Snag List - Adjusting the Gear Shift

Hi

On the cards for today is to adjust the gear shift linkage properly.

Last week and Saturday I wanted to take the bike for a spin around the block. After I started the engine, and while the bike was up on the rear stand, I engaged 1st gear and released the foot clutch. Everything was going fine at this point.

I then disengaged the clutch and - after a couple of attempts - got 2nd gear selected. Again, everything was hunky dory.

I then tried to engage 3rd gear, but just couldn't find the gear.

The issue is that the gear shift linkage has to be adjusted properly. I just didn't have the time to resolve this issue last week. But I want to do that today.

And hopefully I will be able to drive the bike around the block for the first time.

Snag List - Resolving the Carburettor Flooding

Morning

Last Saturday I resolved the issue that I had with the constant flooding of the carburettor - on a number of occasions the petrol started to run out of the carburettor when I opened the fuel shut-off valve.

Initially I thought that it was a problem with the needle and seat and I replaced the needle. When I tested the fitment of the needle (after replacing the needle), by sucking on the seat to see if the needle closes properly, it worked. But the problem reoccurred.

So...   I took off the carburettor and disassembled the carburettor bowl and took out the needle and seat. I then took an ear bud and installed the ear bud in my drill. Next, I put some metal polish on the ear bud and I ran the ear bud up and down the inside of the seat, until the seat was shiny. I also polished the needle in a similar fashion. I then used carburettor cleaner to clean the muck off the parts. This meant that the needle should not stick in the seat. I tested the needle and seat again and the needle did seal properly.

Snag List - Resolving the Wiring Short

Hi There!

I have been fairly busy and have not had time to provide some feedback on the restoration of the SAUDF 1941 Harley-Davidson WL.

I have encountered a couple of issues that I am trying to resolve, namely:

1. There was a short in the wiring and fuses kept popping when I switched the lights on;
2. The carburettor has been flooding;
3. The horn button has a short in it;
4. The brake light does not come on;
5. The front headlight does not come on either.

The Wiring Short Issue

There is (was) an issue with the wiring.  I used a 1946 wiring diagram for a 5 point switch (because my Harley has a 5 point switch) to wire the Harley.

Killarney Motor Show

Morning, morning

Yesterday I have exhibited my vintage Harley at the Killarney Motor Show.  There must have been in the region of 6,000 cars, motorcycles, tractors, military vehicles, etc. on display at the show.

I was supposed to display the Harley with the Cape Vintage Motorcycle Club in the pit area of the race track, but was waylaid at the entrance gate (I got there at about 7:00) and was told to rather display the Harley with the Military Vehicles.

Here is a photo of the display.

The exhibit actually drew a lot of attention during the day.  And I got roasted in the sun - I did not plan to spend most of the day in the sun, as the CVMC display was under cover. 

During the course of the day a couple of people wanted their photos taken on the Harley.  I have included a couple of photos of particular interest to me in this post:

• The one is a photo of someone wearing a SAUDF uniform as worn in South Africa during training and then in combat in Europe (South African soldiers were also involved in the Italy Campaign in 1944 and 1945);
• The other photo is of my soon-to-be Daughter-in-Law (they are getting married in January 2017). 

Note: The SAUDF uniform in North Africa was a desert Khaki colour and of a lighter material .