Hard kicking 55 Pan FLF

[billpedalino]

It's been a LONG time since 1972, but if memory serves, that springer looks like one of the early D&D units without the twisted front legs. However, AEE also made them in the late 60's/early 70's. But I think it's D&D.
As for the lifter blocks, as far as I know S&S still offers high quality parts and you've chosen the correct ones for hydraulic lifters. Personally, I have a problem with the appearance though. If you aren't the slave to originality that I am, they should work out just fine.

[tlacoss]

Hi Bill
Thanks for the info and the input.
I have installed the tappet blocks and new hydraulic tappets and push rods.
For the first time since this ordeal began I can actually smoothly move kicker with an even stroke from the 9 o'clock position to the floor.
I can now feel the crank and pistons spinning.
It starts cold one or two kicks cold every time. Once past operating temp it's damn near impossible to start.
So I still have issues to work out, but making progress.
As to the original problem. Who knows. Was the tapped block broken earlier and binding and I missed it? Were the solid pushrods wrong length? When I first took the out the longer (front exhaust)
it was in rear intake position.
I found many errors in the build and just didn't read all the red flags properly. Brother stated he had motor professionally rebuilt before he stored it but also said motor had never been started. Who builds a motor and then doesn't start it?
Not the first time someone has told me a build story but then the evidence falls out on the floor.
Shoulda, woulda, coulda.
Lesson here is disregard stories and start from scratch. If someone drops a " professionally built " bike at my house for help and I refuse to see the evidence that's on me. If they want to argue the point then why in hell are they in my driveway looking for help in the first place.
I am not a pro anything. Retired and have time to play with stuff and have a knack with older machines. If it has a carb, point, plugs or magneto and kick starter I can usually figure it out. Time and manuals and this forum

Thank you and take care
Todd.