How I know if my Harley is running properly?

Iron92

So I have done a ton of research on these things and seeing what guys are doing to them. It seems hardly anyone is swapping motors t at least posting when they do. I have seen a few builds but they are losing reverse and I want to keep reverse for the wife and kids. So this leaves me to believe most are happy with this two stroke motor. Mine is a 1976 and I guess I just don’t think it runs to its potential. If I “floor” it, it will begin to cut in and out and popping. It has a fresh tune up including points and such. Anyway is there a flow chart I can follow to make sure everything is in proper working order? I typically have a 1/2” difference in the pedal betweeen just going and floored. Thanks for any help.

BGW

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Lochlin

Your cart is certainly not operating up to its potential. Ungoverned, these things should be hitting 20-22 mph.

Cutting in and out, popping and such, is normally indicative of a timing issue....your cart isn't getting it's spark at just the right time. Getting these carts timed right can be a bear. I hate timing and converted my carts to electronic ignitions. Do some forum searches as there is a lot of good info on how the get it right.

1/2 inch between just going and floored is carb issue. Clean that sucker real good or even replace it. You can get a Chinese carb for that for about $20. They are crap quality but for the price it might be better than tearing the original one all apart.

tew45

There are many good posts on this forum on timing the cart. Make yourself a timing stop as described on the forum and timing will be easier and more precise especially when a meter or light is used to set the exact point opening.

Iron92

Well I finally went out and she failed on me. It would barely move. Time to start checking everything over. I ordered a new Chinese carb. It comes in today. I think I am going to look into that electronic ignition that you speak of. Seriously 22mph? That would be great!!

tew45

check your compression before anything else. Anyway its a good start!

Iron92

Yes I am going to go rent a compression tester tomorrow. I put the new carb on this evening and it seems to be getting plenty of fuel compared to the old carb. It would take off immediately and no choke needed. I am definitely excited to figure this thing out and to try to reach the performance of this motor. I am going to find the thread for the piston stopper so I can see how to make one and get materials tomorrow!

Iron92

Okay so here is my findings. I rented a compression tester. I simply did a test going foreword and reverse. The initial readings was 87 foreword and 92 backwards with noticeable decrease in pressure when I stopped my tests foreword and reverse. I then was looking at the jug head and tried tightening the four bolts on top. I was able to get 1/4 to 1/2 turn on them. I then re did the test. I am not getting 100/100 but still with the noticeable decrease in pressure once i let off the peddle. I then tried the muffler test and took it off. It didnt do anything besides make the cart loud, however I can hear a ton of junk in that thing when I carry it.
Questions as follows my tests

1. Is there a way to get crap out of muffler?
2. What is compression suppose to be? I have seen 90-120 on this site for these things.
3. I set my L needle on carburetor to 3/4 out like book suggests but can not find information on the H needle on my Tittelson Carb. I have looked at the manual and they do not even refer to it. When I received the carb the H was in almost all the way and the L on 3/4. This is where I am currently running as the performance was the same as before.

I did notice a slight gain in power/performance with me tightening the head bolts up. It was running 5 mph or so and now I was hitting 8 mph. So I think i am on the right track with motor. I believe timing to be next. I pulled the exhaust off as I seen smoke coming from the muffler and I thought maybe it was overheating. I did not do a lot of testing without muffler as it was far too loud but the side of the can does smoke when done running.

Thanks for any help. I miss my cart running!

tew45

The compression is good. Sometimes before new ring break-in the compression will be more on the exhaust stroke because it turns a little faster in reverse. If the timing is correct I would look at the drive system (belt, clutches, etc.) If it runs the same if forward as reverse the drive system is probably at fault.

AKAMick

"1. Is there a way to get crap out of muffler?" most likely not crap but loose baffles, they are spot welded together and the spot welds fail and it all comes loose, I repaired the one on my cart by zip cutting a window in the shell and placing the baffles back in place then wire feed welding them in back in place, then welding the window back in the shell of the muffler, all done with a cheap HF flux welder which was less than a new muffler,

Iron92

Okay I am going to get with a guy to help me with the timing this evening or tomorrow. I definitely have more power in reverse. I guess I am going figure out timing as I do not believe it is spinning the rpm it should as I hear these should be around 6k. I will research the tests for the drive system next then.