Motor stops running

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ladderguy
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Motor stops running

#1

Post by ladderguy »

I have a 52 pan that shuts down after running a couple miles. I thought I ran out of gas at first because it started to sputter then die out on me. I got it home and checked the plugs and points which looked good. I pushed out side and fired it up only to have it do the same thing after about ten minutes. This is a stock engine, linkert carb, 6 volt bike except for solid lifters and a fresh top end. Any idea what might be going on? This was my step father's pan which I gave a tottle re-build from the frame up after he died. Its also a bitch to start...a lot harder then my 72 XLCH.
48blackone
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Re: Motor stops running

#2

Post by 48blackone »

maye the Coil .. It happend to me , when cold all ok , after 20 min the engine stops to run .
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Re: Motor stops running

#3

Post by kitabel »

Is the tank vented?
Next time this happens, unscrew the cap. If you get a "whoosh" sound, your vent is blocked. In some tanks this hole is very small and can be blocked by wax!
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Re: Motor stops running

#4

Post by steve_wood »

Check the fuel filter too.
1951 adam
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Re: Motor stops running

#5

Post by 1951 adam »

Remember the 3 things that make them run...fuel, spark, compression...if its a hard start, maybe you have a tight pushrod or the timing is out . Check for spark when it cuts out. Make sure your getting fuel to the carb at that point also.. and check for compression, sounds like somethings off...good luck, Adam
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Re: Motor stops running

#6

Post by BART »

It must start hard if it's worse than a XLCH! If you check all of the items mentioned above it should start on the first few kicks. The item that helped mine the most was the EBeyond 2000 electronic ignition, though I don't know if it works as well on the 6 volt systems as my 12 volt system based on what I've read in these threads.

BART
ladderguy
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Re: Motor stops running

#7

Post by ladderguy »

Thanks guys I'll check those things out. It has the original coil and the new gas caps I got are supposed to be vented??? Oh well... the life of a Harley owner can be a test of ones patience.
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Re: Motor stops running

#8

Post by 1951 adam »

Check if the caps are venting, but the hard start is NOT NORMAL, somethings off, Good luck, Adam
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Re: Motor stops running

#9

Post by 58flh »

LETS SEE, it starts hard!,runs for 10 miles & stalls!-----Wait & it fires back up!---I would def. check coil & venting of tanks!--But harder then a xlch,VAC.LEAK!---Bike should start on 1 or 2 kicks!---Everybody gave good info! & theres alot on the knowledgebase!---You could be dealing with more then 1 issue?--Check all the obvious first!!! & work back from there.--Richie 8)
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Re: Motor stops running

#10

Post by BlainesGarage »

Ladderguy,
The right cap is vented. The left is not, so fuel
doesnt leak out when you top off the right
tank when you fuel up. There are different
thickness rubber gaskets available so you can
get a good seal on the cap, particularly the
Left cap. Fill the left tank first, then the right.

A friend runs vented on both tanks because
he kept having the same issue as you are, but
you can only fill the right tank maybe 2/3rd's
full, or it will push out the left vented cap.

Blaine...
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Re: Motor stops running

#11

Post by Cotten »

Ladderguy!

Although the machine may have more than one issue....

What Richie meant by "VAC.LEAK!" is by far the most common, and occasionally the most destructive, when un-detected.

Please bubbletest your manifold assembly as discussed at http://virtualindian.org/11techleaktest.html

Do you have a support to the carb and/or aircleaner?

....Cotten
51Hog
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Re: Motor stops running

#12

Post by 51Hog »

On my 51, If I try to run the left cap non-vented and the right tank vented, since I have NO cross-over vent line at the top of the tank, I end up having to crack the cap on the left. Fuel stops flowing at 1/2 tank. I must run 2 vented caps. You will too if there is no vent cross over.
It sounds like you have 2 non-vented caps or the vents are plugged as mentioned by others. I put mine on the rear stand if I have too much fuel in the tanks. That way I can park it full and not loose 1/4 tank of the liquid gold. $4.40 per gallon here last week. Down to 4.16 this week.
BlainesGarage wrote:Ladderguy,
The right cap is vented. The left is not, so fuel
doesnt leak out when you top off the right
tank when you fuel up. There are different
thickness rubber gaskets available so you can
get a good seal on the cap, particularly the
Left cap. Fill the left tank first, then the right.

A friend runs vented on both tanks because
he kept having the same issue as you are, but
you can only fill the right tank maybe 2/3rd's
full, or it will push out the left vented cap.

Blaine...
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Re: Motor stops running

#13

Post by Huck »

Consistently quitting is good! As soon as it stops check for lack of fire or fuel. Don’t wait for it cool. Snapin poppin raisin hell quit or just quit?
Condencer?
ladderguy
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Re: Motor stops running

#14

Post by ladderguy »

Thanks again all, this sight was a great find and I'm glad to be a member. I plan on trying all the suggested tips this week and I'll let you know what goes. I will say that the bike hasen't ran in 20 + years untill last week. Just hearing it run and riding it was very cool... I can work on the rest. The caps do have vent holes but do fit tight, the carb is supported. I put new O ring gaskets on the intakes plus a new float in the carb and carb gasket. I'm thinking coil at this point. I checked the battery voltage @ 6.5 volts.
Last edited by ladderguy on Wed Jun 20, 2012 2:18 am, edited 1 time in total.
Cotten
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Re: Motor stops running

#15

Post by Cotten »

Ladderguy!

If you have O-ring adapter nipples in your '52 heads,
it is crucial that you bubbletest your assembly, paying special attention to the seam between nipples and the head castings, and the rivet (or lack of one).

Fresh gummyworms won't help a leak there.

Even if the nipples are welded in.

...Cotten
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