Hitchcocks Forum

Can anyone tell me how long I should be able to stand on the starter lever before it drops? The engine is warm and has done about 30000kM. I weight about 10St or 65kG.

Thanks.

A compression tester costs less than £10.

Compression pressure is simply atmospheric pressure (14.7 PSI times the compression ratio.
For example:- 14.7 x 6.5 = 95.5 psi. (Although I doubt it would measure that in practice even on a new engine.)

A big difference between a cold engine pressure test and a warm engine pressure test could indicate problems.

Don't know about the 350, but my Indian iron 500 wouldn't hold my weight for more than a couple of seconds. I can stand on the Bighead 500 it it doesn't budge, I also weigh about 10st. Not much help but something to compare.

The problem with using a can I stand on the kick start test is the number of places friction comes into it between the kickstart lever and the piston... I can stand on the kickstart o my 500 Electra X(ish)and precisely nothing happens and I weigh 15 stone.

On a standard 350? Hardly any time at all.

Agree with PeteF – virtually no time at all. Unless the engine is seized – but that’s another matter!

Thanks for all the comments. It is taking about 3 to 4 seconds which I think is a bit short. I will ask for a compression tester for Christmas and see how it measures!

That's fine on a standard 350. Don't worry.