! I do NOT know EVERYTHING, but.. THIS is a GREAT way for ANYONE and EVERYONE to learn the things they are looking to do IN THEIR OWN GARAGE or SHOP by THEIR OWN hand... -BUILD AMERICAN Motorcycles GREAT AGAIN! 👍 That includes MYSELF... and all YOU "know it all's" out there! There's GREAT PEOPLE over at Lowbrow Customs.. This MAN.. his KNOWLEDGE and the way he DELIVERS it.. Speaks TRUTHFUL Confirmation to MY POINT! I am so excited to CONTINUE building MY BIKES with Parts, Support and Confidence thru Lowbrow Customs and other Great American Made part shops heading into THE ROARING 20's! Gain YOURSELF 2020 Vision and Join ME out there! Throw up a 🖕 when you see ME and all the OTHERS on AMERICAN BUILT MOTORCYCLES out on the road! LET'S GO! Peace & Love.. Ride Smart! - Duke Mickey

[@abstractapproach634]

Whatchya ridin

[@macdaddy.cycles2289]

I love this channel I always learn something New !!

[@justsurf3328]

I've been there. Great job showing it. I had a service manual. Still, it runs great. Darn the leaking 76 HD sportster.

[@abstractapproach634]

76 huh, do you have a foo Foo valve right of your generator or is your crank pressure pushed into your intake. Not sure if it started in 76, 77, or 78

[@ragequitter]

Such humbleness and wisdom

[@Nickhollows]

Thank you for the awesome videos! Simple question: I own a 1969 Ironhead xlch. Will this DIY tune up video work with my 69?

[@lowbrowcustoms]

most stuff on iron heads is universal. most stuff in this video will help guide you on the basics, you should still get yourself a year specific work shop manual. thats the bible for your bike.

[@knockoutcustoms7477]

The little metal diamond nail files work great for filing points

[@VndNvwYvvSvv]

If you're filing them, they're ruined because the plating is gone and just limping by

[@whiterose7909]

First time finding this channel. This and tatro are the most informative on ze jyou tube. Thank you!

[@thomasgray8589]

Learning alot about my bike and the how too's.keep the vedios coming

[@stevemetcalfe8012]

Been waiting for this for so long awesome keep up the great work

[@letzrockitrite8469]

Super informative video.. thank you for your expertise guys

[@arturoolivas467]

Hola que tal LOWBROW CUSTOMS solo para mencionarles que hace unos meses Ordene una hartail para una 1975 Harley Sporter 1000cc en su tienda y no dió las medidas quedó muy corta al instalarla así que me quedaron mal con mi Orden pero gracias de cualquier forma Atte Arturo

[@theruralheathen5314]

May have scored an Ironhead only time we'll tell

[@dragonclaw88]

you guys got a vid like this for the evo sportster?? you should

[@zukins5003]

4:35 "if you can see light through it you're pretty good." I can see the future lol

[@westoniii]

K&N air "filter"

[@mohawkmikemotorcycles9077]

Very real channel. Thanks

[@chyadams3656]

Great video! Thanks for the helpful info.

[@jontest5718]

When did you start smoking? When I bought a shovelhead with a points system ignition

[@benderbender1233]

IRONHEADS RULE!!!! 🤘😎

[@GRACEORT]

Checking for faults around the carb section of the video. Is there not a big risk of fire when spraying brake cleaner or other flammable onto or near hot engine parts.? Those iron engines get awfully hot very fast, especially around the manifold area.

[@jramirez899]

Got a video on clutch adjustment for ironheads ?

[@earthwoolandfire9715]

Great video, BUT.....The phillips screw on the points armature is what is loosened to adjusts the points gap, not rotating the entire points plate, which adjusts timing.

[@clawhammer704]

Iv always had problems with getting good gas with these ironheads. Back in the days I only ran leaded Sunoco high test white gas. They run great then...any ideas abt that these days? Someone told me to have new valve guide for the unleaded gas these days. I sold mine and got a evo engine model when they came out in the eighties.

[@abstractapproach634]

Your adding lead right?

[@robertocontreras2317]

This is the greatest help

[@rage660]

my 79 "b@strd" did not come w oil filter from factory. Added universal filter/ cooler and y not throw in the pre filter.. love the vid Also.. benda metal wire. U shaped w hooks for p rods an hang it offa bolt er somthin

[@olafjensen4508]

Seeing is believing, no doubt. I've never worked a Harley. So just a bit of free play on BDC, I take it. No more feeler gauges for me then. My thinking is one mans big is another mans small, gaps that is

[@tubedude54]

Nice vid... mostly basic repairs/maintenance a person learns over time when owning a bike. I've always been a bit confused on flashing the regulator though. If I disconnect the battery for any reason must I reflash the regulator? I've always just reconnected the terminal wires and ran the bike and things seem to charge/work just fine.

[@chrisrestifo7010]

Only have to polarize if you have a generator. You don't need to polarize a regulator. Momentarily run a jumper wire from battery positive to generator ARMATURE terminal NOT FIELD TERMINAL! All you need to it touch it. Just one little zap, done. Don't hold the wire there.

[@knockoutcustoms7477]

Everybody needs a Mr. Wes around the shop🤔

[@BillyRillkratz]

Maaaan, thanks for the effort for these looong Videos!

[@DisabilityExams]

Great info

[@danmills8521]

Only two kinds of folks that will watch is overly-informative tutorial, folks that already know how to do this and just like watching a fellow master work, and other folks that have no business getting in this deep and wish they knew …like me lol

[@lobabmw]

I love you frank!!!🖤

[@jtnelson89]

Outstanding!

[@davidervin7345]

I've got about 5 ebay bendix carbs and 1 early keihn. Every one of them leaks past the float needle. One of them ran 1/2 tank of gas into the engine in less than an hour. New needles did NOT fix the problem in any of the carbs. The internet trick of tapping a ballbearing on the seat did not work. The internet trick of polishing the float seat made them worse. I made a drill guide on the lathe and drilled the seat out to one number bit bigger than stock and that fixed a couple of them (I only needed one). I check every carb with a clear line to the carb, pulling the line off the tank when the carb is full, marking the line with the fuel level and then checking back a few times. As long as the float needle leaks by less than your idle uses you may never notice a problem. If you are having a problem with your idle you may have a bad float needle/seat. I found a CV carb but the carb hits the fuel shut off on a stock Ironhead and I haven't had the time to make a low profile shutoff yet.

[@thegrimreaper819]

Nice video if you have a shoddy built bike. Good video however and good to know. Thanks

[@Donny.C.wlWilliams]

A rebuild video would be nice

[@thomasleclair7418]

Thanks for your time and shared work. b

[@clarkandviolettye7847]

Thanks u do good work

[@clarkandviolettye7847]

I really like your show frank

[@tonyadams89]

great video!

[@L2fish]

My 85 has a mag pickup but has the flyweights. That thing scares me. Thinking of changing over to a full electronic

[@roberta.6399]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@astroid_vz8762]

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[@whiterose7909]

I would love to see a video on Sportster brakes

[@lowbrowcustoms]

WhiteRose here’s a vid on how to change rear brake pads on Sportster kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z4WchpWgia-mY5Y

[@whiterose7909]

@@lowbrowcustoms I got a 77 xlh with rear drum brakes. Is there a how-to on those? If not how do I do a conversion?

[@davidmckinney4288]

I learned everything. Thanks

[@joshthomas8087]

Thanks a million

[@pebear]

In my 73 XLCH and in my 2001 FLSTF I run ATF in the primaries. The Primary scavenging whole on the XLCH was brazed closed so I can run separate ATF in the primary and it won't make it's way into the engine.

[@davidervin7345]

That one way valve is to keep the engine from wet sumping at high rpm's. It lets clean air into the crank cases so the down stroke can still push oil from the crank into the gear case. The hole/valve is 3 inches above the normal oil level in the primary and while splash oil from the chain MAY get past it the greater benefit in having the check valve is clean air into the crank.

[@pebear]

@@davidervin7345 I still have the puke tube...

[@abstractapproach634]

@@pebear the puke tube is in the cam case, he's talking about crankcase pressure. In older ironheads crankcase pressures is relieved (into the cam case) by a timed opening in a gear. I guess the argument is that at high enough rpm's the crankcase can pressurized during and upstrokes (which is abnormal and doesn't occur at lower rpms, I guess a similar phenomenon to valve float, pressures can't equalize fast enough just as floating valves can't recoil fast enough) *If this is true,* this pressure is stuck and will at best rob power and at worst crack cases. Interesting, I do hope ours is OG (I enjoy having only 3 fluids [gas, 50 weight oil, and grease] But, if you ride like a normal rider you don't go near redline and it doesn't matter. (IF your wondering the air is supposedly pushed through the fill hole on primary cover that's why the gasket is so big ) I forget if my 69's primary was welded shut or not. It'll be a while before we're playing near redline anyways (5500 rpm if your wondering, you can go over in short bursts but around 7200 is when valves start floating) EDIT for clarity. Crack cases is in middle, cam case (or, officially timing cass) is on right and is where pressure is supposed to go and to which the oil pump is mounted (then it goes to oil slinger with the breather tube). Your primary case shouldn't normally exchange fluid with the others, but does lubricate transmission. *however, if your check valve fails and your not welded up like you are, it is quite common to dump engine oil into the primary in an extreme wet sump condition* (even happened on the factory floor, these bikes are meant to run often, I put a ball valve in my feed line for letting her sit overnight)

[@abstractapproach634]

@@davidervin7345 you mean oily air out of the crankcase, right?! You want cc vacuum but cc pressure is bad My reply to the O.P. is what I thought you were trying to convey. If you could read it and correct anything misinterpreted or misunderstood it would be appreciated. (IF wet sumping occurs because of thus it must be because the oil bag has a vent line to the crankcase case, so if the bag was pressurized and cam case was not, the check valve would give. Still, the scavenging pump seems like it would prevent it. IDK. How did you come about this info, have you seen closed off primarys wet sump while running hard? I've only seen wet sumping whith engine off (hoping the kerosene flush helps, but I got a ball valve as back up)

[@abstractapproach634]

Also NEVER SELL, YOU HAVE A PRE EPA BIKE. without cats and vent lines to intake (gross). It sucks its stuck in an xlh case, but on the bright side I hear your case is stronger than mine due to spedo placement. (Also, no insult meant, maybe you dig the useless rectangle on your primary, personally I love the lines before the case mod) EDIT unless it's to me, then yeah 73 was like the worst year ever. You should probably pay me to take it actually, but I'd be willing to throw a couple bucks your way 😉)

[@rsgabrys3080]

--------- you got the technion's touch Frank did anybody ever say you look like Boyd Coddington or ... Boyd looks like F. Kaisler ------