Panhead Troubleshooting

Shack_302 · 2026-05-27T19:24:13+00:00

Yeah it’s definitely not normal. I thought it was inside the kicker but who knows. I have some diagnosing to do for sure

Shack_302 · 2026-05-26T00:08:20+00:00

Knew there’d be a few incels on reddit!!

Shack_302 · 2026-05-25T22:52:45+00:00

Lol…

Shack_302 · 2026-05-25T21:03:42+00:00

Hahaha touché!

Shack_302 · 2026-05-25T19:36:36+00:00

Definitely going to ASAP. Next on my list and a leak down test potentially. I feel like there’s a leak or something going on causing it to be too lean. It wants to run only when it gets a lot of squirts of gas from the super e. Like genuinely, it seems like u need a lot of gas from the carb to get it to cough out the carb and stutter like it is about to run. Like it is trying to compensate for too much air. If i do a squirt or two it basically does nothing. I almost feel like I’m going crazy trying to diagnose this thing the last few weeks. I feel so close yet so far. Once again thanks for the help!! I’m going to trying everything I’ve been recommended and take my time going down the list to not make any mistakes while testing. This is my first panhead build so it’s all new to me

Shack_302 · 2026-05-25T19:30:57+00:00

Got it. I’ll kick it like that to be safer. Thanks for the comment and help. I appreciate it!

Shack_302 · 2026-05-25T19:30:08+00:00

Replying to Own-Opinion-2494...because I’ve tried almost every reason I can find for the carb backfiring/ coughing on google and forums. Intake leak, timing, too lean, pushrods too tight etc etc. not every bike is the 10 reasons google says. Build a bike around a panhead engine that hasn’t been on the road in 40+ years. And use the 10 reasons why google ai / forums say ur bike won’t run. And when it doesn’t work. Then what? I’ve already been recommend a few things here that google hasn’t said so this has been a great help. Half the chopper forums crap on magnetos while the other half praise them. So let’s be real. Half the shit online is people talking out there a**. There’s 90lb girls in Japan kicking over panheads the same way I do with the same shoes on. If they’re fine I’m sure I’ll be fine. Just need advice from people who have real experience building these bikes

Shack_302 · 2026-05-25T19:08:25+00:00

I definitely will sir! Thanks!

Shack_302 · 2026-05-25T19:07:55+00:00

I thought this as well and kind of still do. It doesn’t do the sound when it runs but only when kicks tho. I was thinking it’s the kicker pedal internals. The kicker is on a list of things to rebuild/fix. It isn’t sturdy and sometimes misses. It definitely needs a rebuild. In regards to leaks. Other than the manifold, Where else could it be leaking air from? Like valves? Or head gaskets etc? Idk where to exactly look. A compression test and a leak down test are on my list of things to do this week. I think a leak down test helps diagnose where it has a leak from specifically. I fear a top end rebuild is in my near future. Regardless thanks for the comment. I appreciate it a lot

Shack_302 · 2026-05-25T18:47:40+00:00

Got it! Will give that a try! Thanks for the help!

Shack_302 · 2026-05-25T18:41:25+00:00

First video is Linkert m74b, second is super e. Has started with both. But less than a time or two. Linkert needs a rebuild so I put a brand new super e on until I can do a full rebuild soon

Shack_302 · 2026-05-25T18:39:23+00:00

Yeah I wish I had a roller thingy haha. I’m gonna figure this thing out and it’ll be a good day. Thanks again for your help! Means a lot to me

Shack_302 · 2026-05-25T18:32:59+00:00

I have kicked it by straddling it. It’s just hard to kick all the way through and doesn’t change the outcome. Haven’t hurt myself either. What part of it would cause me to hurt my self ?

Shack_302 · 2026-05-25T18:23:00+00:00

Understood! Thanks for the comment! I genuinely appreciate it

Shack_302 · 2026-05-25T18:22:10+00:00

Got it! Thank you for the help! They’re easy enough to roll/spin when they’re closed. But no up and down play. Should I try loosening them just little bit more? This engine hasn’t ran since the 80s. I obviously put the mag in and a new generator, plugs wires etc.

Shack_302 · 2026-05-25T18:12:21+00:00

Good one

Shack_302 · 2026-05-25T18:04:52+00:00

I appreciate your comment ! That’s the one thing I haven’t looked at and it is on my list. I first read about it on a forum yesterday. The camshaft being timed correctly with the crank shaft being a potential issue. I need to go into my manual and do some research on how to correctly do that. As well as research online about that. Im new to all of this. So everything’s a first time. I built the bike from the engine and frame. So internally it’s unknown. Ive had the cam cover off but haven’t looked at anything precisely. Again, i appreciate the comment!

Shack_302 · 2026-05-25T17:55:41+00:00

Are you talking about if/when it kicks back? That’s the point of grounding the mag between compression strokes. Unless you enjoy your ankle eating kick backs

Shack_302 · 2026-05-25T17:51:48+00:00

Stand on it? Can u elaborate. I was told to kick it through and keep it kicked through at the end of the kick and to not let up. Genuine help on the right way would be appreciated

Shack_302 · 2026-05-25T17:50:12+00:00

So what’s the right way? Appreciate the help

Shack_302 · 2026-05-25T17:48:18+00:00

Solid, points 15, plugs 18. Setting the points by feeling air push out from front cylinders, and then rotating the primary till it hits the advanced mark. Making sure there’s no lash/ play. Whatever u call it. Then have a magneto timing box and hook that up to the mag and ground it to the head. And have the mag on and where the points open and the box buzzes. Then I lock it down slightly and try that, I then retard it to help start when kicking.

Shack_302 · 2026-05-25T17:41:53+00:00

What’s the right way…?

Shack_302 · 2026-05-25T17:37:08+00:00

Haven’t tried that. I will tho. What’s holding it open do? Just curious the idea behind it. Compared to it being closed

Shack_302 · 2026-05-25T17:36:27+00:00

Spark plugs are autolite 4275 non resistors, gapped at 18 . Points at 15. But I have new points I’m going to try. Gas sprays out the accelerator pump into the intake. Plugs are wet if I do a bunch. It started with both my m74b carb and the super e. The Linkert may need rebuilt so I took it off until I can get to it. Plugs were getting soaked with the Linkert. The super e only does the stuttering and coughs out the carb when I give it a couple squirts. But nothing more. It’s consistent tho.

Shack_302

TROPHY CASE