92 Harley Davidson Sportster

American Pride

Origins

After picking up the XS650, I came across this sportster that seemed to be mostly complete at a great price. Have not decided what direction I want to go with it. I have toyed around with a Led Sled Customs frame for this 1200 motor, or simply replace the harness, new tires, a seat, and let her fly for the season.

First Steps

First on the to-do list is to see if it runs. When putting it in gear and attempting to move the tire, nothing. My thoughts are that I have purchased a seized motor.

Pulled the primary plug and found some small slivers of metal on the magnet and the oil was very milky leading me to think that maybe the primary just has some rust and that the motor is indeed fine since the motor oil from the oil filter show no signs of abuse, moisture, or glitter. did look like it was over due for an oil change but no major problems.

When I pulled the primary, everything was actually very clean with no rust and nothing appears to be broke. The man I bought it from did say he was having starter issues and I am assuming that, that is where the small metal shards have come from.

Primary is good, but why is the motor not turning over. noticed that the spark plugs where not tightened down, so I am assuming some moisture has gotten in the cylinders. So, squirting some oil in the cylinders, letting it sit a minute and was able to free the pistons from the cylinder with 0 grinding, binding, and smooth mechanical operation so far.