Ironhead New Member and a question

[4bolts]

Originally Posted by billeuze

Hi 4bolts, welcome to the forum. Congrats on getting your new ironhead running. I'm curious if its an early or late '85?

It's a late '85. Has the oil filter where the gen used to be.

[4bolts]

Originally Posted by ryder rick

An Ultima Ignition kit off eBay will make it nice and reliable and hotter sparks.

Thank you. I'll check it out. Figured I get it running and then check out the systems. I'm pretty sure the cylinder walls are scored, so that'll be getting torn apart and checked.

[doodah man]

Give the alternator magnets a once over too, those original parts like to come apart and wreck things.

[IronMick]

Originally Posted by billeuze

... I'm curious if its an early or late '85? Early has a generator like earlier sportsters. Late has an alternator in the clutch and an oil filter where the generator used to go. The late (alternator) models eventually have issues with the magnets breaking off of the rotor.

All 85s are alternator. It is 84 that has the early-late anomaly

[billeuze]

Originally Posted by IronMick

All 85s are alternator. It is 84 that has the early-late anomaly

Right you are IronMick. I’ve been out of the loop for too long. (Or maybe just getting old and forgetful).

[ryder rick]

Originally Posted by 4bolts

Thank you. I'll check it out. Figured I get it running and then check out the systems. I'm pretty sure the cylinder walls are scored, so that'll be getting torn apart and checked.

Cylinder wall scoring is usually due to prolonged idling. Usually someone trying to baby it and "warm it up". Don't do that it needs some rpm to keep the cylinders properly lubed. Ride it away as soon as the plugs are warm enough that it will not stall.

[4bolts]

Originally Posted by ryder rick

Cylinder wall scoring is usually due to prolonged idling. Usually someone trying to baby it and "warm it up". Don't do that it needs some rpm to keep the cylinders properly lubed. Ride it away as soon as the plugs are warm enough that it will not stall.

I'm pretty sure the previous owner never had it running due to the ignition and previous owners before him did a piss poor job of maintaining it. I'm sure that is the cause if the scoring. Front piston has oil on it. All the basic adjustments were so far out it wasn't funny. Push rods were way too tight, clutch screw was so far in the clutches were disengaged, carb was all out of wack, ect.

[Ferrous Head]

Don't get me wrong, I know EI is better than points. And FI is better than a carburetor.

But it's often those pesky complicated things like electrics and carburetors that defeat so many people. The more complicated things become the harder it is for "home mechanics" to fix them.

[4bolts]

Originally Posted by Ferrous Head

Don't get me wrong, I know EI is better than points. And FI is better than a carburetor.

But it's often those pesky complicated things like electrics and carburetors that defeat so many people. The more complicated things become the harder it is for "home mechanics" to fix them.

This is true.

Years and years ago, well before the internet, I was fortunate enough to have relatives who would show me how to work on engines and systems. I try to help others as much as possible now and appreciate the forums, such as this one, to help with issues. Even though I have had some serious set-ups in other vehicles, I prefer simple mechanics. My 6v Beetle and points XS650 are my most enjoyable vehicles. Nice and basic.
Unfortunately many are not as fortunate as some of us to have had this help. Or, like some sellers I've met, they don't take advantage of this help and damage components.

...

[Iron Mike]

Originally Posted by ferrous head

don't get me wrong, i know ei is better than points. And fi is better than a carburetor.

But it's often those pesky complicated things like electrics and carburetors that defeat so many people. The more complicated things become the harder it is for "home mechanics" to fix them.

+1000