Really dig and appreciate your videos/ content, Mike. Thanks for sharing your wisdom with these old machines and helping the rest of us keep them alive or at least try. You are good at what you do and give us a good, honest platform to refer to for knowledgeable information. ✌🏼
Love seeing the details and decisions that go into the process. Very glad to see the Flathead project moving forward. Thanks Mike (and Cameraman Mike). Keep up the good work!
The extra stroke will add some of that compression back though. It’s really cool seeing decades of parts coming together. A box from under the table, a box from over the bench, add some new stuff, and wham! A flathead is reborn.
You don't want that piston travelling over the top of the cylinder. That's why "stroker plates" were born. Today we use "stroker pistons" alot. Again, compression and flow. That's where the "trade off" occurs in a Flathead.
@@pacificmike9501 I had to look those up, lol. I made a similar deal for a cr500 Honda 25 years ago when the connecting rod was replaced by mistake with one that was a year newer and slightly longer. It didn’t change the stroke because the crank pin was in the same spot, but did change the rod ratio and port timing ever so slightly. Really pulled like an animal and slowed the “hit” down. I wonder if anyone has tried a piston with a slant to it on a flathead deal? I’m not sure how it would work on the intake stroke, but it would probably help push the burnt exhaust gasses out. Love the content Mike.
Great video Mike. Always enjoy seeing what your up to. Have you ever called Keenan Tatro before?....he has shelfs full of flathead harley parts and probly has what you need. He's good for pan, shovel and evo also....
Yes contact tatro. You and him would get along great. I bet he would hook you up. He does all the machine work too. Give it a shot. The worst he can do is say no. Let us know if you contact him!
Two brothers (twins) bought a Knucklehead and a Panhead from a police auction in a big city North of me. When the two guys (teens at the time) arrived home, their dad asked them to go out to a tool shed. Under a beat-up canvas tarp, was an assortment of old Harley parts. I remember the boys' dad saying, "After you guys rebuild those two bikes from the auction, then you can decide what you can do with this engine, transmission and front end." The engine in question was a 1938 flathead, a 1938 transmission and a completely stock wishbone rigid frame. The forks were from a Hydra Glide. The engine was assembled by a guy who built racing engines for a long-defunct H-D dealership. The bottom end was static balanced and then meticulously assembled. I think the engine already had a set of mild Chet Herbert cams. The heads were mildly ported, the valve seats were shaped and blended. Reworked stock valves were installed and an SU carb from some English sports car was modified to work with the cleaned-up stock intake manifold. That flathead rain like a runaway freight train -- with loads of torque to spare. Mike, just like you said, the engine ran very smooth at cruising speeds. This was back in 1964. I wish I had some photos of those 3 bikes. They were magnificent. Mike -- good luck with your flathead project!
Good story. Yes, making a great motor out of those good old motors is really alot about some educated and very careful handwork. Chet Herbert was one of the "Masters." His Knuckle (The Beast) was legendary. That was before my time, but I was lectured about it by people from that time (I don't know if it still exists, but it was a Knuckle in a VL frame. It had twin carburetors from an outboard boat motor and held records in SoCal in the fifties). Hey, Thank You. I better cut this off before I get lost in my "Way Back" machine.
Paul Friebus in Bloomsberg PA "right behind the famous Bills HD" has a ton of these big twin cylinders that he had cast overseas... He sells them at a reasonable price. Tedd from V-twin occasionally buys 50 or so and sells them with his incredible markup. I would give him a call and work with something that isn't worn out. My buddy just put a set of his on a 39 UL motor and was very pleased. He had to do some final machine work as to not pay Paul and just do it himself. I side note, he is the king of the flatheads with the land speed record, very knowledgeable guy on building these.
Hi Mike, glad to see you back on the screen. Thanks for the insights into building a motor and how much consideration is required. Appreciate your efforts.
Looking good Mike! I think keeping the engine mainly stock with a couple of touches is a good idea. Reliability is what makes you fall in love with a machine and I think your set up will make a one kick, ride all day bike.
Hey mike, love your videos. over the last few years i have been working on getting my 1940 U harley engine to a reliable state. i had a lot of trouble with cylinder scoring (exactly like on the ones you have in this video). originally i believed it was due to fuel washing the cylinders from running the linkert to rich. i had the cylinders re-bored and the same problem persisted until i upgraded the oiling system, i now have a circular groove running around the pinion bushing for continues crank feed to help fling oil onto the cylinders, and combined with a 4 vane stock oil pump upgrade with the right thickness oil pump gasket have ended me up with being able to run the engine pretty hard without scoring the cylinder or loosing the honing finish on the bores. having the linkert set lean enough to get a nice spark plug read is critical i believe, i'm excited to see this build come along and hope you don't run into any of the problems i faced!
Hi Mike. It's true that it must be complicated to find exactly the species you're looking for with these fabulous ancestors, especially if you want to add performance. I thought of the legendary "Truett & Osborn" workshop when you mentioned crankshafts. Bonnie Truett has been gone for years, Paul Osborn, I don't know, but the company still exists . the old workshops will always remain the most fascinating . Good for you .
@@pacificmike9501 Hello , I just have a technical question . can a camshaft by its characteristics and its profile have an impact on the compression ratio of an engine? Thank you !
Always good to see a new Mike video. I click like before I ever watch them. It's always interesting hearing about the old bike. I happen to prefer old bikes. Not interested in anything new, and I don't care how reliable new bikes may be with all the updates. Anything to do with the flathead, and I'm interested.
Slowly but surely you are getting there just remember anything worth doing takes time and patience thanks for the education C.T. OF WEST VIRGINIA KEEP THE RUBBER DOWN
I vote sleeve it with stock bore. But put high dome pistons with a decent highway cams. Jet the carb as needed and ride it for many miles. Like you said torque monster. That needs to get a good breath. That's just me tho.
Hi Mike, glad to see you're focusing on the big flathead! I think I told you once before that I have had a '47 Chief for years and love it. I think you said you had an early fifties 80" Chief and liked it too. I'm rebuilding my '57 pan and came across one stripped hole for the valve cover to head. Those bolts are 10-24 x 1-1/4". I seen someone supplies 1/4" replacement bolts, but I'd rather not go that big if there was another way. I checked my tap set and realized that the next size up is 12-24 and that is great because it is the same TPI as the stock bolt, which means I can utilize what is left of the original threads. I think there is only a few scenarios where a larger size tap will have the same TPI as a smaller dia tap. If this does not work out I will be forced to use a heli-coil or my preference is an insert. Quick question; do you know of a repop company that supplies 12-24 original style bolts for the valve covers? Also, in the past what has been your go to fix for my scenario? Thank you. Darren.
Everyone I know, treats Panheads about the same way. You Helicoil those stock holes back to 10-24 and buy a new Colony set of rocker cover bolts. Standard stuff. There are a lot of Panheads out there. So all that stuff is readily available. That includes the proper Helicoil Kit available from tool suppliers.
Thanks Mike. that's the direction I'm heading. Hope the heat is not too bad where you are. I'm likely heading to Davenport...I know it is a long way for you, but it really is a great show...takes me about 3 8hr days to see it all!
Mike we did a "as you say Relieve? The valves We found that if ya did a good valve job Srcap them alittle and reeat them If doesn't take that much to do But Then again as you said What you gain You can bore and work all the jugs But what ya gain Is not what is desired So we regeared them and found that it ya do the for mentioned along with You can get it to where you think ya wanna be In my opinion leave them stock and do other adjustments There's a lot of small things ya can do to make it run alot better
I don't mean to seem so negative But that motor has enough for what ya want it too In my opinion is one of the best motors ever produced I'm a knuckle pan guy But I'm old Bought a old flat head Spent a lot on it $4000 but to me it was worth it Sorry to blap on But man that motor just needs love And scap was suppose to be scrape them Sorry for the spelling
Hey, thank you. I'm glad to hear from you. I'm just minimizing what I'm doing rather than destroy any neat old parts. I to am a Knuckle, Pan, and Shovelhead guy. I've just built Flathead Harley motors for a few people. Finally now, one for me. So, I'm enjoying considering alot of things. But, I've always enjoyed building things for myself that are warmed over enough to fly down the highways and give no problems on long rides (like, "I'll see you when I get tired and come home."). So, this will be fairly mild. I just always crave what we call some "rumpety rump" in it.
It cool to see your flat head motorcycle coming together I think it a cool engine design love your videos of the flat head because it Unique engine design hope to see it a the born free show
Got a reproduction M51 Linkert for my 74ci U model to replace the Indian Scout M34 I think? After fitting it, it would run well, then not. Found out the valve guides were flogged out as well, so decided to do a complete top end rebuild. Lot of machining work & then found the new pistons didn't fit. Markings inside the pistons said REG OF TMS LOEX AC of A LTNITE Can't find what those markings mean & on the other side INDIAN 86516 Seems, after a bit of measuring & research, that the pistons are from a Chief? Maybe you or somebody watching might know? Engine is back together now but still not running well. Trying out different jetting as the carb is a reproduction stock carb, but the internals are anything but stock
Indians run completely different bore and stroke dimensions. I haven't decided whether I'm sleeving mine or just taking that last final bore for the pistons available.
@@pacificmike9501 Not just for me, Mike. For the bikers that enjoy having an engine that last miles and miles... For the bikers that do not enjoy going point to point one hundred miles an hour. Bike is for me, may say us, just like flying. No speed, but enjoying scenery. Taking time to look, life is not the target. It is the enjoynment of the road. Your'e Magic Mike. Sure you shall undertand it... By the way Mike, love your knowledge. May be my the last opportunity to speak with you. But who knows. Time will tell. ;) Keep on Mike, you're doing the best on HD's!
Hay mike did you ever make it sacramento calif in the nineteen fifties there was a little harley davidson shop owned by a guy named Armando Maureen may brother would put me on the gas tank and my feet would hang over the side so I could reach the handle bars and I would make the sound of the motor running years later I would be visiting his new shop and he still remember me at that time I had a sweet little sportster 1000 needlessly to say bikes have been in my life and I road in the calif rain store and freezing fog for year I miss seeing that life even now just thought I'd share this it makes me feel good to see your show thanks Mike Lemay Nelson
Great stuff. I didn't have a driver's license in the fifties. But years later, I sure remember Armando Magri's shop in Sacramento. Beautiful antiques, wonderful place.
there was a company during the 80's an 90's out of caly that sold all sorts of restoration parts , i still have their big catalog , but the company went under . sad to see but they couldnt compeat with the big companies . they did a lot of advertising in "supercycle " magazines
Really enjoy watching Mike. Mike that 46 of mine is turning plugs black with carbon, and it seems to run better with choke closed. I counted the two needles on carb when i wound them in and the one on the right turned about 71 turns andvthe left 52, a friend said it may have air leak at manifold, just wanted your thoughts on carb settings, it is a linkert but not sure what model, looks original. Thanks in advance for any help. Regards Dom.
Something is going on. A vacuum leak usually means one plug is dark, one light. But we don't know what you got. Start closing down those needles one click at a time. Start with your low speed.
Good day Mike Love the flathead project, keep on keeping on ....Im looking for some advice... planning on a top end job my 1990 evo softail , it’s primarily stock but not sure if any engine work has be done ... I know the drive belt has been replaced and when i get into the motor I plan on replacing the belt with a chain drive ... my reason is this , I’m also installing a sidecar on this bike and want the ease of gearing modifications... Does someone make compensator that has ability to dampen vibrations... Finley should I be increasing HP to help with the additional weight or will gearing be sufficient as I would like to keep the rebuild as stock as possible....what do you think ... please advise, and thank you... Byron
Power wise, hard to say what you have. A stock Evo can always use more power. There are cams in the aftermarket world that will say, "More torque, good for sidecar use." There are different balancers on the market. Look up "vibration damper for Harley Davidson" and "crankshaft or flywheel balancer for Harley Davidson." I don't know what kind of travelling you're planning, so gearing would be hard for me to judge.
I've always been impressed, but I've never run dual carbs on a Harley. I've tuned a few. Harley built some dual carbed XR's for the street that I've tuned. I helped a buddy with his drag bikes. One ran dual DelOrtos and one ran dual S&S Super B's. These were both big inch Knuckles. That's it, no more experience there.
I watched another video of another guy considering points, stock ignition etc. When you do that doesn't everything need to work together. I'm talking resistor, plug wires coil etc. You can't just mix and match. I'm not an electrician. Like ohms etc. Just wondering.
Sure. The correct condenser should be used. The correct coil for either points or electronics should be used. The correct type of cables for the type of ignition. Consulting the manufacturer will usually do the trick.
You're making me want to build a flathead! How hard is it to find pistons? I've had a tough time finding stroker pistons for my pan and my shovel. Seems like very few sources these days. Looking forward to watching your flatty progress.
You need to do research to find what you want sometimes. S&S still has stroker pistons for Pans and Shovels. But, in buying pistons for the Knuckles, be careful of cylinder lengths (I check them all anyway). When all else fails, you call the piston manufacturers and have what you want, made.
Very common. Using stock weight flywheels will make more of the torque useable. Light flywheels would make it RPM quicker. I want the heavy wheels for travelling.
Hey Mike hope all is well. I have a question if you don't mind. I bought a 73 fxe shovelhead and I noticed today while letting her warm up that the front barrel wasn't getting hot like the rear. Why is that? No spark?
It appears you're running on one cylinder. Most likely, no spark. First, check the sparkplugs. Maybe one is fouled. If so, either bad plug or a malfunction in the ignition system. If not, why did it foul? Is the carburetor not adjusted right or is there a vacuum leak causing one plug dark, one light?
No big deal. Vacuum leak is usually caused by deteriorated intake manifold seals. We've shown that on old videos. In fact, they're on my own Shovelhead. Go to our RUclips Homepage and click on the word "videos."
@@pacificmike9501 yes that's what I was intending to do Mike. I'll check the plug first. It has a ss carb not sure what model but it's old. Should I rrplace?. Thanks again Mike.
hey mike, i'm late to this video... youtube didn't tell me it came out. it's all good tho. couple quick questions.... you said you were going to get new crank pins. are you going to have it trued and balanced or are you going to do that yourself? if doing it yourself, are you going to make a video of it? i'm just curious... it's not something i'm ever going to do myself, just interested in seeing how it's done is all. also, a bonus question, are you going to lighten the crank? i've heard of guys lightening their cranks to make their overall weight lighter on their bikes. is that in your plans? keep the build series coming please! and thanks for the content!
Not quite sure on flywheel assembly. Big deal is having the rods rebuilt. Lightening the flywheels is done to make them RPM quicker. Not what this bike is going to need. Those heavy flywheels are for torque. I expect to run it high speed at low RPMs. I may or may not be the one who trues and balances them.
It is a lot of work. Those who are set up to do it properly and efficiently normally don't let you watch. I've used Los Angeles Sleeve for doing this for about forty years. Never have watched them. But they use awesome material in their sleeves and know what they're doing.
Pacific Mike is the Bob Ross of Harley mechanics. I love the videos!
Thank You.
Really dig and appreciate your videos/ content, Mike. Thanks for sharing your wisdom with these old machines and helping the rest of us keep them alive or at least try. You are good at what you do and give us a good, honest platform to refer to for knowledgeable information. ✌🏼
Kind words, Thank You.
Love seeing the details and decisions that go into the process. Very glad to see the Flathead project moving forward. Thanks Mike (and Cameraman Mike). Keep up the good work!
Thank You.
Mike,let's see your flathead Ford! I've got several, I love em!
This channel is about motorcycles. I shouldn't have mentioned it.
But I'm sure glad you did! We are a very diverse bunch it's all good .
The extra stroke will add some of that compression back though. It’s really cool seeing decades of parts coming together. A box from under the table, a box from over the bench, add some new stuff, and wham! A flathead is reborn.
You don't want that piston travelling over the top of the cylinder. That's why "stroker plates" were born. Today we use "stroker pistons" alot. Again, compression and flow. That's where the "trade off" occurs in a Flathead.
@@pacificmike9501 I had to look those up, lol. I made a similar deal for a cr500 Honda 25 years ago when the connecting rod was replaced by mistake with one that was a year newer and slightly longer. It didn’t change the stroke because the crank pin was in the same spot, but did change the rod ratio and port timing ever so slightly. Really pulled like an animal and slowed the “hit” down. I wonder if anyone has tried a piston with a slant to it on a flathead deal? I’m not sure how it would work on the intake stroke, but it would probably help push the burnt exhaust gasses out. Love the content Mike.
Great video Mike. Always enjoy seeing what your up to. Have you ever called Keenan Tatro before?....he has shelfs full of flathead harley parts and probly has what you need. He's good for pan, shovel and evo also....
IF you can pry anything away from him. He loves to brag on his stuff...sell it? Not so much.
Yes contact tatro. You and him would get along great. I bet he would hook you up. He does all the machine work too. Give it a shot. The worst he can do is say no. Let us know if you contact him!
I don't know him personally. I'm sure we'll meet . I do have a list of friends that do what we do however.
I'm sure you do, you have been around the block a few thousand times. Lol
Thank you for sharing. Very nice collection of parts, I'll take the whole table, LOL Enjoyed the video👍👀.
Thank You.
Two brothers (twins) bought a Knucklehead and a Panhead from a police auction in a big city North of me. When the two guys (teens at the time) arrived home, their dad asked them to go out to a tool shed. Under a beat-up canvas tarp, was an assortment of old Harley parts. I remember the boys' dad saying, "After you guys rebuild those two bikes from the auction, then you can decide what you can do with this engine, transmission and front end." The engine in question was a 1938 flathead, a 1938 transmission and a completely stock wishbone rigid frame. The forks were from a Hydra Glide. The engine was assembled by a guy who built racing engines for a long-defunct H-D dealership. The bottom end was static balanced and then meticulously assembled. I think the engine already had a set of mild Chet Herbert cams. The heads were mildly ported, the valve seats were shaped and blended. Reworked stock valves were installed and an SU carb from some English sports car was modified to work with the cleaned-up stock intake manifold. That flathead rain like a runaway freight train -- with loads of torque to spare. Mike, just like you said, the engine ran very smooth at cruising speeds. This was back in 1964. I wish I had some photos of those 3 bikes. They were magnificent. Mike -- good luck with your flathead project!
Good story. Yes, making a great motor out of those good old motors is really alot about some educated and very careful handwork. Chet Herbert was one of the "Masters." His Knuckle (The Beast) was legendary. That was before my time, but I was lectured about it by people from that time (I don't know if it still exists, but it was a Knuckle in a VL frame. It had twin carburetors from an outboard boat motor and held records in SoCal in the fifties). Hey, Thank You. I better cut this off before I get lost in my "Way Back" machine.
I always wanted to put a small supercharger on a flathead. Keep up the good work my friend.
It's been done. The real only way to make any Flathead fly.
Paul Friebus in Bloomsberg PA "right behind the famous Bills HD" has a ton of these big twin cylinders that he had cast overseas... He sells them at a reasonable price. Tedd from V-twin occasionally buys 50 or so and sells them with his incredible markup. I would give him a call and work with something that isn't worn out. My buddy just put a set of his on a 39 UL motor and was very pleased. He had to do some final machine work as to not pay Paul and just do it himself. I side note, he is the king of the flatheads with the land speed record, very knowledgeable guy on building these.
Hi Mike, glad to see you back on the screen. Thanks for the insights into building a motor and how much consideration is required. Appreciate your efforts.
Thank You. Sharing our thoughts is how we learn to make them. Like, "How did you arrive at that?"
Great content..parts hunting for projects.... life's great..thanks for your time..
Thank You.
Looking good Mike! I think keeping the engine mainly stock with a couple of touches is a good idea. Reliability is what makes you fall in love with a machine and I think your set up will make a one kick, ride all day bike.
That's the plan!
Great to see parts out on the table. Stay well, beat that heat.
Thanks, you too!
HOWdy Mike,
Thanks for TAKING Us along
COOP
...
Thanks for coming along.
Always love stopping by the garage have a blessed week my friends.
Thank You and You too.
Hey mike, love your videos.
over the last few years i have been working on getting my 1940 U harley engine to a reliable state. i had a lot of trouble with cylinder scoring (exactly like on the ones you have in this video).
originally i believed it was due to fuel washing the cylinders from running the linkert to rich.
i had the cylinders re-bored and the same problem persisted until i upgraded the oiling system,
i now have a circular groove running around the pinion bushing for continues crank feed to help fling oil onto the cylinders, and combined with a 4 vane stock oil pump upgrade with the right thickness oil pump gasket have ended me up with being able to run the engine pretty hard without scoring the cylinder or loosing the honing finish on the bores.
having the linkert set lean enough to get a nice spark plug read is critical i believe, i'm excited to see this build come along and hope you don't run into any of the problems i faced!
Thank You. This is why I'm doing a lot of research. Hopefully, we benefit from each other.
Good to see another video on the preparation of the project bike... gonna be a good build no matter how you do it!!!✌🏻
Thank You.
Hi Mike. It's true that it must be complicated to find exactly the species you're looking for with these fabulous ancestors, especially if you want to add performance. I thought of the legendary "Truett & Osborn" workshop when you mentioned crankshafts. Bonnie Truett has been gone for years, Paul Osborn, I don't know, but the company still exists . the old workshops will always remain the most fascinating . Good for you .
I agree. The flywheels in two of my bikes were supplied to me by Paul Osborn.
@@pacificmike9501 Hello , I just have a technical question . can a camshaft by its characteristics and its profile have an impact on the compression ratio of an engine? Thank you !
Nice shirts brother!
Thanks!
Glad you're moving along thanks both of you ps bought a ultra sonic cleaner quite impressed thanks for the tip 😊
Cool. Thank you and take care.
It’s coming together nicely Mike. I am down to the wire literally on my Sportster. That’s a story in itself. Keep up the great work and videos
Thank You. Don't rush it.
Man this Flathead bike is gonna be awesome!!!!
I'm countin' on it.
Always good to see a new Mike video. I click like before I ever watch them. It's always interesting hearing about the old bike. I happen to prefer old bikes. Not interested in anything new, and I don't care how reliable new bikes may be with all the updates. Anything to do with the flathead, and I'm interested.
Thank You.
Slowly but surely you are getting there just remember anything worth doing takes time and patience thanks for the education C.T. OF WEST VIRGINIA KEEP THE RUBBER DOWN
Thank You. You take care.
This is gonna be more fun..... waiting for the next to find out which direction you're going.....neat project
Thank You.
So Exciting!!!!
Cannot Wait
🔥🔥🔥🔥
Cool. Thank You.
I vote sleeve it with stock bore. But put high dome pistons with a decent highway cams. Jet the carb as needed and ride it for many miles. Like you said torque monster. That needs to get a good breath. That's just me tho.
You got it. But, no room for "high dome" pistons. This is a Flathead. You either have flow or high compression. You get one or the other, not both.
"High dome" pistons in a flathead....
James knows a lot about flatheads....NOT!
Thank you to you and all of your team. Just ordered your shirt. Ride easy my friends.
Thank You. Take care.
thanks Mike and camera man, my thoughts of the flat head rebuild, to do it harley davidson stock.
I can't help it. I always want a little extra "rumpetty rump."
Hi Mike, glad to see you're focusing on the big flathead! I think I told you once before that I have had a '47 Chief for years and love it. I think you said you had an early fifties 80" Chief and liked it too. I'm rebuilding my '57 pan and came across one stripped hole for the valve cover to head. Those bolts are 10-24 x 1-1/4". I seen someone supplies 1/4" replacement bolts, but I'd rather not go that big if there was another way. I checked my tap set and realized that the next size up is 12-24 and that is great because it is the same TPI as the stock bolt, which means I can utilize what is left of the original threads. I think there is only a few scenarios where a larger size tap will have the same TPI as a smaller dia tap. If this does not work out I will be forced to use a heli-coil or my preference is an insert. Quick question; do you know of a repop company that supplies 12-24 original style bolts for the valve covers? Also, in the past what has been your go to fix for my scenario? Thank you. Darren.
Everyone I know, treats Panheads about the same way. You Helicoil those stock holes back to 10-24 and buy a new Colony set of rocker cover bolts. Standard stuff. There are a lot of Panheads out there. So all that stuff is readily available. That includes the proper Helicoil Kit available from tool suppliers.
Thanks Mike. that's the direction I'm heading. Hope the heat is not too bad where you are. I'm likely heading to Davenport...I know it is a long way for you, but it really is a great show...takes me about 3 8hr days to see it all!
Mike we did a "as you say Relieve? The valves
We found that if ya did a good valve job
Srcap them alittle and reeat them
If doesn't take that much to do
But
Then again as you said
What you gain
You can bore and work all the jugs
But what ya gain
Is not what is desired
So we regeared them and found that it ya do the for mentioned along with
You can get it to where you think ya wanna be
In my opinion leave them stock and do other adjustments
There's a lot of small things ya can do to make it run alot better
I don't mean to seem so negative
But that motor has enough for what ya want it too
In my opinion is one of the best motors ever produced
I'm a knuckle pan guy
But I'm old
Bought a old flat head
Spent a lot on it $4000 but to me it was worth it
Sorry to blap on
But man that motor just needs love
And scap was suppose to be scrape them
Sorry for the spelling
Hey, thank you. I'm glad to hear from you. I'm just minimizing what I'm doing rather than destroy any neat old parts. I to am a Knuckle, Pan, and Shovelhead guy. I've just built Flathead Harley motors for a few people. Finally now, one for me. So, I'm enjoying considering alot of things. But, I've always enjoyed building things for myself that are warmed over enough to fly down the highways and give no problems on long rides (like, "I'll see you when I get tired and come home."). So, this will be fairly mild. I just always crave what we call some "rumpety rump" in it.
It cool to see your flat head motorcycle coming together I think it a cool engine design love your videos of the flat head because it Unique engine design hope to see it a the born free show
Thank You. When it's done, I plan to ride it a lot of places.
Mike, you're the best🎉
Wow. Thank You.
hello mad mike, been hoping to see this flatty finished for some time now. give it hell. slojo
Got real busy. Life gets complicated. I want the Flathead too.
Would enjoy seeing pictures of what you Built
We'll get there. I do show my bikes.
I agree best bang for buck is improved air flow not so much high comp and high rpm ,thanks again mike
High compression in a Flathead means flow has been blocked. It's simply a tradeoff.
Hello Mike and Mike . How are you ? Thank you for this video.
Thank You.
Keep her as reliable as possible......a classic scooter.!!!
I promise, "It will be fun to ride." I don't put bikes together that aren't fun.
Hey Mike it's a good thing to watch a Pro
Thank You.
Got a reproduction M51 Linkert for my 74ci U model to replace the Indian Scout M34 I think? After fitting it, it would run well, then not. Found out the valve guides were flogged out as well, so decided to do a complete top end rebuild. Lot of machining work & then found the new pistons didn't fit. Markings inside the pistons said
REG OF TMS LOEX
AC of A LTNITE
Can't find what those markings mean
& on the other side
INDIAN 86516
Seems, after a bit of measuring & research, that the pistons are from a Chief?
Maybe you or somebody watching might know?
Engine is back together now but still not running well. Trying out different jetting as the carb is a reproduction stock carb, but the internals are anything but stock
Indians run completely different bore and stroke dimensions. I haven't decided whether I'm sleeving mine or just taking that last final bore for the pistons available.
Mike, I would like to see the flat head running. It's one of my loving things. May it be in the next ten years? :)
Well, once we pay the bills, keep myself operational. Handle everything else that comes up; sure it will be done in the next five minutes.
@@pacificmike9501 You're Magic Mike, you can do it for a poor old boy down south who loves turing flat heads!
Fine! I will do my best to stay on it, just for you.
@@pacificmike9501 Not just for me, Mike. For the bikers that enjoy having an engine that last miles and miles... For the bikers that do not enjoy going point to point one hundred miles an hour. Bike is for me, may say us, just like flying. No speed, but enjoying scenery. Taking time to look, life is not the target. It is the enjoynment of the road. Your'e Magic Mike. Sure you shall undertand it... By the way Mike, love your knowledge. May be my the last opportunity to speak with you. But who knows. Time will tell. ;) Keep on Mike, you're doing the best on HD's!
Hay mike did you ever make it sacramento calif in the nineteen fifties there was a little harley davidson shop owned by a guy named Armando Maureen may brother would put me on the gas tank and my feet would hang over the side so I could reach the handle bars and I would make the sound of the motor running years later I would be visiting his new shop and he still remember me at that time I had a sweet little sportster 1000 needlessly to say bikes have been in my life and I road in the calif rain store and freezing fog for year I miss seeing that life even now just thought I'd share this it makes me feel good to see your show thanks Mike Lemay Nelson
Great stuff. I didn't have a driver's license in the fifties. But years later, I sure remember Armando Magri's shop in Sacramento. Beautiful antiques, wonderful place.
there was a company during the 80's an 90's out of caly that sold all sorts of restoration parts , i still have their big catalog , but the company went under . sad to see but they couldnt compeat with the big companies . they did a lot of advertising in "supercycle " magazines
Back in the day, a lot came and went. I think you're referring to "Nostalgia Cycle."
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Thank You.
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Really enjoy watching Mike. Mike that 46 of mine is turning plugs black with carbon, and it seems to run better with choke closed. I counted the two needles on carb when i wound them in and the one on the right turned about 71 turns andvthe left 52, a friend said it may have air leak at manifold, just wanted your thoughts on carb settings, it is a linkert but not sure what model, looks original. Thanks in advance for any help. Regards Dom.
Something is going on. A vacuum leak usually means one plug is dark, one light. But we don't know what you got. Start closing down those needles one click at a time. Start with your low speed.
@@pacificmike9501 Thanks Mike
Hey Mike does porting and polishing work much on the flatheads
Of course. That's where it all began.
Weren't 80-inch cylinders relieved at the factory?
Not to my knowledge. The Indians certainly were.
Good day Mike
Love the flathead project, keep on keeping on ....Im looking for some advice... planning on a top end job my 1990 evo softail , it’s primarily stock but not sure if any engine work has be done ... I know the drive belt has been replaced and when i get into the motor I plan on replacing the belt with a chain drive ... my reason is this , I’m also installing a sidecar on this bike and want the ease of gearing modifications... Does someone make compensator that has ability to dampen vibrations... Finley should I be increasing HP to help with the additional weight or will gearing be sufficient as I would like to keep the rebuild as stock as possible....what do you think ... please advise, and thank you... Byron
Power wise, hard to say what you have. A stock Evo can always use more power. There are cams in the aftermarket world that will say, "More torque, good for sidecar use." There are different balancers on the market. Look up "vibration damper for Harley Davidson" and "crankshaft or flywheel balancer for Harley Davidson." I don't know what kind of travelling you're planning, so gearing would be hard for me to judge.
Mike ,offer long sleeve button down blue denim shirts ,with your logo on them ,someone I saw on RUclips wears shirts as that
Thank You. In time.
What's your opinion on dual linkert setups?
I've always been impressed, but I've never run dual carbs on a Harley. I've tuned a few. Harley built some dual carbed XR's for the street that I've tuned. I helped a buddy with his drag bikes. One ran dual DelOrtos and one ran dual S&S Super B's. These were both big inch Knuckles. That's it, no more experience there.
I watched another video of another guy considering points, stock ignition etc. When you do that doesn't everything need to work together. I'm talking resistor, plug wires coil etc. You can't just mix and match. I'm not an electrician. Like ohms etc. Just wondering.
Sure. The correct condenser should be used. The correct coil for either points or electronics should be used. The correct type of cables for the type of ignition. Consulting the manufacturer will usually do the trick.
You're making me want to build a flathead! How hard is it to find pistons? I've had a tough time finding stroker pistons for my pan and my shovel. Seems like very few sources these days. Looking forward to watching your flatty progress.
You need to do research to find what you want sometimes. S&S still has stroker pistons for Pans and Shovels. But, in buying pistons for the Knuckles, be careful of cylinder lengths (I check them all anyway). When all else fails, you call the piston manufacturers and have what you want, made.
have you ever heard of running 2 of the lighter weight flywheels?
Very common. Using stock weight flywheels will make more of the torque useable. Light flywheels would make it RPM quicker. I want the heavy wheels for travelling.
Cool
Thank You.
Hey Mike hope all is well. I have a question if you don't mind. I bought a 73 fxe shovelhead and I noticed today while letting her warm up that the front barrel wasn't getting hot like the rear. Why is that? No spark?
It appears you're running on one cylinder. Most likely, no spark. First, check the sparkplugs. Maybe one is fouled. If so, either bad plug or a malfunction in the ignition system. If not, why did it foul? Is the carburetor not adjusted right or is there a vacuum leak causing one plug dark, one light?
@@pacificmike9501 what causes a vacuum leak? That don't sound good. Anyways as always Mike thanks z ton. You're the man!
No big deal. Vacuum leak is usually caused by deteriorated intake manifold seals. We've shown that on old videos. In fact, they're on my own Shovelhead. Go to our RUclips Homepage and click on the word "videos."
@@pacificmike9501 yes that's what I was intending to do Mike. I'll check the plug first. It has a ss carb not sure what model but it's old. Should I rrplace?. Thanks again Mike.
If necessary, pull the carb and manifold. Inspect the seals where the manifold meets the heads.
hey mike, i'm late to this video... youtube didn't tell me it came out. it's all good tho. couple quick questions.... you said you were going to get new crank pins. are you going to have it trued and balanced or are you going to do that yourself? if doing it yourself, are you going to make a video of it? i'm just curious... it's not something i'm ever going to do myself, just interested in seeing how it's done is all.
also, a bonus question, are you going to lighten the crank? i've heard of guys lightening their cranks to make their overall weight lighter on their bikes. is that in your plans? keep the build series coming please! and thanks for the content!
Not quite sure on flywheel assembly. Big deal is having the rods rebuilt. Lightening the flywheels is done to make them RPM quicker. Not what this bike is going to need. Those heavy flywheels are for torque. I expect to run it high speed at low RPMs. I may or may not be the one who trues and balances them.
Check out flathead power in Sweden
I have.
Mike, nice vid tonite. Do you have a bike picked out for this engine?
Look at some of our past videos. Go to our RUclips homepage and click on the word "videos." It's a nice chassis.
How much to teach a class of 4?
Nice thought. Thank You.
You can fix my bro sleeve it
Maybe, maybe not. Depends on how much is left when you max it out.
Leave the flywheels alone it's not that much deference .I'll leave my opinion alone ha ha ha just kidding Lemay Nelson
Oh, I think you have a good point.
hi..resleeveing cylinders, of all the fab films, no one has shown resleeveing a cylinder//?????????????
It is a lot of work. Those who are set up to do it properly and efficiently normally don't let you watch. I've used Los Angeles Sleeve for doing this for about forty years. Never have watched them. But they use awesome material in their sleeves and know what they're doing.
You are making me look bad in front of my girl friend.
That's funny.
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