Reinstalling the Harley Knucklehead Generator

We fixed some leaks but still had a mess around the generator. Not a big deal, but, this is no place to make a mistake. So, let's install it carefully and properly.

[@glennstatham960]

You're fixing your bike...but in a way, you are fixing 'our' bike, and we love being part of this.

[@pacificmike9501]

Perfect! Thank You.

[@matthewswartz5864]

Agree 100 percent!

[@gregkeller80]

My drool is all over the phone, his slings off his face riding it.

[@cameramanmike2072]

👍🙂💯

[@mikaldene7146]

I felt your anxiety Mike when that generator fell. Nothing is more stressful than working with older, rarer parts that are limited in supply. Keep up the good work...later.

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You.

[@roadwarrior4813]

As always, you're videos are very informative. And I love all the old school Bikes!!! Thank you Mike and Mike....👍🏻😎

[@Rufford72]

Mike I know why kids like to watch your channel.The first time I saw one of your videos I told my wife he’s the Mr Rogers of the biker world,and that’s a good thing I think

[@pacificmike9501]

Wow. Thank You.

[@cameramanmike2072]

👍🙂💯

[@tiptopdadddy]

Pacific Mike is the Bob Ross of choppers 💪

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You.

[@cameramanmike2072]

👍🙂

[@joerectifier]

Lord forgive me - but every time I see the yellow knuckle I become filled with envy and my skin turns green. I’ll have to say my hail Mary’s after I finish this video. That is the most neato bike in America. It needs to have a viewing tour 😂

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You. I am in love with every part of it.

[@cameramanmike2072]

👍🙂

[@andywander]

Hi Mike, thanks for the videos! Unless that generator strap is a custom job, it doesn't bolt to the engine mount bolt. It has its own screw that goes into the crankcase.

[@pacificmike9501]

You are correct. Senior moment. Of course it does.

[@kevinkiekhafer4804]

Outside of your awesome tutorial videos, I liked you talking briefly about getting with loved ones, brothers, etc. Also mentioning upcoming events. Because of that, I'm in WI, my cousin lives in LA area. I'm flying out to meet him and head to Chopper Fest in Ventura. I built a 69 shovel chopper watching a lot of your videos. Wish I could take it out there. Maybe sometime in the future. Thanks for your contribution to the biker world/culture!

[@pacificmike9501]

That's the sort of thing that makes me feel successful. Thank You. I like to think we're all here for a good time. See you at Chopperfest.

[@cameramanmike2072]

👍🙂

[@johnhild-pt4qm]

You are probably right about Permatex, they make a lot of lines.

[@pacificmike9501]

I think so.

[@jeffkowalczyk4089]

i believe they are a division of loctite

[@johnhild-pt4qm]

Best time to work on your ride, the middle of winter.

[@pacificmike9501]

It will be warmer in a few days.

[@cameramanmike2072]

👍🙂

[@Kevscancave]

Another great video Mike and Mike! Thank You! 👍😎👍

[@pacificmike9501]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@cameramanmike2072]

👍🙂

[@Arturslacis]

Hi, Mike! I am your subscriber from Latvia (country in North Europe). I want to say You thanks about Your job and videos. I love they very much - Your videos are very interesting and understendible. Thank You, I lern from You very much! Thank You one more time. 🤘 (Sorry for my English)

[@pacificmike9501]

Your English is good enough for me to understand. I really appreciate the effort. And I'm honored to be a help to you. Just so you know, my grandparents (my father's mother and father) were both from Lithuania and came here around 1900.

[@cameramanmike2072]

👏❤️🙂💯

[@olskool3967]

my favorite part of that bike is the handlebars and that springer front end,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

[@pacificmike9501]

Flanders Drag Bars. Old original Flanders Risers. Filled Harley Davidson XA springer front end (I believe 1944 on the XA. Harley built 1000 of them). Everything on the bike is real deal stuff.

[@cameramanmike2072]

👍🙂💯

[@secretlee7957]

Happy new year and great to see you,mike 👍live to ride and you do !

[@pacificmike9501]

Same to you!

[@harleydavidson2478]

Happy New Year Mike and Crew!!

[@pacificmike9501]

Same to you!

[@billvandyne4685]

Another great one, Mike--thank you!

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You.

[@apaulothegreat1581]

I think I might have an anxiety attack. Of course, i'm not sure because i've never had one but I couldn't wait to see this through. You're such a kind person both of you. I can tell you for a fact that the grey permtech is better. That's all I would use when I put the differential into a large car big truck. If I use the red are the blue that rearend will leak gear oil. I was very blessed to have a granddaughter. Let me tell you there's nothing like having a little hand to put on that little stuff. Last winter I was using a propane heater in the tiny house that I built. I woke up about three a m. Breathing very hard. I almost woke up dead from Carbon monoxide. It's real. The way I discovered it. Three brand new cigarette lighters would not light in my tiny house until I open the door. Safe first. Love You Guys.

[@pacificmike9501]

We're very careful. Thank You for caring.

[@cameramanmike2072]

👍🙂💯

[@micknewton9299]

Hi mike , thank you for your videos. I live in the UK and need as much help as I can , and your videos provide it as I am currently rebuilding my S&S motor cheers mike

[@pacificmike9501]

Glad to help

[@cameramanmike2072]

👍🙂

[@woodsontr]

Those silicone sealants could very well be manufactured in Waterford NY where RTV was invented and where I used to work.

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You. Good history.

[@cameramanmike2072]

👍🙂

[@arthurleino]

Thank you for the video Mike. Good time to work on the Motorcycle!

[@pacificmike9501]

You bet!

[@cameramanmike2072]

👍😊

[@kingsoutdoors4379]

Lord have mercy that's a motorsickle!!! Love the scooter n love the fine narration n teachings.... big wave from the blue mountain here in P.a

[@pacificmike9501]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thank You.

[@cameramanmike2072]

👏🙂

[@joeabbott7839]

Hope you have a good new year

[@pacificmike9501]

And, I wish you and yours the same.

[@cameramanmike2072]

👍😎😊

[@robvandewetering1896]

Happy New year

[@pacificmike9501]

Happy new year

[@stanleyroberts4381]

Replaced my generator with an alternator. 45amp. Made it to plug in like a gen. I had a three brush with 12 volt fields.This is on my 52 pan . Great video,and Happy New Year 🎉

[@pacificmike9501]

Interesting. Who made the alternator?

[@stanleyroberts4381]

@@pacificmike9501 I designed it,and a machine shop teacher in Canada built it. The biggest thing is making the armature shaft to fit the alternator and the end to fit the gear of the generator. I went thru many designs and styles before the one I use now. I even ran a alt hanging off the front driven by a pulley on a gutted generator once. I would send you a picture of it but don't have an e-address or text address.☺️👍

[@pacificmike9501]

That's great stuff. I really enjoy projects such as yours. You can email to our website: pacific mike.com

[@pacificmike9501]

That's pacificmike.com

[@rstevep9413]

thank you mike

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You.

[@cameramanmike2072]

👍😊

[@michaelyarmie4858]

Happy New Year Mike! Take a read about the uses of castor oil. Rub a drop on your eyelids at bedtime. For a couple of weeks

[@pacificmike9501]

Okay. I'll read up on it first. Thank You.

[@gerryrandolph]

Your trip to Venice must have been nice, you seem a bit more relaxed in this video.

[@pacificmike9501]

The weather was awesome. The waves were beautiful. My dog had a great time. Everyone I hung out with was a pleasure. Yah, it mellowed me out a bit.

[@gerryrandolph]

@@pacificmike9501 good to hear you got some down time. Everyone needs that from time to time. Just one favor to ask, get some riding in for those of us in the cold States. I chose to ride to work yesterday and by the time I got off work and back home it was 27. Stupid me rode in again today (I'm a gluten for punishment). I don't miss the Southern California traffic, but I do miss the year-round riding weather.

[@pacificmike9501]

It has been very cold and wet where I live. I wanna move back to the beach.

[@cameramanmike2072]

👍🙂💯

[@leetownsend46]

Happy New year my friends 😉

[@pacificmike9501]

Happy new year

[@ingeludvigsen7849]

im crazy about this bike . i have a shovel 83 and a twin 2003 . Had many paneheads before . Panhads in norway was all over in middle of 80. no more now ...

[@pacificmike9501]

Where did they go? I love my Panhead too.

[@LewisMowersandBoats]

I just subscribed 😊 glad i did brother 🙏

[@pacificmike9501]

Thanks for subbing

[@cameramanmike2072]

👏👍🙂

[@2000tc88]

Good video Mike, I did not see a hole in the corner of the genny shim, I thought that oil goes through the genny and is allowed to escape thru the hole. Or is that only on 6 volt gennys like mine.

[@pacificmike9501]

I don't know. I'll have to check it out closer. I haven't fooled around with a six volt generator since the last one, about a year or so ago.

[@mossycup6974]

All you need is to change into a red sweater and put on your shop boots…. Hes the Mr. Rogers of motorcycles😜

[@pacificmike9501]

That's quite a compliment. Probably because for the last week or so, I spent my time with some small children.

[@mossycup6974]

You take your time, methodical, clumsy when needed, patient and of youve ever seen Mr. Rogers bloopers where he swears…I bet you have those moments too😎

[@pacificmike9501]

You know. I'm just another old guy.

[@charlescastell4638]

Would it have been easier with that gasket if you had stuck it on the gen and then slid the gen into place? Just thinkin'... Happy New Year!

[@pacificmike9501]

No. I would have knocked it off trying.

[@johnhild-pt4qm]

If you don't you have a 4th of July moment.

[@pacificmike9501]

Okay.

[@russelallen5342]

Not ready to ride, you need to hook the battery back up.

[@pacificmike9501]

Good idea.

[@Radam8182]

Hey Mike, thanks for the videos. I watched them as I work on my 1988 Harley. I’m learning from you. Thank you. Quick question. How can I tell what size my pistons are and if they are oversized already? Thanks again.

[@pacificmike9501]

You can measure them or, you can read the numbers stamped in the top of them. You can't tell without opening up your motor.

[@Radam8182]

@@pacificmike9501 thanks Mike

[@cameramanmike2072]

👍🙂

[@chuckasarus]

Hi Mike I have a 1979 Lowrider that was my brothers and I’m trying to get it running nicely. It has points in it. I was trying to check the timing with the vertical line in the inspection hole. The book says when it visible in the hole the point should be starting to open. I have the backing plate rotated all the way and it’s not making the points open. When looking for the vertical line I also saw a dot on the crank. Am I supposed to use the line like the book says or should I be using the dot?

[@pacificmike9501]

You're doing fine. Rotate the points cam to open the points. Rotate the plate to set the timing.

[@vernegibb621]

😎

[@pacificmike9501]

Backatcha.

[@cameramanmike2072]

👍😊

[@chuckasarus]

I have a question for you. I have a 1979 FXS 80. Does it matter where the spark plug wires go on to the coil? I’ve seen people take the top wire to the front and some take the top wire to the rear cylinder. I want to add that the bike has points.

[@pacificmike9501]

Both plugs fire at the same time. Makes no difference.

[@chuckasarus]

Thank you for getting back to me.@@pacificmike9501

[@rangercwgbear6352]

Oh brother wish you lived closer I have 1984 FLH shovel basket case been setting for over 15 years. I have some bike knowledge but the brake system front and rear was taken apart and wasn’t put back on and how about starting it after all these years

[@pacificmike9501]

Use your service manual. Clean it all up and replace the seals. Assemble it all with, and fill it all with, dot 5 brake fluid.

[@cameramanmike2072]

🙂👍💯

[@michellelisenbee]

Did you drill out the case for 5/16 bolts?

[@pacificmike9501]

No, No. Put helicoils into the generator housing. Without any drilling , you can install helicoil inserts into the 5/16 holes in the generator to facilitate the use of 1/4 x 24 stock generator mounting bolts. The helicoil inserts and tools are available from V-Twin.

[@kirkbickel6861]

hey mike where should you mount a mousetrap on frame leg vertically. any dimensions or should you do it a certain way in relation to linkage back to clutch release arm?

[@pacificmike9501]

I've never seen a measurement on it. I just mount them so the rod back to the clutch arm is pretty much parallel to the ground.

[@kirkbickel6861]

Thanks

[@cameramanmike2072]

👍🙂

[@johnhild-pt4qm]

Privileged

[@pacificmike9501]

I think so.

[@johnnymack77]

1963 FLH PANHEAD I have a Question on my Generator and 3 wire regulator My old Generator it’s a better one cuz of the post on generator are away from the exhaust pipe normally orange wire to A”. Green to F. Red wire to battery. However when this is done. A spark comes from the ground battery does that mean the regulator is toast I can’t switch wires around cuz one wire won’t reach

[@pacificmike9501]

Hard to say. Check it with a meter. Your book has the specs.

[@matthewswartz5864]

Hey Mike have ya ever run avon tires, if so what did ya think ?

[@pacificmike9501]

Tires are like tools. The right one for the job. Maybe we're running a rigid frame chopper. Maybe we're running a modern bike with state of the art suspension. Maybe we need a sticky tire. Maybe we're going for longevity.

[@matthewswartz5864]

Avons look sticky wana try em on 79. Low rider. Not too worried about longevity,

[@joerectifier]

Spring Cup Washers? I did not see the one in question

[@pacificmike9501]

Maybe

[@loddude5706]

Is a dynamo just an electric motor? - it's a polarised debate, for where you stuff the wiring, dictates it's running state. Be it sucking amps & voltage, from all your whirring bits, or routed slightly different, to save on kicking fits. The power hid in magnets, is oft misunderstood, we chop their fields & what's revealed? - Mad pixies in the'hood! (Well, I get a buzz out of it . . . . . . Happy New Year everyone : )

[@pacificmike9501]

And you sir, are what my dad would have referred to as a "real charge," yourself. Looking forward to a New Year and wishing you a great one.

[@loddude5706]

'24 eh? Who'd have thunk it . . . us, & now! Same old maxims apply though, whatever the year -'It's life, drink it while it's fizzing!' : )

[@pacificmike9501]

And heavy on the secret sauce.

[@cameramanmike2072]

❤️❤️❤️💯🙂

[@loddude5706]

@@cameramanmike2072 Thanks Mike, party-on bro'! : )

[@billhamby3795]

Is that Ultra Grey like Threebond 1104?

[@pacificmike9501]

No.

[@davidson2004fatboy]

YOU TOOK TIME OFF, BECAUSE YOU CAN😁😁😂😂🤣🤣 ANY VIDS OF SONIA RUNNING FREE ?

[@pacificmike9501]

Nope. I was too busy being sure she didn't get in any trouble. She is MY little kid and knows how to do mischief.

[@johnhild-pt4qm]

Is that generator rebuildable?

[@pacificmike9501]

Yes it is.

[@MicahBell_1860]

I'll go rhythm

[@pacificmike9501]

Okay

[@user-dk9mc4pd9m]

Hi Mike I can buy a Harley Davidson FL 1948 with a Panhead engine? in the stock version

[@pacificmike9501]

You can probably find one online.

[@cameramanmike2072]

👍😊

[@matthewswartz5864]

I wish they would leave buisy alone he gets a jumped and then…

[@pacificmike9501]

Excuse me?

[@matthewswartz5864]

I was ranting about the cops pulling Gary buisy off his bike, excuse the politics of biking.

[@pacificmike9501]

They do get a little sticky.

[@matthewswartz5864]

@@pacificmike9501 thanks Mike!