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8th December 2019
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Biker
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Join Date: Dec 2019
Posts: 7 Sportster/Buell Model: Sportster Sportster/Buell Year: 1985
Reputation: 10

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Quote:
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?
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It's a late '85. Has the oil filter where the gen used to be.
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8th December 2019
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Biker
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Join Date: Dec 2019
Posts: 7 Sportster/Buell Model: Sportster Sportster/Buell Year: 1985
Reputation: 10

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Quote:
Originally Posted by ryder rick
An Ultima Ignition kit off eBay will make it nice and reliable and hotter sparks.
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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.
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8th December 2019
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Senior Master Custom Bike Builder
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Join Date: May 2009
Location: 37° 25' 28" N by -80° 03' 42" W
Posts: 11,031 Sportster/Buell Model: XLCH Sportster/Buell Year: 1975
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Give the alternator magnets a once over too, those original parts like to come apart and wreck things.
__________________
"when you don't know where you're going, any road'll take you there"
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8th December 2019
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Rider Of The Iron Steed
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Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: London, ON Canada
Posts: 32,521 Sportster/Buell Model: XLH Sportster/Buell Year: 1978
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Quote:
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.
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All 85s are alternator. It is 84 that has the early-late anomaly 
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8th December 2019
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XL FORUM TEAM MEMBER
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Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Coastal BC
Posts: 1,266 Sportster/Buell Model: shovester project Sportster/Buell Year: 80s Other Motorcycle Model: Kawasaki kz440 Other Motorcycle Year: 1983
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Quote:
Originally Posted by IronMick
All 85s are alternator. It is 84 that has the early-late anomaly 
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Right you are IronMick. I’ve been out of the loop for too long. (Or maybe just getting old and forgetful).
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8th December 2019
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Senior Master Custom Bike Builder
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Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Cornelius, OR
Posts: 9,510
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Quote:
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.
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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.
__________________
Ryder Rick "I know right from wrong, but sometimes, wrong feels right"
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8th December 2019
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Biker
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Join Date: Dec 2019
Posts: 7 Sportster/Buell Model: Sportster Sportster/Buell Year: 1985
Reputation: 10

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Quote:
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.
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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.
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8th December 2019
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Blind Owl
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Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Sunshine Coast
Posts: 6,299 Sportster/Buell Model: XLB, XLCH, Sporton Sportster/Buell Year: 1962 Sportster/Buell Model #2: XLCH Sportster/Buell Year #2: 1966 Other Motorcycle Model: XLCH (Another one) Other Motorcycle Year: 1966
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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.
__________________
"I know only too well the evil that I propose. But my inclinations get the better of me."
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8th December 2019
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Biker
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Join Date: Dec 2019
Posts: 7 Sportster/Buell Model: Sportster Sportster/Buell Year: 1985
Reputation: 10

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Quote:
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.
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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.
...
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8th December 2019
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Custom Bike Builder
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Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Phoenix
Posts: 2,298 Sportster/Buell Model: xlch Sportster/Buell Year: 1964 Sportster/Buell Model #2: XLCH IR EFI Sportster/Buell Year #2: 1971 Other Motorcycle Model: BMW K1200RS Other Motorcycle Year: 2001
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Quote:
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.
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+1000
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