Ironhead 1964 XLCH issues

[Kaaos82]

I have a 64 XLCH w/ mag.

Finished my build, hadnt done much motor work since purchasing it.

Replaced the clutch plates, put an S&S super e shorty on it, and started riding

Rode great for about 1500 miles but wouldnt top out past around 70mph.....when itd be in any gear I couldnt open the throttle all the way, like the gear wouldnt go open fully for me. Then I could get into 4th, and if i opened it all the way, itd almost sputter like it couldnt burn off all the gas I was dumping in

I figured this to be a Carb issue, running rich due to a large jet(used the S&S from my 72xlch 1000cc to this 64) and thought I could get by a little riding it this way, I also considered it to be the timing being "Slightly" off

After adjusting things I cant seem to get the timing right, or the bike to idle properly

I seem to have it idle, but everytime I take off it seems to want to die. Not sure if I should call it a day and open up the the top end or what. Id hate to have to....but im guessing thats where im at

[alaska62sporty]

Hello. Have you performed a compression check? This can tell you alot about the condition of the top end. Do the spark plugs look black and sooty, indicating jetting is rich? I dont know much about mags, but in the morning, somebody will come along who does.

[Ferrous Head]

While it's idling, if you open the throttle slowly, will it reach 5 or 6 grand ? Or does it die, spluttering and coughing ?

[Kaaos82]

when revved high it sputters & coughs

Compression is 110 front head, 105ish back head.....but i didnt do it when the bike was warm and only kicked about 3 times on each, so i didnt get a good reading

now when im kicking im getting like white smoke out the pipes, and ive had a few carb backfires, which indicates lean, but I dont see how....and the low top end speed im thinking is maybe an intermediate jet issue? I have pretty black sooty plugs.

[Ferrous Head]

After adjusting things I cant seem to get the timing right, or the bike to idle properly

If the carb was working ok on the 1000cc bike it's unlikely to be your problem.
Timing is critical. If the 64 is basically stock the magneto will have fixed timing, ie no advance. It needs to be set to 45 BTDC.
Backfires through the carb indicate it's probably a bit advanced. Try retarding the maggy 1/8th of an inch.

[scottfisher]

put in new plugs
static time the mag
double check ignition and wire connections are clean (points too)
check for intake leaks
double check pushrod adjustments

and try again.

[Kaaos82]

so yea....wow....the whole situation happened without me putting new plugs in.....threw in new champions today and voila.......feeling sheepish :-x

[JBGoode]

Gotta go with the simple shit first is what I always learned, and plugs are cheap.