So, I’ve been messing around with this old 1977 Harley. Let me tell you, it’s been a journey!
First, I got my hands on this thing. It was pretty rough, sitting in a friend’s barn for who knows how long. Dust everywhere, some rust, you get the picture.
Getting Started
- I rolled it out of the barn, which, with flat tires, was harder than it sounds.
- Then I gave it a good once-over, just to see what I was dealing with.
Next up, I started cleaning. Oh boy, the cleaning! I scrubbed and wiped for what felt like forever. I used some basic degreaser and a whole lot of elbow grease.
The Deep Dive
Once it was somewhat presentable, I began taking things apart.
I removed the seat, then I took off the tank to check inside.
- I found more rust, no surprise there.
- I decided I needed to get the engine running before I worried about anything else.
I checked the spark plugs, they were shot. So, I replaced those.
I drained the old oil, it was pretty nasty. I put in fresh oil, hoping for the best.
Fingers Crossed
Then came the moment of truth. I hooked up a battery, turned the key, and hit the starter. It coughed a bit, sputtered, and then…nothing.
I tried again, and again. Still nothing. So, I started troubleshooting.
I checked the fuel lines, made sure the carburetor was getting gas, and all that fun stuff.
Finally, after a lot of fiddling, I figured out the carburetor was completely gummed up.
I took it apart, cleaned all the jets and passages, and put it back together.
Success (Sort Of)
I hit the starter again, and this time, it roared to life! It was rough, but it ran!
I let it idle for a while, adjusted the carburetor a bit, and it started smoothing out.
It’s still a long way from being road-ready, but getting that engine running was a huge win.
I still gotta fix the brakes, replace the tires, and deal with all the cosmetic stuff. But hey, it’s a start!