69 FLH more running issues

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panhead_kicker
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69 FLH more running issues

#1

Post by panhead_kicker »

When it rains it pours sometimes.
After lining out the ignition issue, I find I’m still battling a rough running machine. So now the fuel system has my attention. Low and intermediate needles readjusted to no effect. I’m following the service manual tests for this HD2D carb. First was to remove the high speed plug, and apply compressed air to clear any dirt from the fuel passages, then test ride but no effect. I did notice on the ride that on acceleration,a small amount of fuel was being sprayed out of the throat. ( running no filter at the time), and the bike has smelled gassy recently. 😁
Next was to put a bulb and gauge on the the fuel inlet to test needle and seat. This passed.
Time to uninstall. Next test, basically with a rubber tipped straw , you blow and suck to test the main nozzle ball check valve. This was a fail, as the check ball is stuck closed. Anyone familiar with this ? Part number 27658-66. While the book indicates replace a valve that doesn’t hold, this one doesn’t let go, so I’m hoping it’s just gummed up and not broken.
panheadrider1961
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Re: 69 FLH more running issues

#2

Post by panheadrider1961 »

Tillitson needle and seat ? You ever thought of a bendix non adjustable jet from a 70-75 repair parts easy to come by if needed been running one on my 76 shovel just replace pump boot every 2 yrs do to Obamaline corn squeezings and a cap full of Marvel oil in both tanks at fill up helps lube top end just a thought they say plastic cracks away on tillitson
Mongrel505558
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Re: 69 FLH more running issues

#3

Post by Mongrel505558 »

I built a good 38mm Bendix out of two donor carbs and a rebuild kit(with the good accelerator pump diaphragm) for my '68 Shovel and it runs great. You can use the internal throttle with it and the stock air cleaner for '69. You can also use an external "snap" throttle if you find a Bendix used on big twins or Sportsters from I believe 73 and after (whenever H-D did away with the internal throttle). These later ones have a stronger return spring.

Jim
panhead_kicker
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Re: 69 FLH more running issues

#4

Post by panhead_kicker »

panheadrider1961 wrote: Tue Aug 23, 2022 10:31 pm Tillitson needle and seat ? You ever thought of a bendix non adjustable jet from a 70-75 repair parts easy to come by if needed been running one on my 76 shovel just replace pump boot every 2 yrs do to Obamaline corn squeezings and a cap full of Marvel oil in both tanks at fill up helps lube top end just a thought they say plastic cracks away on tillitson
Over all, Ive been happy with the Tillotson. But they dont run forever without some attention . I'll blame it on the gas. Needle and seat were fine, but the main nozzle check ball was sticking. I think this is causing the latest issue. Bike feels and sounds like either a lean or overly rich condition... I cant tell between the two. Rough idle, sputtering at speed, poor acceleration, and a lot of it sporadic at that. Makes things really difficult to troubleshoot when the symptoms aren't consistent . Not had any plastic crack, yet!
panheadrider1961
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Re: 69 FLH more running issues

#5

Post by panheadrider1961 »

Don’t forget to double check sealing of manifold for leaks
panhead_kicker
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Re: 69 FLH more running issues

#6

Post by panhead_kicker »

I found a good use for that -59 part that doesnt appear in any book ive seen. Makes a good block plate to check manifold, with an air hose disconnect epoxied in.
IMG_6873.jpg
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panhead_kicker
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Re: 69 FLH more running issues

#7

Post by panhead_kicker »

*sigh*
208F5663-404A-437D-9C67-7F59AC09420E.jpeg
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RooDog
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Re: 69 FLH more running issues

#8

Post by RooDog »

Looks like you have the good pink accelerator pump. So, what's the problem?

I bought a cheap Bendix from eBay. I was fully surprised when started for me when I was simply kicking my 1950 Panny trying to find the compression stroke. I learned not to use priming kicks, nor any choke to get it to light. 2-3 twists of the throttle squirter, and a little crack of the throttle for fast idle, key on and kick for effect. 1 or 2 kicks generally were all it took to fire that old bike. I now am a believer in The Bendix.
PS: no adjustable main jet for me....
....RooDog....
panheadrider1961
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Re: 69 FLH more running issues

#9

Post by panheadrider1961 »

Looks like a nice carb. Agree with Roo pink pump kits hard to find sometime and they can run around 50 bucks , soak for a couple of days air out passages , Called fire starter but that was due to the builder aiming squirt nozzle at side of throat on choke lever side and out of time rolling already fireball from early timing ignition in cylinder , when I build one I aim at emuilsifer tube to split gas stream this will let gas atomize better and have proper timed engine and no spit no fire
panheadrider1961
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Re: 69 FLH more running issues

#10

Post by panheadrider1961 »

Also recommend a S&S , or Oem Harley intake for helping atomization chrome intakes are to slick inside.
Mongrel505558
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Re: 69 FLH more running issues

#11

Post by Mongrel505558 »

Running a 38mm Bendix on my '68 shovel. I put in an adjustable main jet because the motor is slightly stroked (4-1/2") and I didn't want to have to search for Bendix jets. I chose the Bendix because I wanted to retain the internal throttle and that carb is set up for it. I tried a Super E, but it was too much hassle to make the throttle work. Never got it quite right. Anyway, I'm very pleased with the way the bike runs with the Bendix. It's a simple carb, but you have to get the good leather diaphragm. The ones that come in the cheap kits are much too big, even with the spring removed. Tuning takes a few tries to dial it in because you set the low speed screw for highest rpm at idle first and then you ride the bike in low gear and high revs to tune out any stumble with the adjustable main jet. Then you go back and readjust the low speed screw again for highest idle. Did that process two or three times and now I'm satisfied that it's spot on for this bike.
RooDog
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Re: 69 FLH more running issues

#12

Post by RooDog »

A truly nice feature of The Bendix is the rubber seals on both ends of the throttle shaft.
panhead_kicker
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Re: 69 FLH more running issues

#13

Post by panhead_kicker »

RooDog wrote: Thu Sep 01, 2022 3:39 pm Looks like you have the good pink accelerator pump. So, what's the problem?
...
I'm just disgusted that I could not get either of two HD2D Tillotsons to run properly, after having rebuilt and run both carbs very successfully over the last 8-9 years.
We will see how the Zenith does. It's been on the wall for 25 years since it came off the panhead.
Fortunately, I've got everything OEM to rebuild and install, except for the proper air filter backing plate. This also is a non-adjustable main jet. Anything special I need to note with the brass float? Unfortunately, I do not think my service documentation goes that far, I need to check again.
RooDog
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Re: 69 FLH more running issues

#14

Post by RooDog »

This worked for me....
Float Setting Use .250 Inch.jpg
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Mongrel505558
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Re: 69 FLH more running issues

#15

Post by Mongrel505558 »

The first thing I did was take the float and let it sit for a while in a mason jar full of gasoline to make sure there were no pinhole leaks. Then set the level with a 1/4" drill as shown in Roo Dog's illustration. Some people say 5/16", but I split the difference at 1/4" and don't flood or run too rich. 3/16" is not enough. On reassembly it can be a little tricky making sure the float spring long tang goes where it's supposed to down against the edge of the bowl, but I was just coming off hand surgery and had to do this with one hand, so it took two or three tries. Otherwise not that difficult. Some people have reported that they leave the spring out entirely with no ill effects. I guess it's there to dampen the float valve motion.
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