1951 Panhead kicker collapsing

[dream-machine]

Sometimes (most of the time) my 51' Panhead kicker collapses when I try to kick start it. Engine was rebuilt, less than 500 miles on it, valves were adjusted and now it seems almost too easy to kick. Not getting compression I used to have. When I kick it I hear a whooshing sound. It runs great once it's started but there are times that I have to kick and kick and kick to get it started and many of those times I get the collapsing. Mechanic says nothing is wrong but it over the years I've owned the bike it's always been tough to kick it over because I had a lot of resistance. Since the rebuild I don't have that same compression. Any ideas?

[panhead_kicker]

Sometimes (most of the time) my 51' Panhead kicker collapses when I try to kick start it. Engine was rebuilt, less than 500 miles on it, valves were adjusted and now it seems almost too easy to kick. Not getting compression I used to have. When I kick it I hear a whooshing sound. It runs great once it's started but there are times that I have to kick and kick and kick to get it started and many of those times I get the collapsing. Mechanic says nothing is wrong but it over the years I've owned the bike it's always been tough to kick it over because I had a lot of resistance. Since the rebuild I don't have that same compression. Any ideas?

Maybe the valves were incorrectly adjusted , not allowing them to close completely? There are Several conversations in this forum on adjusting valves/push rod adjustment. Do a little searching. Is your 51 motor stock?

[dream-machine]

Hi, Thanks for the reply. Yes it's a stock motor but I think if the valves weren't adjusted correctly it wouldn't run as good as it does once it's started.

[FlatHeadSix]

your clutch is slipping, adjust it, or investigate to find out why it slips.

mike

[dream-machine]

Thanks Mike. I never thought about the clutch slipping but it seems plausible. I'll check it out.