Hello, new to the forum

[7286xlh]

Hi, I own a 1972/86 xlh (1972 engine, 1986 frame). I love the look and sound of the Ironhead engine. I haven't ridden mine in years, and currently working on getting it running again (been 8 years). I have looked to this forum before for advice and figured it was time to join. I also own a 1968 BSA Lightning, and a now basket case KZ650.

[Schmidtrock]

Welcome aboard! We require pictures.

[the cowboy way]

sell the KZ
so U ncan buy more TOOLS to keep the XL RUNNING LOL

[7286xlh]

Here are a couple, wish I had a better overall shot of the bike.
DSC_3078 | Flickr - Photo Sharing!
primary side.
DSC_3128 | Flickr - Photo Sharing!
timing side.
Thanks for the reply.

[7286xlh]

Not a bad idea. I don't think i could part with the BSA though

[Schmidtrock]

Damn she looks good for sitting 8 years! Keep us posted with the resurrection.

[Schmidtrock]

Not a bad idea. I don't think i could part with the BSA though

Can't blame ya there. :wonderlan

[IronMick]

Welcome! to the IronHead forum.

[7286xlh]

I will:
I read the hibernation sticky, followed through on the engine advice (want to start it first, ride later). I noticed no spark. Then, no compression. I took a plug off, and with a flashlight, looked at a piston while I hit the start button. Pistons didn't move (I checked both). Timing rotor didn't move either. The primary chain did. So I guess something came loose on the crank primary side. The bike isn't seized, I can rotate and roll it around in gear. I took the heads off, cylinders look clean (can see honing marks). There's carbon build up in the combustion chambers. I did notice slight horizontal scoring on the rear of the rear cylinder, near the top. I can feel it with my finger nail, and not the finger tip. I will remove the cylinder and have a closer look at that.

[7286xlh]

Thanks Mick.

[zakk1775]

welcome from pa

[7286xlh]

Thanks for the welcome

[hcrashster]

Another welcome from Pa.
Let me get this straight. When you hit the starter, the primary chain is moving, but not the motor proper?
You roll it in gear and the motor now moves?
Either I'm reading this wrong or you explained it wrong. Want to help out but need some more info.

[jharback]

Welcome to the forum from sunny Italy!

[bigbadgun]

Welcome to the forum from the swamp better known as South Florida

[Gcram399]

Welcome from SW Pennsylvania.

[retired]

welcome from Iowa [cold but no snow YET] those older BSA;s have class...........

[Folkie]

Welcome to the Forum!

[FeHead84]

Welcome aboard! This is a great place to hang out and Q/A.

[Keep it running]

Welcome and good luck.

[7286xlh]

Thanks for the welcomes:

Hcrashster, yes, when I hit the starter button, the primary chain moves. the pistons don't. When I roll it in gear the pistons don't move also. I took the primary off for a closer look. I can rotate the compensator sproket by hand forward and reverse. I will take that apart for a closer look.

Thanks

[hcrashster]

Yeah, you got a problem there. Any junk in the primary cavity?

[7286xlh]

Yes, small metallic pieces within the sludge on the bottom of the primary cover. Also, a small silverish stream. Not good. I did notice though, after spraying the cylinders with lubricant, small bubbles on the piston perimeter, when I turn the compensating sprocket.

Thanks, happy new year all.

[7286xlh]

metallic grit within the sludge in the primary, is a better description.