Forum-thread pain points
Find your problem here
The three painpoints that drive most Harley vintage forum threads, mapped to the guide tab and engine family where each answer lives.
Ignition timing / "won't start"
Points gap, dwell, static + dynamic advance, and the harness feed that locks the timing curve in.
- Ironhead SportsterTolerancesContact-breaker gap 0.38-0.46 mm, twin-points dwell 60-70deg, spark plug gap 0.76-0.89 mm
- PanheadTolerancesAuto-Advance single-points 0.38-0.46 mm gap / 60-70deg dwell; static 28-32deg BTDC
- ShovelheadProcedures1966-73 points baseline; 1974+ electronic-ignition trigger-plate service
Cam cover torque / oil leak
Cam-chest cap-screw torque band, cross-pattern sequence, and the cast-iron vs aluminum head split.
- Ironhead SportsterTolerancesCam-chest cover to crankcase 9-11 N.m / 80-100 in-lb cross pattern; over 11 N.m cracks the cast-iron flange
- PanheadTolerancesCylinder head 7/16" studs, two-stage 34 N.m → 68-75 N.m, rocker studs 27-30 N.m
- ShovelheadProcedures1980+ aluminum-head service per H-D bulletin AS-13165; rocker studs drop to 18-22 N.m
Charging system / "no charge at the dash"
Lucas 6 V contact-regulator, mid-1965 12 V transition, and the 1978+ three-phase solid-state upgrade.
- Ironhead SportsterWiringLucas 6 V generator (Part 29951-65A) → contact-regulator (29971-65) → ammeter on-canvas diagram
- PanheadWiring6 V / 12 V transition per H-D bulletin AS-1005; charging voltage set at the ammeter (6 V: 7.0 V bulk, 12 V: 14.0 V bulk)
- ShovelheadWiringThree-phase alternator 1966-84 with solid-state regulator (1978+); ripple under 0.5 V