IRONHEAD is as snotty as The Dead Boys with looks that could kill even Motl… Read Full Bio ↴IRONHEAD is as snotty as The Dead Boys with looks that could kill even Motley Crue, while still being as hard and heavy as a punch in the face by Motorhead's "Iron Fist". This ROCK N ROLL band is bridging the gap between punk, glam, metal and even goth. If you can't find what you are looking for here...you just ain't cool!

IRONHEAD's new album "SEX BLOOD ROCK DEATH" coming soon in 2007!!!

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It Doesn't Matter...To Me
Ironhead Lyrics

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Most interesting comments from YouTube:

Mickey Duke

4y↑4

THIS is yet another GREAT.. PERFECT..
Instructional, "How To video". Put there out by,
LOWBROW CUSTOMS!

I do NOT know EVERYTHING, but..
THIS is a GREAT way for ANYONE and EVERYONE to learn the things they are looking to do
IN THEIR OWN GARAGE or SHOP
by THEIR OWN hand...
-BUILD AMERICAN Motorcycles
GREAT AGAIN! 👍

That includes MYSELF...
and all YOU "know it all's" out there!
There's GREAT PEOPLE over at
Lowbrow Customs..
This MAN.. his KNOWLEDGE and the way he DELIVERS it..
Speaks TRUTHFUL Confirmation to MY POINT!

I am so excited to CONTINUE
building MY BIKES with
Parts, Support and Confidence thru Lowbrow Customs and other
Great American Made part shops
heading into THE ROARING 20's!
Gain YOURSELF 2020 Vision and
Join ME out there!

Throw up a 🖕 when you see ME and all the OTHERS on
AMERICAN BUILT MOTORCYCLES
out on the road!
LET'S GO!
Peace & Love.. Ride Smart!
- Duke Mickey

Abstract Approach

@Paul Bahre AKA Crash the puke tube is in the cam case, he's talking about crankcase pressure. In older ironheads crankcase pressures is relieved (into the cam case) by a timed opening in a gear.

I guess the argument is that at high enough rpm's the crankcase can pressurized during and upstrokes (which is abnormal and doesn't occur at lower rpms, I guess a similar phenomenon to valve float, pressures can't equalize fast enough just as floating valves can't recoil fast enough)
If this is true, this pressure is stuck and will at best rob power and at worst crack cases.
Interesting, I do hope ours is OG (I enjoy having only 3 fluids [gas, 50 weight oil, and grease]
But, if you ride like a normal rider you don't go near redline and it doesn't matter.
(IF your wondering the air is supposedly pushed through the fill hole on primary cover that's why the gasket is so big )

I forget if my 69's primary was welded shut or not. It'll be a while before we're playing near redline anyways (5500 rpm if your wondering, you can go over in short bursts but around 7200 is when valves start floating)

EDIT for clarity.
Crack cases is in middle, cam case (or, officially timing cass) is on right and is where pressure is supposed to go and to which the oil pump is mounted (then it goes to oil slinger with the breather tube). Your primary case shouldn't normally exchange fluid with the others, but does lubricate transmission. however, if your check valve fails and your not welded up like you are, it is quite common to dump engine oil into the primary in an extreme wet sump condition (even happened on the factory floor, these bikes are meant to run often, I put a ball valve in my feed line for letting her sit overnight)

All comments from YouTube:

Klayton Von Kluge

51w↑2

This is a true blessing, to have references like this at hand, thank you Frank, Low Brow, and everyone else involved

Karl Sarpolis

1y↑3

Thanks for a very informative video. Restoring my '67 XLCH magneto Sportster which been apart since 2001. This will help me checking the motor and having everything in tune. Been using the HD factory service and parts manuals to rebuild the frame rear fork and front form so far. Great in depth coverage and tips here.

Billy S. Worthy

48w

This has to be one of the best if not the best video on the Ironhead made. Thanks for sharing all this information, really clarifying the whole mystery of the Ironhead.

MO2VAedu

4y↑7

Thank you very much for taking the time to put out all of this information. Very helpful advice given in a common sense manner. Super cool of you guys to do this!

Patrick Kem

2y↑7

Frank,
You are a walking encyclopedia. Thank you for sharing that knowledge

RevAldea

4y↑8

Sir, you have stated the finest spoken words about the three major points or needs of any internal combustion engine that any mechanic must know as their process guide for any repair that may come at them with respect to any internal combustion engine and yet you pointed to the exact point for the HD Sportster motorcycle. I salute you, for such a good job that was done very well and truly correct!

William Sedlak

50w

Pppppp

William Sedlak

50w

jason martin

Thank you for posting these videos, they are very helpful. I would pay $500 to have a series on rebuilding an ironhead motor.

Connor Fairchild

3y↑1

Most informative video I have ever watched on YouTube. Needed help with my oil line routing on my 83 iron head, got my answer here. Great work.

MeanSteve

4y↑4

great video. Nice clear easy narrated pace. Glad it was a custom so as to deal with the odd nonstock features we all have. Would really dig an evo tune up . mid 90s sportser next time around. cheers

Petr Valder

Good job brother

mcyclecollector steve

4y↑10

I own 2 Ironheads a1973 and a1985 this video was a great help. Thanks I have also got the hard tail from you guys to customize my 1973 Ironhead. Cheers from Ireland.

manas padhi

👌

Abstract Approach

Keep that 73, great year. After spedo was moved to tire and case beefed up and before epa shoved vent tubes into carburetors.

Iknow WhatUdid

45w

I can relate to the I hope I learned something while in rem state only I happened to catch it part way through so I tried to watch it again and fell asleep but on the streight up side things I have much respect for the efforts that it took to make the videos for all of us to hopefully learn something and I am greatful and I thank you Lowbrow customs.

Brandon Jones

2y↑3

I just bought a 1976 sportster! It’s nice !!!Great 👍 video!

Erik Rapoport

4y↑11

While I don't think that I learned anything new in this video, seeing someone else do it helps me figure new ways to do it also. Thanks so much

Gary Dion

i think he got the test light wrong he said hook to the positive battery post maybe he meant ground post

Veritas et Aequitas

If you want to learn more and really get into it, watch all of Keenan Tatro's videos at Tatro Machine.

Aron Bechiom

3y↑3

Damn.... by far the most interesting and informative Sprtster maintenance video, I've seen. Best friend has an 80's 1000. I just got an 07 1200 (FI Evo)... as far as the ATF ( for older bikes) will it do the same in these newer ones? Is it acceptable/common for people to do? Thanks for taking the time, and posting this vid.

googie

3y↑1

Wow this is such great help for us non-mechanics. This is really great!

googie

@Jayden Saum yes

1 More Replies...

Casey Hardison

3y↑7

WOW! I purchased a 76 XLH in 2012, all original from 1st owner. Sold it to a man in 2018 after I couldn't find anyone to work on it. His wife has offered it back to me after his unexpected death and because of this video I'll be able to finally get this back on the road; satisfying 3 souls in the process. Thank you so much for this opportunity!

L - Train

51w↑1

Ride safe brother ❤

William Sedlak

50w

Ppppppp

William Sedlak

50w

Pppppp

William Sedlak

50w

¹p ppppp

Steve Blottenberger

3y↑10

A very smart mechanic you're very patient and very thorough and I can understand you and you're not in a big hurry keep up the good work

Lonnie Mixon

3y↑4

Watching this was worth every second. Great tips! Thank you, Frank!!!

Dncqq

Mate i realy realy appreciate this video and your knowledge ALOT! I've just bought a 74 sportster ironhead and started to adjust and change stuff to my visual needs (nice clean and secure)!
I love these bikes so much!

Greetings from Germany

Abstract Approach

Nice score, before the epa stuck there vent tubes in our intakes and after the spedo was moved and the case beefed up. Great year, wouldn't trade my 69' (real xlch, no rectangle on primary) but your's is a close second choice

Eric Weber

4y↑11

This is a fantastic video, keep them coming! Please do one for Evo Sportsters (1986-2003) next!

Mikey Smith

Veritas et Aequitas

Don't need to.

1 More Replies...

Benito Hernandez

2y↑1

Best video ever. I even feel bad for not having to pay for it, man. 🤘🏽

Dan Heino

Ken my father was a Superintendent of schools,I went to college to teach..rode my ironhead to college the first day and rode it back 3 years later after saying I WOULD KILL THOSE LITTLE ###### ! You would have been a GREAT TEACHER. My hat is off to you , sir.

jeffrey hosto

3y↑3

Wow, mr. Frank! I just relived a big section of my life as owner of a "bastard" 1979 XLCH sporty. For every new part needed to custimize this "oddball" i had to hunt down correct info because this model/year sporty seemed to have parts not compatible with any other year sportster. The 1979 XLCH was the first year that had electronic ignition. I swapped-out the factory electronic ignition for a points conversion-kit because i was able to work on points! Finally got it running strong but couldn't find a custom frame for a '79 sportster. Nothing. Despite all the aggrivation connected with this model, i loved this bike and it created the "harley spirit" within this country boy! I've never rode anything but a well-massaged harley after that! your calm deliverence of this tutorial made it so enjoyable. Wish i could have kept my cool on that '79! But it was an oddball...or perhaps i was the oddball...thanks so much frank. Well-done!

Omnipotent one

2y↑2

Congratulations. I really like the instruction. Good job. I wish I can be as good as you. I like to clean the 2 contact point surfaces with alcohol to remove oily residue etc. It helps reduce pitting and corrosion.

Sean Connell

3y↑7

Some interesting tips I had never thought of. Thanks man.

Letzrockitrite

4y↑1

Super informative video.. thank you for your expertise guys

Joni Hags

This is perfect! I just bought a 78 Ironhead that needs some love. Thanks for the great video!

Abstract Approach

First mod, buy a carb that routes the breather tube away from your intake. Not the legalest thing; but the thought of my bike breathing warm oily used crankcase air rubs me the wrong way.

They claim its runs better and has better emissions. Idk about that, very happy with my 69; but the environment probably doesn't. Leaded gas, no pvc shit, just a pure airpump Fresh mix in, spent gas out.

Dustin Horning

3y↑2

This guy is great! Very good information.

David Robinson

2y↑1

Thanks bro , i really needed this information !!! Working on a 72 iron head sportster now !!!!!!

Kenneth Looper

4y↑1

I had to share this on an Ironhead Sportsters page on Facebook very informational for all types of ironheads love it

glen

never knew that about the adjustment on the primary chain and thanks for showing me how to change the oil in the tank and flush old oil out of the engine Thanks Mr. Kaisler

Abstract Approach

I went with kerosene, it's on the manual. I know diesels cheaper, maybe an initial diesel flush floowrd by kerosene would be more economical.

Rat

4y↑1

Nice vid... mostly basic repairs/maintenance a person learns over time when owning a bike. I've always been a bit confused on flashing the regulator though. If I disconnect the battery for any reason must I reflash the regulator? I've always just reconnected the terminal wires and ran the bike and things seem to charge/work just fine.

Chris Restifo

Only have to polarize if you have a generator. You don't need to polarize a regulator. Momentarily run a jumper wire from battery positive to generator ARMATURE terminal NOT FIELD TERMINAL! All you need to it touch it. Just one little zap, done. Don't hold the wire there.

wolfeyes

49w

Frank looked like a good knowledgeable guy!

aquaagu2

2y↑2

Rest In Peace Frank!

Dan Heino

1y↑1

Rebuilding/construcing a 73 XLCH for my daughter.It was my first HD ,have had 7,want it to be her first...she is 22. She,unlike me,will get it when she graduates from college.

Thomas Gray

Learning alot about my bike and the how too's.keep the vedios coming

Daron Steenbergen

4y↑2

This is the most beneficial channel I’ve been on! This guy is great!!!!

RoadKing

Bought a lot from you guys back 2012 on my Bobber build thanks for your time..

Steve Metcalfe

4y↑2

Been waiting for this for so long awesome keep up the great work

Mac

4y↑11

I love this channel I always learn something New !!

EDM Samurai

Such humbleness and wisdom

Michael Mitchell

4y↑1

The lifters mopen the pushrods.... Lol... ...great video, Franks a very intelligent dude, I'd be honored to have him service my bike

stratos fun

2y↑1

Checking for faults around the carb section of the video. Is there not a big risk of fire when spraying brake cleaner or other flammable onto or near hot engine parts.? Those iron engines get awfully hot very fast, especially around the manifold area.

LemonGrab

2y↑2

Best thing I've watched in a long time, thank you.

Chy Adams

Great video! Thanks for the helpful info.

Nickhollows

2y↑3

Thank you for the awesome videos! Simple question: I own a 1969 Ironhead xlch. Will this DIY tune up video work with my 69?

lowbrowcustoms

2y↑1

most stuff on iron heads is universal. most stuff in this video will help guide you on the basics, you should still get yourself a year specific work shop manual. thats the bible for your bike.

WhiteRose

4y↑2

First time finding this channel. This and tatro are the most informative on ze jyou tube. Thank you!

schmittyk2

2y↑1

Wonderful video!

Mickey Duke

4y↑4

Abstract Approach

Whatchya ridin

Soofloww Diesels

2y↑1

Awesome video 👌

Bruce white

45w

I don't understand why my 1974 ironhead is so freaking hard to kick. I seen others not nearly as hard to much compression. Any ideas

Dan Mills

2y↑2

Only two kinds of folks that will watch is overly-informative tutorial, folks that already know how to do this and just like watching a fellow master work, and other folks that have no business getting in this deep and wish they knew …like me lol

IZaac M

2y↑2

RIP Frank. Thanks for the tips

Brandon Jones

Frank died?

Arturo Olivas

1y↑1

Hola que tal LOWBROW CUSTOMS solo para mencionarles que hace unos meses Ordene una hartail para una 1975 Harley Sporter 1000cc en su tienda y no dió las medidas quedó muy corta al instalarla así que me quedaron mal con mi Orden pero gracias de cualquier forma Atte Arturo

Robert A.

4y↑1

Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

Earth, Wool, and Fire

Great video, BUT.....The phillips screw on the points armature is what is loosened to adjusts the points gap, not rotating the entire points plate, which adjusts timing.

Just Surf

I've been there. Great job showing it. I had a service manual. Still, it runs great. Darn the leaking 76 HD sportster.

Abstract Approach

76 huh, do you have a foo Foo valve right of your generator or is your crank pressure pushed into your intake. Not sure if it started in 76, 77, or 78

Michael Wills

4y↑2

Two days to worry it off lol. Great vid turning wrenches for many years myself great job .

Life with a view

4y↑1

Iv always had problems with getting good gas with these ironheads. Back in the days I only ran leaded Sunoco high test white gas. They run great then...any ideas abt that these days? Someone told me to have new valve guide for the unleaded gas these days. I sold mine and got a evo engine model when they came out in the eighties.

Abstract Approach

Your adding lead right?

Jessie F. Gains

Just purchased a 1977 sportster. I’m getting way more gas to the front cylinder to the point of fouling the plug and gas comes out that exhaust pipe. Also if I leave the petcock on fuel starts to overflow out. Any ideas of what my issue is??

David Mckinney

I learned everything. Thanks

Andrew Bentley

0:26:55 All stock bikes have oil filters except for early XLCH bikes.

I_make EmSquirt!

4y↑57

I woke up to this playing on my phone in the middle of the night, hoping I maybe learned something unconsciously

Mike Hawk

4y↑8

Wow same!!

Simon Bratescu

4y↑9

Yo wtf me too

Ryan L

4y↑7

same.

MAX Capacity

4y↑4

Wtf I did too

Nicole

4y↑4

I just did the same thing. Crazy

8 More Replies...

charlie dee

NIce video however should have used a stock or close to stock one, and have 2 there. One original mag and one original points. Could be confusing showing a later model ironhead engine with a tach drive mounted mag.

J

3y↑6

My father recently passed and left me with a 73 ironhead custom sportster that isn't quite finished being built and I don't know much about bikes. As I'm watching this I realizing this frank kaisler looks familiar... Don't you know my father has this exact video on DVD in the top shelf of his tool box! I'll be learning this engine!

Abstract Approach

Hold onto it forever, 73 is the second best line of ironheads imo and the best in many peoples eyes. Stronger case bc spedo moved but before epa pvc shit

Knockout Customs

4y↑1

The little metal diamond nail files work great for filing points

Veritas et Aequitas

If you're filing them, they're ruined because the plating is gone and just limping by

Judson L

Of course you put this on Youtube for free AFTER I buy the DVD! haha DANGIT! But it is nice to have it so readily accessible now.

Mikey Smith

wtis

David LeBlanc

My 85 has a mag pickup but has the flyweights. That thing scares me. Thinking of changing over to a full electronic

Jeff Nelson

4y↑1

Outstanding!

Chris Hoesing

45w

Ugh... I just overtightened my oil pressure sending unit and cracked the aluminum oil pump cover a little. Was on the phone not concentrating on what I was doing enough. What a nightmare. An easy fix turned into a big problem. Hopefully I can find a local welder competent and confident enough to help me fix it. I should have known better!

lowbrowcustoms

45w↑1

Dang. Yeah getting it welded up is gonna be your best bet. sorry that happened man!

JDuay

The video is too long but i like how he fix and provide information

TheGreatDers

Just bought an 82. It was running great until about a week ago. Didn't realize the primary had leaked completely dry (oops) and it startd making a rattling noise. Does it in neutral and gear, idle and load. Filled her back up and the noise is still there. Also, clutch doesn't want to disengage and starts moving even with lever in ( ive already adjusted the clutch, it didnt help). Hopefully somebody sees this and can help me out, cause I'm stumped

lowbrowcustoms

Shoot todd an email or call, he can possibly help you out and or point you in the right direction. todd@lowbrowcustoms.com or 1800-935-5050

TheGreatDers

@lowbrowcustoms Thank you!

Linda Cruz

4y↑1

man...no wonder my 75 Ironhead was noisy, I did it wrong..,.in 1994 😵

J Ramirez

Got a video on clutch adjustment for ironheads ?

david ervin

I've got about 5 ebay bendix carbs and 1 early keihn. Every one of them leaks past the float needle. One of them ran 1/2 tank of gas into the engine in less than an hour. New needles did NOT fix the problem in any of the carbs. The internet trick of tapping a ballbearing on the seat did not work. The internet trick of polishing the float seat made them worse. I made a drill guide on the lathe and drilled the seat out to one number bit bigger than stock and that fixed a couple of them (I only needed one).

I check every carb with a clear line to the carb, pulling the line off the tank when the carb is full, marking the line with the fuel level and then checking back a few times. As long as the float needle leaks by less than your idle uses you may never notice a problem. If you are having a problem with your idle you may have a bad float needle/seat.

I found a CV carb but the carb hits the fuel shut off on a stock Ironhead and I haven't had the time to make a low profile shutoff yet.

zukins

4y↑2

4:35 "if you can see light through it you're pretty good."
I can see the future lol

weston malone

K&N air "filter"

Craig Pennington

I finally got through this all the way but was disappointed that the bike wasn't running after the workshop time.- bummer.

volvoheadgasket

anyone got any idea why my oil return overwhelms the oil filter to the point where oil overflows from the filler cap .... take the filter out and its ok ?

WurstExpress616

4y↑1

Maaaan, thanks for the effort for these looong Videos!

Michael Mitchell

4y↑6

Old wooden closepins to hold up pushrod tubes....it works

Roberto Contreras

4y↑2

This is the greatest help

Knockout Customs

4y↑1

Everybody needs a Mr. Wes around the shop🤔

Oomtown On Parler

fixed a problem I had on the Ironhead. Bike started... first time in 2 years. ty. Going thru the bike tomorrow again then its time for new rubber

WhiteRose

I would love to see a video on Sportster brakes

lowbrowcustoms

4y↑1

WhiteRose here’s a vid on how to change rear brake pads on Sportster https://youtu.be/1T9UbjTJs-4

WhiteRose

@lowbrowcustoms I got a 77 xlh with rear drum brakes. Is there a how-to on those? If not how do I do a conversion?

Rubicon Outdoors

2y↑2

I went on the HD website today. They dont look like HD's anymore.

Paul Bahre AKA Crash

4y↑1

In my 73 XLCH and in my 2001 FLSTF I run ATF in the primaries. The Primary scavenging whole on the XLCH was brazed closed so I can run separate ATF in the primary and it won't make it's way into the engine.

david ervin

4y↑1

That one way valve is to keep the engine from wet sumping at high rpm's. It lets clean air into the crank cases so the down stroke can still push oil from the crank into the gear case. The hole/valve is 3 inches above the normal oil level in the primary and while splash oil from the chain MAY get past it the greater benefit in having the check valve is clean air into the crank.

Paul Bahre AKA Crash

@david ervin I still have the puke tube...

Abstract Approach

@david ervin you mean oily air out of the crankcase, right?! You want cc vacuum but cc pressure is bad

My reply to the O.P. is what I thought you were trying to convey. If you could read it and correct anything misinterpreted or misunderstood it would be appreciated.

(IF wet sumping occurs because of thus it must be because the oil bag has a vent line to the crankcase case, so if the bag was pressurized and cam case was not, the check valve would give. Still, the scavenging pump seems like it would prevent it. IDK. How did you come about this info, have you seen closed off primarys wet sump while running hard? I've only seen wet sumping whith engine off (hoping the kerosene flush helps, but I got a ball valve as back up)

Abstract Approach

Also NEVER SELL, YOU HAVE A PRE EPA BIKE. without cats and vent lines to intake (gross).

It sucks its stuck in an xlh case, but on the bright side I hear your case is stronger than mine due to spedo placement. (Also, no insult meant, maybe you dig the useless rectangle on your primary, personally I love the lines before the case mod)

EDIT unless it's to me, then yeah 73 was like the worst year ever. You should probably pay me to take it actually, but I'd be willing to throw a couple bucks your way 😉)

8 More Replies...

Anthony Adams

great video!

chopfather 2

4y↑1

Do u recommend adjusting the valves with a cold engine? as seen in the video

Veritas et Aequitas

4y↑1

Always adjust dead cold, after sitting overnight.

E L

2y↑1

And set it at top dead centre on the compression stroke! You can do BOTH valves at once and they will be right!
Without any mucking about.

Tin Bender Bear

Rip brother keep the greasy side down up there

JDave Foster

Great info

Keepitmooving

4y↑1

I thought your supposed to put 20w 50 for engine oil now? especially with better products we have in the market now, and what type of transmission oil besides atf man? since I live in the west coast where is mostly hot.

charlie dee

4y↑2

Ironhead? While running 20w 50 in a pre Evo is thought to be acceptable today with good oil it's best to run straight weights in them, especially an ironhead which runs real hot. Harley has their own crazy names, but Special Light is Grade 58 which is SAE 40 used below 40F, Medium Heavy is Grade 75 which is SAE 50 for above 40F and Regular Heavy is Grade 105 which is SAE 60 for above 90F or severe service. I run Valvoline VR1 SAE 50 in the summer in Michigan with a large Earls oil cooler also.

Keepitmooving

4y↑1

So would it damage the engine if I did put the 20w 50? I live in the bay area, California

charlie dee

4y↑1

@Keepitmooving No. Today's multi weight oils are worlds better than what was available in the ironheads day. 20w 50 acts the same as straight 50 when hot, the 20w refers to how the oil acts when cold, in this case 20 weight. I only run straight 50 because I only ride it when it's warm and ride it pretty hard. If I were riding it in cooler weather I would run multi grade in it.

Keepitmooving

4y↑2

@charlie dee thanks brother

Keepitmooving

4y↑1

@charlie dee what about the clutch side case what kinda fluid? Am getting a lot of different answers from everyone I know 🤦‍♂️

4 More Replies...

Mohawk Mike Motorcycles

4y↑1

Very real channel. Thanks

Joseph Smith

Damn Frank, when you static timed that cone motor you know you have to hold the cam lobe fly weights open to full advance when pulling the celefane. GET IT TOGETHER MAN, WTF!