Hydra-Glide.net:: The Harley-Davidson Panhead and Flathead site
General
Brakes
Carburetor and Fuel System
Chassis, Frame, Forks and Tires
Motor and Exhaust System
Electrical System and Ignition
Transmission and Clutch
Accessories
Documentation
      Service Manual 1959 - 1969
      Spare parts - 1941 to 1954
      Panhead Service Manual 1948 - 1957

Knowledge Base

Search the Knowledge Base

Total number of articles: 1392

Forum
Back to Forum
Electrical system and Ignition
Hydra-Glide.net:: The Harley-Davidson Panhead and Flathead site

12 V itty bitty battery I have been pondering going back to 6V or changing the generator to higher output
12V battery Does anyone know where i can get a tall 12 volt battery
12v conversion- alternator or generator I was just wondering if anyone has had any experience with the alternator conversion kit.
12v dual points Can I use my stock 12v points coil, for the 2 sets of points or do I try to hook up two single lead12v coils?3
12volt=hotter spark? Would a 12 volt generator give a hotter spark if you retain the original coil...or would it just fry it!
1950 EL wiring I am in need of basic wiring diagram for a 1950 EL (now FL)
1957 Panhead timing question When the mark is lined up on the flywheel, should the spark be fully advanced or retarded?
1959 charging system Is it necessary to polarize the generator when a solid state voltage regulator is installed
1964 spotlight switch What was the original color of the indicator lens suppose to be for 1964
20 years old plugs gone bad Plugs turned black
3 brush to 2 brush generator conversion Anybody done a conversion on generator to switch from 3 brush to a 2 brush to boost output
32E 6v 2 brush conversion Is there one available that will fit where the original one does? Maybe one that looks factory?
32E generator Will it hurt to run it without the third brush until the new one arrives
6 volt and 12 volt combination I want to run a 12 volt security system on a 6 volt bike
6 volt battery I would like to replace my 6 volt battery with a dry cell
6 volt replacement battery I was wondering if anyone has tried a sealed battery as a replacement
6 volt sealed battery Does anyone know if I could get a sealed 6 volt battery that will fit inside the oil tank
6 volt to 12 volt conversion Are there any benefits to upgrading my 1963 Pan?
6 vs. 12 volt I am wondering if it is worth messing with
6V - 12V After about 4hrs of riding battery goes dead
6V charging question Over the last few months my GEN dash light has been flickering on
6V coil rating hat is the correct ohm rating for a 6v points ignition coil
6v to 12v Just went from 6 to 12 with a rebuilt 65a gen. low voltage solid state reg
Accel super coil with quick start 2000 ignition Thinking of using accel super coil ,i have a quick start 2000 ignition that calls for a 3ohm coil
Advice needed for electrical problems! After giving her a good bath I went to start her and she was not happy.
Alt. Generator replacement Anyone seen or have experience with the alternator that runs in place of the generator or does someone have recommendations on a fairly bulletproof ge
Another question re 6V to 12V Are the bolt patterns for the mounts the same
Auto advance timing Can I use a timing light and at what RPM should it be when setting the timing?
Battery - 6 volt dry type recommendation Are there 6 volt dry type batteries that will fit inside a 64 FL oil tank
Battery elimination Does anybody here know someone that has actually done that?
Battery too big for 1954 generator I have been told that the old generator is not cranking out enough to deal with charging up that big battery AND run the headlight,
Best Electronic ignition coversion Anyone tried the Quickstart 2000?
Brake Lamp My brake lamp on my 59 pan will not light
Charging problem I have a 12V generator on my Pan. It suddenly stopped charging.
Charging system analysis Is there an easy simple way to test the voltage regulator
Charging Woes I seem to have a continuing problem in the charging system on my 51 FL with 32E generator 6 volt system
Cheap voltage regulator I finally licked the overpriced-aftermarket-voltage regulator blues.
Circuit breaker question Has anyone ever found the need to retard the breaker to the full retard position for any reason
Circuit Breaker Slop Some side-to-side play may be a seating problem associated with a weak spring.
Coil (3 or 5 ohms?) I am running a mallory unilite. 3 better with this dist. or 5 ohm?
Coil hookup question Which terminal is positive, top or bottom and which plug wire goes to which cylinder
Coil problem I believe that the coil is not producing. Is there a way to test it?
Coil question When the two terminals on a coil are marked + and - does the hot wire from the battery go to the + and the wire from the circuit breaker (points) to t
Coil surgery needed The wire broke off flush with the top of the hole ...ugh. Is surgery possible
Converting the Harley Davidson Model 32E generator Converting the Harley Davidson Model 32E generator 6-Volt 3-brush to a 2-brush, 12-Volt
Cycle Electric Can anyone direct me to their website or some location where I can get a diagram?
Cycle electric generator wiring As I revved the engine the light got brighter, and I think burned out. What am I doing wrong
Cycle Electric Low output Generator Will the new style Cycle Electric low-ouput generator adequately charge a 7 Amp, 12 Volt battery.
Dash wiring Ran into something I am not sure about
Delco Remy #16 Horn Adjustments Does anyone know a fool-proof way to adjust a springer horn after completely tearing it apart?
Delco-remy starter parts I like to find a source of parts
Diaphragm horn overhaul procedure Diaphragm horn overhaul procedure
Dim headlight When my 56 is at idle the headlight is not very bright.
Distributor hold-downs Can I get the 1966 - 1969 distributor and the hold-down that goes with it, and just bolt it in?
Distributor lobes Problem is my lobe timing mark is nowhere near where the cam follower is sitting on the lobe.
Distributor setup Maybe a stupid question but where do i point it ???
Distributor: simple question How do I get my dist back in the right spot now?
Distributor: trouble removing I am only able to get the distributor approx 1 inch up before it get stuck
Dual points distributor Did these give a single fire ignition
Dual points VS single point I have a dual points set up and was told a single point setup will make the motor run more efficient.
Dual vs. single point pan distributor Can you hook the leads together and run with a standard single points coil?
Dual-point distributor 6v or 12v? Was the dual-point distributor a 6v, or 12v application?
Dyna ignition booster I was thinking of one to add to my points
Dyna ignition in a Pan distributor Will a Dyna ignition fit in a Pan distributor
Early model coil Is there anyone out there that sells "Early Model" coils in 12 volt configuration
Ebeyond2000 ignition I would like to know what the pick up is
Electric Frank generator test procedure Can any of you guys give me the proper procedure for testing two brush six volt generator output
Electric start I’d like to know if any of us have got one/seen one/ thought about it and followed it up/or know anybody who has put one onto a 4 speed Pan?
Electrical gremlin Seems to drain the power down when you turn on the ignition
Electrical issues Other than tearing apart and tracing wires, what can or should I do?
Electrical nightmare Any insight
Electrical problems The lights all worked until last year when the headlight bulb burnt out.
Electrical problems, still I still get a heavy battery drain when I turn on the ignition switch
Electrical Question I thought according to the wiring diagram there is supposed to be two terminals.
Electrical terminal strip Does anybody have a photo or drawing of the installation
Electrical troubleshooting request A shorting wire within the dash or within the headlight circuit
Electronic ignition I have 1955 FL and want to change the points to electronic.
Erratic Idle Would start right up..but would rough idle at a stop light
Even more electrical problems! My repop pan will not put out enough juice to keep the battery charged!
Flashing the Field w/magneto-no battery? Flashing the Field w/magneto-no battery?
Fouling plugs I cannot seem to get anymore than about 50 miles out of it before the plugs foul
Generator & foot clutch Has anyone installed one with a stock foot clutch rocker?
Generator (2) At night the voltage goes down.
Generator - regulator What I should check other than potential wire connection issues
Generator and regulator troubleshooting If you need to test your generator
Generator confusion: here we go again This is a continuation of never ending generator confusion
Generator Model 58 I need some help with the electrical system on my 60 FL.
Generator overcharging On a highway run it will fry the battery real quick
Generator paper shims Does anyone know a source for the paper shims used on the older setups, for setting the generator to idler gear clearance?
Generator polarity I need to check/reverse the polarity of my generator.
Generator problems Can anyone offer electrical advice
Generator question Why cant a generator equipped bike use its generator as an electric starter?
Generator question: burning up gens Burning up gens
Generator question: from regulator to battery 7.4 volts From regulator to battery 7.4 volts and good amps
Generator question: generator light very dimly The gen light stays on, although very dimly, until I reached highway speed
Generator test/horn short What is the easiest (read:simple) way to test
Generator whine My 32E is whining like a spoiled brat
Generator will not polarize...WHY Tried to polarize, after replacing battery, and no spark
Generator wire shorted The generator wire was melted to the rear cylinder fin
Generator wiring Which post does the short jumper wire connect to and which field coil
Generator/regulator I was having problems with the charging system
Generator/regulator wiring Can someone help me with the wiring of a two brush generator to a bosch regualtor
Generator: from stock 6 volt to a 12 volt I am looking at going from the stock 6 volt to a 12 volt system on my 51 FL
Generator: where to get new or rebuilt I am torn between going 12volt or replacing the 6 volt
Going electronic Any thoughts about going electronic
Handle bar wiring Can anybody tell me how I can fit the wiring for the dip switch through the handle bar
Has anyone seen a distributor like this one There are no marks to line up not on the base plate or the top of the cam
Headlamp modulator scheme Have you got a stashed away anywhere?
Headlight How many of you are riding with a 5 3/4" sealed beam headlight?
Here is a strange one With every cylinder fire a good strong beep from the horn!
Hitachi generators Anybody ever run a late Sporty Hitachi generator on their Pan?
Horseshoe oil tank & battery box Anyone have a 12 volt sealed battery cat number that fits this box
How many degrees of dwell Need to know how many degrees of dwell a single points manual advance breaker has
How to polarize generator Can someone tell me how and if i need to polarize a generator
I cannot seem to get it to fire up My gut says I do not have something correct with the timing.
Ignition Is there an automotive application for the points used in a Pan
Ignition switch Is there a way to modify the switch to make more than one terminal "hot" in both positions?
Ignition switch on/off and? Is there something I can do to the switch to remedy it?
Ignition switch started messing up The ignition switch started messing up
Ignition timing? I am here at work and I think descovered two problems
Ignition/ exhaust question Can someone tell me the correct point gap?
Joe Hunt magneto Could anyone tell me if a Joe Hunt mag for a 74" would be compatible for a 1948 61"
Key switch problem Almost every time when i turn my key on to kick, the engine pops
Later model 12V generator on a 61 FLH? Does anyone know if a later model 12 V generator (like from a 65 or 66 big twin) will bolt right up to a 61 FLH?
LED taillight/signal bulbs Has anybody ever yet tried LED bulbs for the taillight, or turn signals?
Low charge to the battery from the 6-volt system Only prob I am having is a low charge to the battery from the 6-volt system.
Magneto Just thought I could post this link
Magneto for 57 FLH Does anyone have an opinion, good or bad, about putting a magneto into a 57 FLH?
Magneto install? Has anybody installed one?
Magnets in L.A. I ordered some curved neodymium magnets to see if I could put them in my generator
Mallory , Unilite Distributor I just put in my Mallory electronic ignition distributor the other day and I can not believe the diff. in starting and running at any speed
Mallory distributor roll pin Anyone know where I could find an OEM Dist. drive gear pin
Mallory Distributors Any thoughts about going electronic.
Mallory unilite I have purchased a mallory unilite distributor and am still having some minor problems.
Mallory Unilite "distributor" Just finished installing a Mallory electronic ignition setup in my 63 and have a couple of questions
Mini alternator Has anyone tried or had any experience with the mini alternator that V-twin puts out?
MSD for Panhead MSD makes an ignition unit for pans
Needle in a haystack For three years (59-61) H-D put a green neutral light lens in the dash.
New ballast resistor trick I found a way to use a 1.2 ohm coil... with points
New Quick Start 2000 ignition I have a new Quick Start 2000 ignition I am going to install next weekend. Any pointers?
Not Charging? I guess it is not charging or the regulater (solid state) is not working.
Oil in generator I am getting mucho oil into the generator.
Oiling up one plug The bike starts ok but constantly misfires
Original Coil Is it possible to fix/restore an original coil?
Overcharging 32E generator My 6 volt 32E has been putting out 9 to 12 volts.
Pan auto advance points? Can anyone explain to this dumb Scot how auto advance works?
Pan spark issue When I kick it, all looks right, but no fire.
Panhead 6 Volt & 12 Volt Electrical Systems Is the Panhead original 6 Volt Electrical System regarded as sufficent to the Panhead enthusiast
Panhead distributor I am searching for a distributor body for the electronics and wondering which one is correct for my engine.
Partial LED running light burnout My last two LED running lights have had almost half of the twelve tiny
Passing light indicator lamp I have not been able to find the correct part number & identify the correct color lens that would fit into this hole on the right side of my headlight
Plug reading They are partially covered with black, shiny, baked on carbon
Points cam lobes Why is one lobe on the points cam in the circuit breaker larger than the other
Points gap Was it .018 or .022 for a 12 volt breaker?
Points ignition? Hey guys, I am looking for some advice on what type of ignition to change to?
Polarize regulator or generator? What do I need to polarize the gen or the reg
Polarizing Can you go from the battery to the generator
Polarizing generator If you are wondering if you have to polarize the generator with a electronic voltage regulator
Question about 6 volt generators Do six volt generators work the same way as 12 volt generators?
Quick question re sparkplugs What are your recommendations re sparkplugs?
Regulator problems Every week the acid level is down close to the plates and I have to add around 3oz of distilled water
Reliable 6 volt battery Has anyone found a 6 volt battery
Replace points with electronic ignition Any advice on brands
Retard ignition I need to know if anyone has pics of how they retard there bikes
Routing for positive cable on 1965 FL What is the correct routing for positive cable my 1965
Science of the spark How big of a spark does it take to fire the pan
Sealed Battery I ordered one of the sealed 18amp/hr units that are found on EBay
Setting points and timing Is there a step by step description of how to do this anywhere
Setting timing on 1952 pan What is the trick here.
Single fire ignition Does anybody make a single fire electronic ignition conversion for an automatic advance Panhead distributor?
Spark advance Should the timing be retarded and then start to advance as you rev it up - or should it be advanced at idle
Spark mod Came across a new product called Direct Hits.
Spark plug reach How far should the plug reach into the cylinder
Spark plug wire core burnout Any suggestions on what might be causing it to burn out the core wire on the end of the spark plug wires while attached to the coil
Spark plugs for Panheads Overview of spark plugs
Spark plugs for STD heads I would appreciate any info on a “hotter” version of the 5R6A or RN12YC
Spark plugs for STD heads? What long reach plug are you using for STD heads?
Spark plugs fouling Can increasing the gap hurt anything
Sparking Panheads What year did Harley switch over from 6v to 12v electrics?
Swap 1955 circuit breaker for 1965 circuit breaker Can I take a 1965 pan distributor and put it into my 1955 pan
Switch: electrical problems Some wires just taped of and nothing realy following the manual
System not charging The bike discharges as it runs till the battery drains and engine stops
Timer control wire routing? What is proper routing?
Timing 1951 FL I just finished timing my 51FL with the single breaker point set-up
Timing a 1953 Pan I am wondering if I am even doing it right
Timing dual point How would you go about timing a dual point breaker on a pan Flywheel that only has the one timing mark?
Timing for another beer? My bike runs great out of the hole and has good passing power but it pings like crazy if lugged at all
Timing question The Service Manual says to watch the front push rod the see when the front intake valve closes. Is the push rod going down when this happens?
Timing: the easiest way What is the easiest way to get the timing close to right with and engine not running
Timing? A Pan? Pan head was running poorly, loss of power and hard starting.
Tool battery Has anyone tried a tool battery
Trouble with battery eliminator Does a bike HAVE to have a magneto to use this thing or will it work with a plain old genny and regulator?
Volt Tech generator Just ordered a new 12v generator with end mounted regulator
Volt Tech replica generators Has anyone had any experience with these ?
Voltage regulator I need a new 6V voltage regulator...any suggestions on kind and where to get
VW generator So please, someone point me in the right direction.
Which plug wire for inductive timing I need to know which plug wire, to clamp the inductive timing lights wire on to
Whine from generator I have got a rather loud whine coming from the generator
Wire ga. size? I do not know what gage wire to use for the ignition system, charging system or lights
Wiring a 1946 WL The scant directions that came with the regulator are in German
Wiring harness questions The wiring harness desperately needs replacing, and I am wondering which type to select
Yet another timing question Question - has anyone seen a flywheel with the parallel marks?
  ^^top^^

Copyright© 2008 Panhead/PTH