1964 FLH Spark Plugs Fouling

[dukekleman]

Lacovos,

1) What is the setting on your high speed needle?

2) What size is your main jet?

3) Have you verified spark advance degrees?

4) Is your float arm and float set correctly and sealing properly?

Duke Kleman

[Iacovos]

Lacovos,

1) What is the setting on your high speed needle?

2) What size is your main jet?

3) Have you verified spark advance degrees?

4) Is your float arm and float set correctly and sealing properly?

Duke Kleman

Hello Duke

Thanks!

OK I believe have narrowed down the culprit

The high speed needle was 3.5 turns out.

Low speed 1.5-2

Have put the high speed at 3/4 out as per Cotten's suggestion.

Rode the bike and Sparks Plugs cleared!!

So looks good so far

Have not had the chance to ride it any further

[dukekleman]

Lacovos,

I'm glad your were able to work through things and get some positive results.

Safe riding,
Duke Kleman

[Iacovos]

Thanks a lot Duke

[T. Cotten]

Let us remember, Folks,

There is no "correct" number of turns on needles, because adjustability makes any spec moot.

And six decades of duty or abuse (plus aftermarket insults) can result in a great variance,

NEDLVARY.jpg NEDLWEAR.jpg

Particularly after dressed clean:

NEDLREPR.jpg

And beware of obvious re-dressed needles sold as new...

ITWPOINT.jpg

So the proper setting is that where it performs best, after both circuits have been trialed alternately, ... and as needed, especially when changing fuels, altitude, seasons, etc.

...Cotten

[Iacovos]

Let us remember, Folks,

There is no "correct" number of turns on needles, because adjustability makes any spec moot.

And six decades of duty or abuse (plus aftermarket insults) can result in a great variance,

NEDLVARY.jpg NEDLWEAR.jpg

Particularly after dressed clean:

NEDLREPR.jpg

And beware of obvious re-dressed needles sold as new...

ITWPOINT.jpg

So the proper setting is that where it performs best, after both circuits have been trialed alternately, ... and as needed, especially when changing fuels, altitude, seasons, etc.

...Cotten

VERY WELL SAID SIR

Thank you for getting into these details with close up pictures

They do help a lot

Jack

[T. Cotten]

The second pic in my last post, Folks,..

Shows wear upon the needle from the spring collar, with probable wear upon the collar bore as well. Air is metered through this gap similar to a jet, so replacement is prudent when the needle is scarred or the bore is egged.

Note that the fresh collar should be able to shift smoothly as the lift lever is actuated, or there will be wear. Inspect the deck it rides upon for wear (before and after):

DISHCUT.jpg

Dressing the point as shown before-and-after in the third pic can be easily achieved by spinning in a drill press or lathe, and applying a stone:

NEEDLSTONE.JPG

A HS needle is shown; A red India stone is best for brass idle needles.

I arbitrarily dressed all points as a matter of inspection.

....Cotten