'79 Harley Davidson gas-won't go f/r engine runs fine

xdrummer61

I bought (private seller) a used '79 Harley Davidson(Columbia par car now) gas/3 wheel ~~ s/n 3B15715H9. The engine runs fine, however it doesn't move either forward or reverse. The shifter lever seems to shift ok also. I was told it was a timing/points adjustment problem (which I can do and I have the specs). I have never heard of timing/points affecting the movement of a vehicle. The engine itself seems to run fine and starts up quickly. Can anyone advise on this. The $$'s I paid was fine and will probably pay for a transmission if that is what it is. Thanks in advance.
Ray

BGW

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Sir Nuke

Ray, CONGRATS on the ride, and Welcome to our happy little corner of the net, and to BGW. There is a BIG fridge on the back porch with anything you can think of in it...help yourself...of course only take what you can LEGALLY have. Make yourself at home on one of the big fluffy couches, kick your shoes off, put your feet up on one of the tables, yes we are allowed to do that, mom's, wive's, husbands, girlfirends and boyfriends here don't care....and take it easy.



oh...btw....every once in a while a food fight breaks out...so you may not want to wear nice clothes here.

Welcome!!

ckiguy

ray..no transmission in these.. to get foward, the engine runs clockwise... to run in reverse, the engine runs counter clockwise. then a belt attaches to the differntial.....
see if you ca jack the rear wheels off the ground, and run at about 50 percent to full throttle. if it goes and runs, you will see the wheels moving, try both forward and reverse.
yes points can cause issues, usually its power related, or starting related....but is always good to check your points and timing...they do were down, and the wear pad on the points likes to wear wobber jobber, not wear 100 percent flat.

johnny reb

ckiguy is right if the motor runs and there eis a belt then it could be in the differential or a messed up key at one of the hubs. jack one wheel up and start the motor if the wheel or axle dosent turn then you may have to break the rear end down.

Rjonline

MAGIC? When we first got our 1982 HD three wheeler we had to have at least one rear wheel on a dolly in order to move it with the engine stopped. The diff appeared to be locked,( so if one wheel turns clockwise, the other turns counter).. And no, the brake on the diff was not engaged! However, shortly after getting the engine running again, with numerous tune up details.... The diff is no longer "locked up". ?... What's up? It works now..... But why?

johnny reb

it could be the belt was tight and you were having to turn the engine. who knows lol. i just put my engine back in now its coming back out and being disassembled for new crankshaft seals yea. good times

johnny reb

and for the original post i bought a cart a few weeks ago it wont move but the motor runs and the culprit the tiny drive belt that dosent belong on the cart