Rebuilding old Harley

SP-Electronics

What do I need to know, and where do I begin on restoring an old Harley gas engine (old harley 3 wheeler)? It appears to be fully intact, just covered in dust and muck. I'm hoping that the AZ weather has been good to it, and that it's not seized, but I fully expect seals and hoses to be dried out.

I am picking the cart up this afternoon, and want to know where to begin in trying to get the engine running. I'm going to wash it down really good first off, and see what is there, and then try to make sure it isn't seized. Should I pull the plug and pour some diesel in to help loosen it up whether it is seized or not, and then flush it out and see if it'll turn?

Thanks for any input you can provide.

Here are a couple pics of the old cart so you know what I'm working with. Sorry I don't have any pics of the engine yet, but will when I get it home.

BGW

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azboo

Wow, that place looks like Bug heaven. Does he also sell VW parts ?

SP-Electronics

It's actually an "all makes" salvage yard. He had quite a few bugs out there. He said his dad loves them. In fact, he said he wouldn't sell me the black and white one that can be seen in the above picture. It is a 50's Oval window. I had a 1956 oval back when I was in my late teens, and I regret selling that car. I was hoping he'd part with it so I could rebuild it for nostalgic reasons. I'm sure he'll sell the parts and stuff off the others though.

Do you need something in particular? Let me know.

mtwalet

kind of funny thats how i started out.

SP-Electronics

mtwalet, would you mind if I pester you from time to time about my harley as I start working on it? I figure you know the ins and outs of them after your build, and things are fresh in your mind, so it might help me.

Here's a link to pictures of it now that I have it home - http://www.sonicperfection.com/Harley3Wheeler/

Let me know what you think, everybody. I will pressure wash it tonight or tomorrow probably. Anything I should be careful of before I wash it?

Thanks.

Goat53

The guy on ebay is still selling shop manuels on the harley's for
$40 I got mine last week , it's the one that gives timing and other actual rebuild details for all of them .

SP-Electronics

Thanks for the info Goat53. I see there are several on there available, so that's good.

mtwalet

not a problem. im here for ya if you need it. to pressure wash the cart is a good first step. i would watch out for the carb and the coil and the cover for the points just use cling wrap before you start and cover all the electirc boxs ect..

groundpounder

if you haven't checked mtwalet Harley out you should check it out. that thing looks awesome. yours looks in real good shape.

SP-Electronics

Yeah, mtwalets' build is the reason I actually decided to buy this one to be honest. Well, that and the price was definitely right.

It kind of felt like a "barn find" because it really is in pretty good shape, and almost complete. I just wish the struts for the top weren't cut and damaged. I might try to get them tig welded back together and fill any damaged areas, so it'll be that much more complete when it's finished.

I didn't get a chance to pressure wash it yet. I need to drag it into the backyard. I think I'll get it back there, cover the parts that need to be covered, and then blast it really good, and see what comes out of it.

Now, the million dollar question, should I flush out the tank and then go ahead and put some fuel in, change the oil, and put a good battery in and attempt to fire it up pretty much right off the bat, or should I do some other stuff before I try it? What's the proper gas/oil mix for these? Or does it have a separate tank for oil that I didn't notice? It doesn't need leaded gas does it?

Maybe I should order a manual before I start on it, but I'm kind of anxious to get at it.