Mc lacks power in 3rd and 4th

[mrgreenjeans]

My mc Starts up fine every time. It wants to stall out in 3rd or 4th until it is really warmed up. Even after warming it seems to be weak in these gears. It this normal? I was wondering if my timing my be off? Also my clutches require a strong pull. Can these be adjusted to be a little easier on the arms? Thanks

[Lavoy]

Check timing, governor operation, and mixture.
Levers should not pull that hard, something is up.
Lavoy

[snoopy]

Bought my MC in 1979 and I don't believe that I have ever had her in third or fourth gear! Maybe I should give it a try!

[rvbarkley]

I tried 4th once...........for about 10 feet .....lost my hat and some fillings..

[catmatt]

I was plowing with my MC today in Third gear!

[FarmLife]

we just got ours running pretty good and it just wants to stall trying to start in 4th, third gear it seems runs pretty strong. This is my first time playing one of the old vertical two-cylinders. I think the oil pump is a tooth off but not really sure. More or less I am really happy it is running this well!

[Bret4207]

I had mine up in 4th in powder snow once. Had it in 3rd in a few times on soft ground. Then I "fixed" the carb. All I can do to keep moving in 1st!!!! Shoulda left it alone.

[H-D]

The 440IC I'm helping a friend with had the advance mechanism stuck. The advance springs broke on disassembly to clean & polish, but the resident Harley guru pronounced them quite similar to Shovelhead equivalents post '70. We haven't got back around to trying yet...riding season is on us again. Oh yeah, this wasn't a Delco distributor & we don't know the difference between the Prestolite or the remaining option. The main point I meant to make is that you might want to check the advance function when you are setting the initial timing. These old machines will perform acceptably with the mechanical advantage of the lower gears, but really need the mixture & timing advace to be right to play in the higher gears.