Messages

Jerome,
Have you checked for correct ignition timing ?
How much compression are you seeing on a compression gauge ?
Fresh gasoline ?
Spark plug getting wet to ensure it's getting fuel ?
Checked exhaust pipe to be sure it's clear and of any restrictions like mud dobber and mice nests ?
Air filter not restricted ?
Bottom end of crankcase not flooded with fuel ?
Have you tried to get it to pop with starting fluid sprayed into spark plug hole ?
You might try installing a new non resistor spark plug cap to see if that helps.

Those are a few items I can think of right off the top of my head.

Dave McC

Jerome,
Welcome to the group ! If you use the search function on this site and enter the word "timing" you'll find there are quite a few threads which discuss how to set the timing on the Motoplat ignition. Good luck !
Dave McC

Lew,
Good idea ! Yes, the foam filters degrade pretty quickly once they are oiled and I have had the same issue with my bikes not getting used regularly. I forgot to mention that the paper filter uses an aluminum holder as part of the installation too so you'll have to have that part as well to make it work. Sure wish I could post a picture of the aluminum holder but once again the file picture I have is too large to attach in this forum. You can probably see what it looks like one in an early parts manual. If you find a suitable paper filter to use please post the maker and part number. Thanks !
Dave McC

Hi Lew,
I went out and measured an original paper air filter that came out of a 73 100 Berkshire. Im thinking it should be the same as what would fit a 74 Jackpiner. The filter measures 7 5/8" on the OD along the long axis and 5 5/8" on the ID along the long axis. It measured 5 5/8" on the OD along the narrow axis and 3 3/8" on the ID of the narrow axis. The rubber flange is 1" wide. The filter is 2" in thickness. There was no part number visible on the filter. I tried to attach pictures of the measurements but the files were too large. I'd be glad to email the pictures to you directly if you drop me a note using my screen name here and adding @cox.net . Hope this helps !
Dave McCullough

John,
Are you running a 6v or 12v lighting coil ? Either way, I believe the bulb number that fits the Preston Petty headlight mask is a #4411. The incandescent 12v #4411 type bulbs are usually available at a good auto parts store or at Tractor Supply because that number is considered a tractor bulb. If you want a #4411 halogen or LED then you might have to search online or Amazon. Also, Preston Petty Products sells the 12v halogen bulbs to fit your headlight mask on their website. Hope this helps. Good luck !
Dave McCullough

Yes, group member Gary Ellis offers shock rebuilds. Give him a call. He does a real nice job on them.
Dave McCullough

Hi all,
I'm sad to see that Larry is selling his beautiful Steeltank bike. I know it was a labor of love for him to restore this bike and no expense was spared. After the restore was completed it was displayed in the office of his business in Tulsa along with a couple other Penton bikes he restored. The person lucky enough to buy it won't be disappointed.
Dave McCullough

Admangia,
I usually use a seal driver and install the new seals into the lower fork legs one at a time until they are both seated. Once the seals are in place secure them with the circlip. Apply a small bit of grease on the seals to prevent damage when sliding the lower leg back onto the fork tube. Secure everything by reinstalling the bolt through the lower leg and into the meter rod. Tighten the lower bolt and don't forget to put the the copper seal ring onto the bolt before installing it. You can use this method with the fork tubes either in or out of the triple clamps. If assembling the fork with the tube in the triple clamp then you'll have to slip the new dust wiper onto the fork tube and slide it up against the lower triple tree before the lower leg goes back onto the tube. It's usually easiest to reassemble the fork with the spring in the tube and the top fork cap temporarily installed a few turns so that the spring will hold pressure on the metering rod to keep it in place until the lower bolt is installed and tightened. The 32mm Ceriani forks take 135cc of oil in each leg. I typically use Type F automatic transmission fluid in the forks of all my bikes. Hope this helps. Good luck with your project.
Dave McCullough

Harro,
It's possible that you may have some seeping through the case gasket at the split line as I've seen this happen before and so it's worth changing it as you did. Replacing the o-ring at the shift/kicker shaft is another good thing too. I always give the kickstart lever hub a slight tap with a hammer and brass drift after installed and tight to compress that o-ring between the shafts. Did you replace the oil seal in the clutch cover at the shift/kicker shaft while it was apart ? That oil seal can become hard and won't seal good sometimes. One last thing is to be sure you have a good copper sealing washer on the one clutch cover screw that requires this washer. It's the screw on the bottom of the clutch cover just slightly forward of the shift/kicker shaft. I've seen seepage past a good copper washer before and so have gotten in the habit of installing an o-ring on that clutch cover screw and then letting the copper washer compress the o-ring when the screw is tightened. Hope this helps. Good luck !
Dave McCullough

Dennis,
You can try Walridge Motors up in Canada for new chrome rims. I've bought and used some from them on a few restorations that look very close to the original Radelli rims which came new on your 72 SixDay. Good luck !
Dave McC

Jerry,
Take a look at flexible rubber couplers for PVC pipe. Maybe you can find one in the size needed to fit the carb and airbox. Good luck !
Dave McC

https://www.fernco.com/products/flexible-couplings/stock-couplings

Hi, Just a guess but that bike may have had a crossbar speedometer mount on at some point like the one pictured.
Dave McC

Hi all,
Just wanted to bump this ad to the top of the page since I'll have this bike for sale again at VMD in a few weeks. It'll be in swapmeet spaces 50 and 59 which is across from the Penton Owners Group area. I'd be glad to answer any questions you have in advance of VMD so just email me using my screen name here and add at cox dot net to the end. Bike will come with a bill of sale. Need to thin my herd so my asking price is now $4995. Thanks for looking !

*** Just wanted to add that this bike has been sold and is no longer available. ***

Hi Rob,
Both bikes look to be nice projects for someone. The 606xxxxx serial number would make that bike a 76 Cross Country. The illustrated parts book shows the leading axle Marzocchi forks would also be the correct ones that came on that bike. The 76 Cross Country would have originally come with an orange tank and side number plates. By the looks of the exhaust pipe, I'm betting you'll find the engine serial number starts with 52 and is a 175. Look forward to seeing you at VMD.
Dave McC

Where is this located ?