1962 duo glide difficult to start from cold

[wlh1950]

IN behalf of peter:

I have a 1962 duo glide harley which is difficult to start from cold
it's got new plugs, points, all is working.
S&S super e carb which seems fine etc.
would electronic ignition instead of points help ??
or do you have any other suggestions. she's a great bike just a bitch to start cold
thank you
Peter

[fourthgear]

Have you checked for an intake leak ? Timing ?
I personally like electronic ign., others can say what they will ,but elect. ign. systems do help start these old motors better than points systems . my 2.

[panhead1953ohv]

The first thing i would check for is an intake leak then accelerator pump opperation and float height.All of these are a good start.

[tomlehn]

I have the same issue, mine is 1963. No matter, hot or cold the thing is a bitch to kick over. If I use starter fluid, it kicks right over. Why would that be?
Thanks Tom

[kitabel]

It wants to be more wet.
Enrichment devices are sometimes sensitive to throttle motion while kicking.
Does he leave it closed? 1/4 open? roll it on?
Try each way.

[tomlehn]

thanks for the quick reply. All of the things I've tried...
1) Enrichment at close, 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, full with 0, 1, 2, and 3 twists of throttle No combination works.

I should say that 1/2 with 2 twists worked twice about a month ago, but now nothing works. All I did was loosen the front lifter becuase it was too tight.

Fuel lines and filter are clean.

thanks
Tom

[panhead]

Checked your spark plugs (wet/dry)?

[tomlehn]

They are dry, a little dark but dry

[Mongrel505558]

You described the condition of your plugs, but more to the point, are you getting a good spark?

[tomlehn]

yes thanks spark is fine

[Andygears]

Is it a dual point circuit breaker? Do you have the advance/retard control working on the left grip? Is it 6 volt or 12? Battery fully charged? Condenser age? A lot more info on your setup is needed.

Andygears

[tomlehn]

Its basics points and condensor 12 V system, no throttle advance. I will replace the points since they are a bit old. Have a set on hand might as well use them. Thanks I will try that.

[panheadrider1961]

how are you setting that auto advance circuit breaker ? if still stock flywheels you have front and rear cylinder marks for the O. E. dual point system
anyone who has trouble with timing issues the light on at just breaking of points is the best way to set timing
you dont describe what it takes to get it to fire , 3 kicks or 27 kicks ? no key on till primed good then on or turning on key an start kicking? at lot to consider

[tomlehn]

Prior to installing the SS Super E. I ran the original Linkert, Turn fuel on, adjust choke half way, 2 primer kicks, turn key on and one kick wallah!!!!! Now since the SS carb, to the same process but use the enricher on SS half way, and takes anywhere from 30-100 kicks (or however many I did in a hour).
After learning the enricher was not a choke from YouTube. Guy said to set enricher 1/2 way, twist throttle 2 times to pump fuel in and kick. Wallah worked like a charm the first time, next day did same time however took 10 kicks instead of 2. And now back to where I started, takes forever (30-40 kicks) to get it started.
It's driving me crazy becuase, how does it go from working great to no at all bascially overnight. Frustrating.
Thaks all for the help.

[RooDog]

First thing to do is to get the bike running, warmed up, the idle, and the rest of the carb tuned in. The slow speed/intermediate jet is the main functionary, and has to be right for the rest of the circuits to function properly.
Do read $&$'s tuning instructions.
Now for starting a cold engine: Two squirts of the accelerator pump are OK, but pull up the enrichener all the way, and leave the throttle closed.
Now kick that bad boy.

Also, is your ignition timing right on? Good spark?

Once the engine fires you can modulate the idle to warm up the engine juggling both the enrichener and the throttle. I usually close the enrichener as soon a possible to avoid fowling the plugs. I have two Super Gs at my command....

https://www.sscycle.com/tech-info/carb-quick-guide