Compression on a 1961 FLH

[Lloyd]

Hi guys, just did a test on my Pan, 50lbs front 40lbs rear. Does not seem like enough to me as my wife's servi-car has 50lbs front and rear. The question is: how much should a panhead have? Thanks, Lloyd

[bmh]

50 psi only works out to about 4.4:1. I'd be looking for something close to 100 psi on something in running shape. Was the test conducted with wide open throttle? How long since she's been run? Did you oil the cylinders before the test?

[colonel]

you got topend trouble,,

[T. Cotten]

Please be aware that some modern cams with extended overlap of duration will not display normal compression at kick speed.

A quick measurement of the lift at the tappet will tell if it is stock or a performance grind.

The greater concern is that the cylinders do not match.

...Cotten

[Jerry Wieland]

...and if it starts and runs good - leave it alone. Jerry

[Lloyd]

Did a second compression test this morning with throttle wide open and a little oil in the cylinders with the same results 50 & 40. Upon closer inspection I noticed that both pans are leaking so to go in there and fix that I might as well do the top end. Although the bike always ran okay, but have only had it a year. It was always hard to start and it fouled spark plugs from time to time. It didn't really smoke much but the plugs looked to be oil fouled. So I'm going into as soon as I get time - fix the leaks and ring it at least, maybe oversize the pistons. Won't know until we measure. I better get to the garage. Thanks for all your thoughts guys. Lloyd